My November newsletter just went out, with an extra special newsletter contest for my subscribers! (Hint: it’s similar but different from my special Christmas newsletter giveaway last year.)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/message/55

If you don’t belong to my newsletter yet, signing up is free and easy. Just click here to join:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join

To find out about the differences between my blog giveaways, my newsletter giveaways, and my website contest, click here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2008/08/difference-between-my-blog-newsletter.htm...
 

I just sent out my August newsletter, which is chock full of new news AND info about my huge website contest!
http://www.camytang.com/contest.html

You must be a member of my YahooGroup to get my newsletter in your email Inbox, or to read the newsletter online at my YahooGroup, Camys_Loft:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join

You also must be a member of my YahooGroup in order to enter my huge website contest.

In addition, I have a newsletter giveaway in my August newsletter. I’m giving away two full sets of my Sushi series! You’ll need to read my August newsletter to find out how to enter.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/message/50
 

My June newsletter went out today, and there's a brand new Sushi short story available to download, exclusively for my newsletter subscribers!

The short story is called "The Sushi Toss," and it takes place right after Sushi for One? ends. But no worries, there aren't any real spoilers in the story if you haven't yet read the book.

To read the story (it's a .pdf file download), subscribe to my newsletter here: {url:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join}. The story is available to download here in the files section of my YahooGroup: {url:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/files/}.

To sweeten the deal, I'm also giving away a copy of Sushi for One? exclusively for my newsletter YahooGroup subscribers. Read the June newsletter for info on how to enter: {url:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/message/48}
 

You can find the list of winners here: http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2008/04/congratulations-to-winners-of-my.html

And if you didn't win, don't despair! I give away Christian fiction twice a week on my blog, Camy's Loft: http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/

I also give away Christian fiction every month on my newsletter YahooGroup! It's fast, free, and easy to join:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join
 

I finally got my act together and launched my new website contest! I'm giving away FIVE BOXES OF BOOKS this time, plus 20 runner ups will win a copy of my newest release, Only Uni!
http://www.camytang.com/contest.html

You have to be a member of my newsletter YahooGroup to enter, so join today:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join

If you're already a member, you can go to this YahooGroup message (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/message/43) to click on the link to the contest form page. I'm also holding another newsletter contest for my extra copy of A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman!
 

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas...

Last year, I came across an article on gifts for writers, and I expanded on it with an article of my own. If you have ideas, leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list!

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but it might help jump-start some other creative ideas. Some of these taken from All I Want for Christmas by Diana Rowe Martinez (http://www.hodrw.com/xmaslist.htm). I also have several Levenger.com products because I like them and think they’re wonderful gifts for readers/writers.

• Gift certificate to any of the major bookstores--Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, Borders, Christianbook.com, or my favorite, Amazon.com (cheaper books, free shipping on orders over $25, and no sales tax)

• Gift certificate to Office Depot or any office supply store

• Dictionary and/or Thesaurus--one of the biggest and most comprehensive. My favorite thesaurus is the Visual Thesaurus (http://www.visualthesaurus.com/), which you can purchase as a CD and/or subscribe to the online version, which is constantly updated.

• Gift certificate for Levenger.com--unique, practical and/or luxurious gifts for readers and writers

• Case of printer paper--white, 20lb.

• Printer cartridge

• E-book reader

• Office furniture: file cabinet, desk organizer, desk lamp, ergonomic keyboard/mouse, filing shelf, footrest

• A day with a professional organizer

• Maid service for a month/few months/year

• Laptop case, laptop backpack, or a laptop carrier with wheels and pull handle (however, one caution about this—some women are picky about their laptop bags. It’s kind of like choosing a purse for a woman—most have very specific ideas about what they want and would rather choose the style themselves.)

• Arrange an author's website--domain registration, hosting, professional designer

• A set of business cards, or arrange to have the writer work with a graphic designer to design her own business cards
I can’t stress enough the importance of a professional looking business card. I worked with two graphic designers—one to create my logo, and one to design the look of my card. Then I had the card printed using an online company rather than printing it myself because the cardstock and colors look more professional.

• CDs or MP3s of recorded writing workshops from a writer’s conference

• Membership to a writing organization like RWA or ACFW

• Registration fee and/or hotel and travel costs to a writer’s conference

• New laptop or computer, printer, scanner/fax/copy machine, flatscreen monitor

• Ergonomic chair and/or footrest, ergonomic or wireless keyboard, ergonomic or wireless mouse/trackball
I’m one of the lucky ones in that I haven’t had too many repetitive motion injuries from my writing, but I’m also not taking any chances.

I made sure I got a very good chair and also a footrest that supports my lower back (which has problems from an old work-related injury). I have an ergonomic keyboard. I tried out many different styles of mice and trackballs at various office supply and computer stores until I found the one that best fits my hand and wrist, and I don’t skimp on paying good money for it.

Wireless is also convenient because I can shift my keyboard and/or trackball around on my desk, which isn’t very big, to enable me to do other types of work. However, not everyone will need/want this feature.

If buying this for a loved one, it’s a good idea to not surprise them with this gift, but to go with him/her to pick out a chair, keyboard, or mouse/trackball so you can be sure to get them one that really fits their body.

• PDA
I use mine a lot to schedule my writing. I like using the Calendar feature to figure out what blog posts I’m supposed to be posting, how many words I need to do on each day, when my deadlines are. Not everyone is digitally-minded, however—I have many friends who like to use a regular calendar instead.

• MP3 player/iPod and/or accessories—car power adapter, adapter to play the iPod via the car radio or adapter to plug the iPod directly into the speaker system, armband holder, exercise earplugs or other specialized/high-end earplugs/earphones
I use my iPod a lot. I often listen to music while writing. I also buy the MP3 recordings of writing workshops from RWA and ACFW conferences and then listen to the workshops when I’m walking the dog, exercising on a machine, or driving in my car—I have a car adapter that hooks into my iPod so that it can be heard through my car’s FM radio.

• Levenger.com Reader’s Table
I want this table because it can be used while lying in bed, adjusting the table over your lap but not on it.

• Levenger.com Scooter table with Laptop Landing Station
This is something I’d like to have to set my laptop on, or to use as a table for notes while I’m writing with my laptop. It’s fully adjustable.

• Arrange a writer's retreat for a weekend or a week—at a hotel nearby, an actual official retreat center, a nice bed and breakfast, a rental cottage.
A friend of mine and I did this for just a day—checked in to a local hotel on Friday, checked out on Saturday—and we got a lot done. Just the act of being away from home, without distractions, was very freeing for our creativity, efficiency, and productivity. Some writers retreat places purposely don’t have phones, TVs, or internet connections so that writers can be completely undistracted, without even the temptation of outside things. There are some cottages in the nearby mountains available for rent which also don’t have the amenities, although they’re not labeled specifically as writers retreat cottages. Other writers retreat facilities offer workshops or coaching.

• Randy Ingermanson’s Fiction 101 and/or Fiction 201 CD sets (http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/)
I took Fiction 101 at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference and it was fabulous. It really helped me understand the basics of story structure and what makes for a strong, tight storyline and character arc. For beginning writers, this is a very good resource, especially if you are an auditory learner—you learn by hearing a lecture rather than reading a book.

• Highlighters

• Pop-up Post-it dispenser, Post-its, flags
I use Post-Its on the wall for plotting my book out, but I also use flags and Post-Its when I’m doing research, or to make quick notes to myself. I keep these all over the house. It is absolutely horrible for me when I have an idea but nothing to write it down on, and then it’s gone and I can’t remember what it is.

• Binder clips, super-size paper clips
These are useful for entering contests, when they usually require each copy of the entry be bound with a large binder clip or a butterfly paper clip.

• Small notebooks to keep everywhere and write when inspiration strikes (There are neat little notebooks offered by Levenger.com that are styled like a matchbook with a pencil included, about 3.25” x 4.75”, called Matchbook Notebooks.)

• A set of thank you cards for contest judges, editors, or agents
One thing I think writers don’t do enough is SEND THANK YOU CARDS. To editors and agents even when they reject you, because you’re developing a relationship with them and you don’t want to come across as a disgruntled Prima Dona writer.

Also, send thank you notes to contest judges—a very under-recognized breed—who give their time to judge your entry. I don’t care if they gave you the lowest score, they still took the time to read it and give feedback. You don’t have to agree with the feedback, but at least be courteous, even (and especially) if the judge wasn’t as courteous to you.

• Gelpens

• A creativity journal

• A special pen: Montblanc, Waterman, or a more inexpensive rollerball or fountain pen (Levenger.com has a few cheaper ones)
There’s a possibility that your writer might be picky about her pens. Some like them lighter, some like them heavier. Some like a thick barrel, others like a thin barrel. Some like them short, other like them long. A good pen can be nice to autograph books with, but there’s also the possibility that a writer will want a more flamboyant pen for signings.

• A nice business card case or a case for bookmarks
I give out tons of business cards and bookmarks at conferences. I typically give out both—bookmarks to other writers, business cards to editors and agents.

• Blank disks/CDs for backing up files or giving away (I’m thinking of handing out CDs with free stuff when I go to a booksigning—free short stories, novel excerpts, etc. For a while, I was also using CDs to back up my files.)

• A USB flashdrive for backup and storage (I love these things, they’re so small, light, and inexpensive.)

• An external hard drive backup, or a subscription to an online backup service.
I can’t stress enough what other authors have told me—back up everything OFTEN. I use an external hard drive to back up my files, but there are also online subscription services like Mozy.com (limited space but free, or pay a small fee for unlimited space) and .mac (http://www.apple.com/dotmac/) which automatically will back up all the files on the computer at a certain time each day.

• Aromatherapy—candles, a cold diffuser, an electric low heat diffuser, a candle diffuser, or a warm oil diffuser, plus a variety of essential oils.

• A bath set or one of any of these things—soaps, bath salts, bath fizzies, bath oils, towels, exfoliator, an over the tub rack to hold books or snacks, bathrobe (for pampering and brainstorming)

• Little clip-on nightlight for late-night reading or scribbling. (There’s also a neat alternative in the Levenger.com LightWedge, which has a magnifier attachment. It also comes in LightWedge Magnifier paperback size.)

• Bookweight for holding books open flat

• Clipboard—fancy or engraved/personalized

• Large water bottle so she gets her full water quota while writing

• Healthy snacks: almonds or other nuts, fruit (fresh or dried), popcorn, pretzels, beef jerky, trail mix, etc.

• Not-so-healthy snacks—M&Ms, bite-sized candy bars, Dove chocolate, Dove ice cream bars, etc. Her favorite chocolate or candy, pick your poison. ;)

• Home-made or store-bought writer’s fodder—fudge, truffles, cookies, brownies, biscotti, muffins, cake, Chex-Mix, caramel popcorn, chocolate dipped pretzels, candy/caramel apples, candied walnuts/almonds, cheese and crackers, sweet breads, cinnamon rolls/buns, individual frozen pizzas, apple cider or mix, hot chocolate mixes, wine/alcohol.

• coffees or teas, a tea cup and saucer or just the cup, a large mug, an insulated mug

• Coffeemaker for one

• coffeemaker that brews into her favorite insulated mug

• Tea kettle (there are some nice ones with special handles or in bright colors and designs)

• Electric hot water pot (my favorite is the Zojirushi 3 liter electronic hot water dispenser (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009K3TE))

• Tea pot or tea cup or both (especially if she loves tea cups and pots, several nice bone china pieces can be found inexpensively at flea markets or online)

• Mug warmer

• Gift card to Starbucks, Jamba Juice, or her favorite beverage place.

• Anti-virus and/or anti-spam software (recommended in Consumer’s Reports: BitDefender Standard, Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Antivirus, Kapersky Labs Anti-Virus Personal, Norton Antivirus)

• A computer backup drive or subscription to an online backup service

• A GPS system so she can find her way home after brainstorming in the car again and getting lost (don’t laugh, this totally happens)

· Fingerless gloves for when her hands get cold while typing at the computer

· Socks, shawl, blanket, and/or sweater for when she gets cold—you guessed it, while typing at the computer

· A space heater to warm her office during cold days

Gift coupons are great gifts for the busy writer! Anything you can do to give the writer time to write is always welcome. Some ideas:

• A load of laundry

• An hour of babysitting

• Walking the dog

• An hour of errands/shopping

• A sink of dishes

• One cooked meal

• Vacuuming for the week

• Cleaning the bathroom, or kitchen counter

• Mopping and/or sweeping the floors for the week

• Clearing the living/family room

• A wildcard, any chore of the writer’s choosing

I hope this series of posts was useful! Make sure to leave this list around the house in case your significant others still haven’t a clue what to get you. ;)

 

1. What is your occupation? Full-time writer with major procrastination disease
2. What color are your socks right now? none
3. What are you listening to right now? nothing, although I was listening to the Creative Mind System that's supposed to have theta waves to make you think creatively.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? tuna fish sandwich
5. Can you drive a stick shift? yes, love it
6. If you were a color what would you be? pink
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Robin
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? love her
9. How old are you today? 34
10. Favorite drink? English Breakfast tea with cream and sugar
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? volleyball or baseball
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? pink (as in berry pink) highlights (college years)
13. Pets? Snickers
14. Favorite food? aged steak
15. What was the last movie you watched? X-Men 3
16. Favorite day of the year? birthday
17. What do you do to vent anger? Call Robin, Heather, or Cheryl
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? books
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? fall
20. Hugs or kisses? hugs
21. Cherries or Blueberries? fresh bing cherries
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? they don't have to
23. Who is most likely to respond? Dunno
24. Who is least likely to respond? Dunno
25. Living arrangements? hubby and dog in a small house
26. When was the last time you cried? probably yesterday at some sappy commercial or TV show.
27. What is on the floor of your closet? my laundry basket
28. What did you do last night? read a bad book
30. What inspires you? music and the Bible
31. What are you afraid of? confrontation
32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese
33. Favorite dog breed? mutt
34. Number of keys on your key ring? 7
35. How many years at your current job? Biologist: 10 Full-time writer: 1
37. Favorite day of the week? Monday--a whole week of good intentions ahead of me.
38. How many states have you lived in? 2
39. Favorite holidays? none. Maybe Easter
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? no
41. Countries you have traveled to? Japan, China

TMI:

Bible in 90 Days: Day 8. I was struck by a very short phrase in Numbers chapter 5:

If any of the people—men or women—betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty.

This shouldn’t be new to me, right? But I couldn’t help but realize that whenever I—or anyone else—wrongs someone, that’s betraying God. That’s actually kind of frightening if you think about it.

Writing: Had my "Sabbath" yesterday. After reading the Old Testament again, I've been feeling convicted to take a personal rest day from my writing. Hopefully it will inspire me to write more today! I spent most of Saturday plotting my story. I hate all the gaping holes I'm seeing. I need writer's duct tape. Somebody needs to invent that.
 

Captain’s Log, Stardate 09.12.2006

Check out Christian Women Online (http://christianwomenonline.net/BlogMeme.html) to see what other women are blogging about this quote.

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one!"

~ C.S. Lewis ~

I am NOT a girly-girl. I prefer jeans and pants over skirts (a remnant of having my skirt lifted in middle school—traumatic, I tell you). I rarely wear makeup. I prefer sports bras over the lacy ones, or the underwire ones, or even the “boost your bust a cup size” wonder ones.

I was also never a jock in school (think pudgy and slow).

I was a brainiac, with all the geeky baggage that went with it. But even the true brainiacs were a little strange, so I never fit in there, either.

Friendships were transient in school, even when I started working. I got along with whoever I happened to be with. Yes, I actually had an accommodating personality back then.

Then something in me snapped. Well, besides my sanity.

I don’t know how it happened, but I started actually finding my personality. And it wasn’t accommodating and pleasant as a good Japanese girl should be.

I stopped stressing so much over my lack of a sense of tact. I stopped being embarrassed by the fact that I’d actually like to be a fiction writer. I stopped being restrained if something struck me as funny, or sad, or unfair.

I stopped trying not to care about how I looked, because darn it, if I want to be skinnier for my own peace of mind, I’m not going to be ashamed of it! Why did I have to be a good Christian girl and be fully content with my body shape? I want to look like Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner, and I won’t be ashamed to admit it!

I thought I’d chase away all the friends I had around me at the time. But God has a sense of humor, that way.

He actually sent MORE people into my life. As if He was telling me, Finally! It took you long enough to figure out who you are. Now I can pair you up with people who’ll like the new you.

I found people both locally and online who have become strong friends. They are my sisters in Christ and my prayer warriors. The funny thing is, they like me for who I am.

And do you know what the dumb thing is? Here I went through my entire life feeling alone, feeling like I was the only one. And as soon as I stopped trying to fit in, I met people who are just like me—who always felt alone, who felt like they were the only one.

It really did start within me—God had to mold me into who He wanted me to be. Then He sent the friends to bond with me. And now I realize I’ve never been alone.

P.S.--> Fellow CWO blogger Amydeanne has a FABULOUS graphic of the quote on her blog!
http://www.the160acrewoods.blogspot.com/

 

Count Your Blessings
Captain's Log, Stardate 08.16.2006

My local friend Malia ("local" meaning from my home state of Hawai'i) tagged me, the brat.

1. A friend who has blessed me: My husband for being there to hear me vent.

2. An unexpected gift: a pretty blue England bone china teacup and saucer my husband got for me from Goodwill.

3. A kind word shared with me recently: "Thanks for being who you are!!!" from Sharon Hinck

4. Something that makes me stop and praise God: An engrossing book

5. Something I'm looking forward to: ACFW CONFERENCE!!!

6. A particular part of me I'm pleased with: My hair. Don't hate me, but I rarely have a bad hair day.

7. Something in my life that I wanted but never expected: to be published by Zondervan, my dream publisher

8. A place that moved/moves me: the Grand Tetons

9. One thing/person that always makes me smile: my dog, Snickers

10. Most recent "love note" from God: "Because I love you, you need to be nicer to people, chickie-baby."

 

Story Sensei Summer Sale -- A writers' summer event!

From now until July 15th, I will be holding a fabulous contest for my Story Sensei critique service.

I will draw the names of TWO lucky winners! They will each receive:

A free synopsis critique -- up to 10 pages single-spaced, a $40 value!

AND

A coupon for 25% OFF any manuscript critique -- whether full or partial manuscript, any number of words. For a 100,000 word manuscript, that's a savings of $250!

In addition, EVERYONE WHO ENTERS will receive a 10% OFF coupon for any service, whether synopsis, query letter, or manuscript critique (full or partial). For a 100,000 word manuscript, that's a savings of $100, just for entering.

Go to my Story Sensei blog and post a comment to enter the contest!
http://storysensei.blogspot.com/

Make sure you leave some way for me to contact you.

Hurry! Contest ends July 15th!
 

Please take a moment to read this and then pass it along to anyone you think might be able to help us get more books into children's hands through this fun and easy program for writers. This is a trial run for the program and they're hoping to grow it bigger each year to help fight illiteracy and help children. And just think, all you have to do is keeping writing just like you already are and it helps!

Thank you for passing this along!
Theresa Meyers

====
A LITTLE WRITING FOR LITTLE READERS

Here’s what we know: Fewer and fewer people read books these days, but at
book signings authors know that if we can get someone to hold our book that
reader is likely to buy that book. It’s no different with kids. Readers are born
the moment children hold THEIR OWN book as they turn the pages and sound out
the words. Many libraries and schools are so underfunded that they no
longer allow the children to hold the books themselves. Ergo, if authors want to
grow readership, then every child needs to hold a book. How do we do that?
We hold a WRITE-A-THON to raise money for Southwest Human Development, an
organization that puts libraries of children’s books into low-income
preschools, so every child has the chance to hold a book and read to herself, or for a
similar organization in your area that supports getting books to young
children.
Here’s how it works:
1 Register. You can do it on-line at http://www.alittlewriting.com/. We need to know how many of us are writing throughout June (there may be a cosmic effect).
2 Download a sponsor form. You’ll be able to do that on-line right after you register.
3 Enroll your friends, family, yourself or even fans to support your writing on a per page basis.
4 Write like crazy on any project you choose from June 1 to June 30. Just remember to keep a daily tally of how many pages you produce each day.
5 On July 1 tally your page total, then collect the funds you earned for donation (checks made payable to Southwest Human Development or to the organization of your choice), then send or deliver your sponsor sheets and funds to
me for distribution to those foundations. We will track and monitor this event so we can include the donations in the tally for everyone involved.
6 On July 20 those who can will gather to eat ice cream to honor what we accomplished.
What if you reside outside of Phoenix, you love this idea, but you’d like to see whatever funds you raise stay in your community? Feel free to take this idea and run with it as you see fit. All I ask is that you contact me to let me know what you’re doing and, later, let me know how well you did at it!
As for potential projects to support, check with your local library or school district. I’m sure they’d be happy to tell you about some under-funded project they’ve been longing to implement for their children’s library.

GOT QUESTIONS?
Contact Denise Domning, A Little Writing for Little Readers Project Manager,
4718 E. Cactus Rd. #613 Phoenix, AZ 85032 480-391-9154
(best way)
denise@alittlewriting.com
http://www.alittlewriting.com/
FORWARDING OF THIS MESSAGE ENCOURAGED AND APPRECIATED!
Theresa Meyers
President, Blue Moon Communications, 360-895-0879

http://www.bluemooncommunications.com
 

Zoe International: On Sunday, missionaries Greg and Nancy Nakamura came to visit our church to talk about their work. Our church supports them through our missions fund.
http://www.gozoe.org/about_missionaries.php

They work for Zoe International Ministries, who work in Thailand to rescue at-risk children from human trafficking. As he spoke and showed the video clip, I felt incredibly convicted.

In seasons of my life, I’ve felt God convicting me about certain missions and organizations, and this is one of them. I heard Him impress on my heart that this is work I’d like to write about, these are organizations I’d like to give to. I don’t feel the pull to serve overseas—although I’d have to pray about that, but shhhhh don’t tell my husband, he doesn’t know (yet)—but I do feel a strong conviction to give. That’s where the tithe from my advance is going.

Human trafficking is a terrible evil, and God has caused it to cut me especially deeply. I’d only heard about it in Slavic countries, but seeing the horrifying reality of it in Thailand and the Golden Triangle has caused a burning in my heart.

There are other needs for the Gospel in other places, but for me, as of today, God has placed this area like a weight on my soul.

Zoe Children’s Homes:

Child prostitution is now a worldwide crisis.
Worldwide, it is estimated that up to 1,200,000 children per year are brought into the child prostitution and human slavery industries.1
In the United States alone, it is estimated that 17,500 women and children per year are imported for this heinous work. 2

Human trafficking is an industry so lucrative, that the U.S. intelligence community estimates it will surpass the business generated by the illicit trade in guns and narcotics within the decade.3 Child trafficking is an epidemic that is growing exponentially. Unfortunately, response to this pandemic and awareness of this issue has not kept pace.

It has been said that “Evil prevails when good men do nothing.” Will you help fight for those who cannot fight for themselves?

ZOE Children’s Homes is a division of ZOE, an international Christian organization. The Children’s Homes were launched to proactively rescue children who are at risk of being sold into human slavery and/or child prostitution. Our first goal is to provide a loving and safe atmosphere. We then educate, motivate and model servant leader principles. With your help, a new generation of leaders can be raised up to help stop these crimes against humanity.
http://www.gozoe.org/
http://www.zoechildrenshomes.org/

Myna’s story

Myna was rescued when we found out she was on her way to the sex traders to be sold – it was told to us by her guardians that her mother and father abandoned her five years earlier. The family she was staying with could no longer feed her. We still do not have and may never have the entire story of the harm that may have been done to her. Myna is reserved in her affection, yet with each day that passes she trusts us more and more. We are able to prove to her everyday that she is now in a loving and safe family. She is so precious and so much fun. As her new family and caretakers, we thank God for the privilege and honor of raising her and to help her to grow and recover spirit, soul and body...

Information on the fight and the solution.
http://www.zoechildrenshomes.org/ourfight_overview.php

1 UNICEF www.unicef.org/protection/index_exploitation.html
2 US Department of State http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2005
3 Pathbreaking Strategies in the Global Fight Against Sex Trafficking, February 23-26, 2003, Washington DC, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/rpt/20834.htm


The Agape Home in Chiang Mai, Thailand lovingly cares for abandoned babies and children who are HIV-positive and/or have AIDS.
http://www.allforyouth.org/thailand.html

NightLight: a ministry in urban Bangkok, which reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of Nana/Sukhumvit. Through life-on-life ministry, NightLight’s goal is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women in prostitution, their children, and those children brought illegally in Thailand to financially support their families by selling items in the bars and often through sexual exploitation.
http://www.nightlightbangkok.com/
 

There is a new royalty-paying Romance small press called The Wild Rose Press. They publish all their titles in various electronic formats, including but not limited to PDF and HTML. (Print versions of titles are determined by popularity.)
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Wild Rose Press is a new and exciting small electronic and print publisher of romance. Our titles span the sub-genre spectrum from sweet to sensually erotic and are available in all lengths, including short story, category, and single title.

If you're looking for a new voice in the world of romance or an old favorite, you'll find them here at Wild Rose Press.

My friend Ruth Logan Herne is the Inspirational editor (she looks so deceptively sweet in her website picture, doesn't she?).
http://www.ruthloganherne.com/
You can find their general submission guidelines here:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/submissions.htm
and their Inspirational guidelines here:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/guides/white_g.htm

 

Zondervan has offered me a three-book contract on my Asian chick-lit series! I’m still stunned by everything that’s happened.

The series is actually a 4-book projected Asian chick-lit series about four cousins who fall under the infamous family title "Oldest Single Female Cousin,” and their ruthless, wealthy grandma applies pressure on each of them to improve their lack of love interests. I think the first book is tentatively scheduled to be released in August 2007.

The blurb on the series is on my website here.
http://www.camytang.com/singlesushi.html

 

Mochi
Captain’s Log, Stardate 03.18.2006

Blog Book giveaway:
My Monday book giveaway (STEALING ADDA) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/interview-with-tamara-leigh-and-book.html...
My Thursday book giveaway (DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/book-giveaway-die-before-nightfall.html
You can still enter both of them. Just post a comment on those blog posts.
On Monday, I'll draw the winner for STEALING ADDA and post the title for another book I'm giving away. Stay tuned.

Mochi: On the way home from their China trip, my parents had a layover at Narita Airport in Japan, and of course they headed straight for the Duty-Free shop. The both love mochi and bought some there. The mochi made in Japan is so much better quality than the stuff made here. It’s also ten times more expensive, even bought IN Japan.

After saying there was no way in hell they’d send me some of their precious stash, Mom and Dad relented to my whining and sent me a package of this mochi.

Talk about heaven in my mouth.

The Japanese have this thing for cute little packages. The mochi is individually packaged in little ice-cube sized plastic tubs wrapped with soft linen paper. The type of mochi my parents bought is kinako--sweet rice dumplings covered in fine beige-colored flour made from soybeans. The flour is a nice contrast to the sweet mochi, but this particular brand had these postage-stamp sized packets of sauce to pour over your mochi. The sauce is to die for—mapley and thick and dark and oozy.

Yum to infinity, man.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 65. Oops, I haven’t read my Bible yet today. I’ll do it right after I post.

Writing: Got some done after youth group meeting tonight, and hopefully will get a little more plotting done later.

Diet: Went for a 75 minute walk today with my husband dragging his grumpy butt with me (just kidding, we had a good laugh over that). But it was one of the kids’ birthday tonight and I had two of these fabulous German chocolate cake cupcakes. I’m such a sucker for German chocolate cake. I ended the day at around 1700 or 1800 calories.

 

Pashmina
Captain’s Log, Stardate 03.15.2006

Blog Book giveaway:
My Thursday book giveaway (ALMOST HEAVEN) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/book-giveaway-almost-heaven.html
My Monday book giveaway (STEALING ADDA) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/interview-with-tamara-leigh-and-book.html...
You can still enter both of them. Just post a comment on those blog posts.
On Monday, I'll draw the winner for ALMOST HEAVEN and post the title for another book I'm giving away. Stay tuned.

My parents’ China trip: My folks got back yesterday from a 10-day trip to China. They both had a terrific time. Mom loved the different culture, the different food, and the scenery from the Great Wall. She was so excited and awed that she was actually there (hopefully I’ll have their pictures soon).

(I went to China when I was in high school. Climbing to the First Station was like running the Boston Marathon when the furthest I had run was around the block away from my irate mother when I did something wrong. I can’t believe Mom actually made it, because at 16 years old, I almost didn’t.)

Anyway, Mom bought for me a pashmina shawl. I had no clue what that was until she told me—it’s a combination of cashmere and silk. I’ve never owned a shawl, just small things like scarves. I’m not entirely sure what I’ll use it for. Who out there uses these things? Can you tell me how to wear it? What to wear it with?

Bible in 90 Days: Day 62. It’s amazing how things I’ve read dozens of times before always seem so new when I read them again:

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
For they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
For they will inheirit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
For they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
For they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
For they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
For they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
For the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (Matthew 5:3-10, NLT)

Writing: Got more great brainstorming done last night. I am SO loving these exercises from Donald Maass’s WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK. I’ve managed to add even more tension and conflict and yet also weave it in tightly with the main plot. It’s fabulous.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158297263X/camysloft-20/

Diet: I didn’t go walking yesterday, although I did Denise Austin’s Fit and Lite exercise program (I recorded it on Tivo and watched it when I got up later). It’s only 30 minutes, it’s got yoga and pilates (tough but relaxing), and I used my new yoga mat that I picked up at Marshall’s with my pink birthday purse. But I ended the day at around 1600 calories.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/sunday-prayer_12.html

Today, I had a really tough workout at physical therapy, and I had an okay lunch (600). Hopefully I’ll have portion control for dinner tonight, too.

 

Captain's Log, Stardate 03.14.2006

Blog Book giveaway:
My Thursday book giveaway (ALMOST HEAVEN) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/book-giveaway-almost-heaven.html
My Monday book giveaway (STEALING ADDA) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/interview-with-tamara-leigh-and-book.html...
You can still enter both of them. Just post a comment on those blog posts.
On Monday, I'll draw the winner for ALMOST HEAVEN and post the title for another book I'm giving away. Stay tuned.

Quiz: I got this from Pam Hillman:
I have been pondering this all important question--What is your bookmark of choice?

A) The one I handmade for myself
B) The one a friend/family member made for me
C) An expensive metal one bought by a friend/family member
D) A jagged strip of toilet paper, junk mail or the corner of the gas bill
E) Bookmarks from other authors
F) A turned down page

Camy here: It's usually E, because I have so many that I can stick them by the handfuls in every corner of the house where I could possibly need a bookmark--kitchen table, TV room, bathroom very near the toilet--oops, was that TMI?

So leave a comment and tell me what your choice is!

Bible in 90 Days: Day 61. I finished the Old Testament! I never realized how rich and hopeful the books of the Minor Prophets are, especially Malachi. For some reason, the words resonated with me as I read that book. Maybe the joy of imagining the New Jerusalem.

Writing: Got some great plotting done yesterday, and hopefully will get more today. Unfortunately, something went wrong with my networking so I can’t back up the files from my laptop onto my desktop computer. Yikes! I hope my husband can fix it later tonight.

Diet: I was TERRIBLE this weekend—ate a lot and no exercise. But yesterday I had a hard workout at physical therapy and I ended the day at 1500 calories. Today I’m eating a 500 calorie Indian food lunch with lots of veggies. I’m also making French bread to eat with the garlic chicken I made last week.

 

Captain's Log, Stardate 03.03.2006

Book giveaway:
My Monday book giveaway (WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/02/interview-with-margaret-daley-and-book.ht...
My Thursday book giveaway (WINDIGO TWILIGHT) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/03/book-giveaway-windigo-twilight.html
You can still enter both of them. Just post a comment on those blog posts.
On Monday, I'll draw the winner for WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE and post the title for another book I'm giving away. Stay tuned.

Christian Women Online: Yesterday I said that Cathy West's novel excerpt is in this month's CWO, but actually her entire novel will be posted, a chapter every two weeks! Isn't that great? Go on over to check it out.
http://www.christianwomenonline.net/index.htm
Cathy West: http://www.paidinfull.blogspot.com

The Daphne: You'd think I wouldn't even want to think about another contest with the Genesis causing havoc in my life, but I never said I was normal.

All Points Bulletin: On March 15, 2006, the crime scene tape goes up along with the deadline for the Kiss of Death Chapter's Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery Suspense.

With a contest open to published and unpublished authors, and touted by both editors and agents, the Daphne remains one of the most respected and economical avenues for your contest dollar.

With four judges per entry for unpublished, and three judges per entry for published along with a fee that won't make you rob a bank, that's a lot of feedback for your contest loot.

Whether you write straight mystery/suspense or love a story intertwined with romance, the Daphne has something for everyone.

Categories include for Published & Unpublished:

Mainstream Mystery Suspense (romance optional)
Category (Series) Romantic Suspense
Single Title Romantic Suspense
Inspirational Romantic Suspense (THIS CATEGORY NEEDS MORE ENTRIES!)
Historical Romantic Suspense
Paranormal (Fantasy/Time Travel/Futuristic Romantic Suspense

Will you hold in your hand the next Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery Suspense? Don't be left clueless. Check out www.rwamysterysuspense.org for contest rules and information.

~ Donnell Ann Bell 2006 Daphne Coordinator

Camy here: This is a good contest--well-run and competitive. And if you need help condensing your synopsis into one page, I can do that through my Story Sensei critique service. Email me for a price quote or endorsements from writers whose synopses have been hacked and slashed by the Asian Adverb Annihilator.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 51. I think my counting is right...I haven't posted, but I have been keeping up. I'm nearing the end of Jeremiah. I like how my Life Application Bible describes Jeremiah's prophecies--like mountain peaks viewed from a certain angle, they look like they're right next to each other, but in actuality they're far apart. Jeremiah prophecied the restoration of the exiles to Jerusalem, but he also spoke about the New Jerusalem, when Christ will reign forever. Parallel, but far apart in time.

Writing: Yesterday, the Genesis ate me whole. Today, things are better. I have a crit or two to do, and then I'll write more tonight. I got some good brainstorming done today.

Diet: I did okay yesterday--went walking and ended at about 1400 calories. Today, I had a good PT workout and had soup for lunch (500).

I tried to go walking with the dog, but the way God's timing is, as soon as I was about two blocks away from home, it started to rain. So I took shelter under a tree. Then suddenly it started to hail. Little teeny ice drops. Didn't hurt. It felt kind of surreal, standing next to the black tree trunk, tiny drops of hail bopping me in the head like white Nerds candies falling from the sky, showering down outside the protection of the branches. No one else around. Dog getting antsy at the weird stuff sticking to her coat and feeling icy under her paws.

I was only two blocks from home, so we headed back when the hail started to lessen. And wouldn't you know, as soon as I got home, the sun broke out and now it's rain-free. I swear Mother Nature is giving me a cheeky grin, saying, "Bite me."

 

Diann Hunt is WAY COOL and I'm so excited for a chance to get to know her better with this interview! You might have seen her blogging with her pals Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Denise Hunter at Girls Write Out.
http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/

I'm giving away an autographed copy of her book HOT FLASHES AND COLD CREAM. If you want to enter to win it, leave a comment on this blog post, giving your name and saying you want to enter.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/02/interview-with-diann-hunt-and-book.html

You have a week to enter--I'll pick a name out of a hat next week Thursday, March 2nd.

Interview with Diann Hunt:

CT: Your book is considered "Lady-lit" for older women. Is that who you
primarily write for, or can younger women enjoy your story? What do
you want to say to your demographic readership?

DH: While it is true that my books have middle-aged characters, I try to make them deal with problems that all women can relate to. For instance, though Maggie (Hot Flashes & Cold Cream) dealt with age issues, she also dealt with low self-esteem and obsessed about her appearance. What woman doesn’t do that? She went through a time of wondering what to do with herself once the kids left home, but I think various stages of life bring on that question. When the kids start school, Moms start wondering if they should go back to work, that type of thing.

So in answer to your question, yes, it’s geared toward middle-aged women, but I believe (and hope) women of any age can enjoy the read. :)

CT: Where would you like to see your writing going, in terms of genre and
scope, in the next several years?

DH: Whether through lady lit, women’s fiction, or whatever, I hope to write stories that give women hope for the future, and maybe enjoy a giggle or two along the way.

CT: Do your kids influence your writing at all? How? How about hubby? How
about your students?

DH: There are bits and pieces of all of us in my books. The scene in Hot Flashes where the son writes home to Maggie with the subliminal message, “Send Nick some money”? That happened. My son did that very thing when he was in college, and I wrote back similar to the way Maggie did. I thought it was hilarious, so I asked him if I could use it.

My husband is my hero so, of course, there are bits of him in all my heroes. I’m not telling you which bits. :)

CT: What was the funniest part of writing HOT FLASHES AND COLD CREAM?

DH: I love Maggie. She and I are best friends because we understand each other. :) While writing Hot Flashes my husband would say things like, “Uh-oh, what would Maggie think of that,” or “Is Maggie going to do that?” She became a part of our lives. Scary, I know, but there it is.

CT: What's your favorite scene from HOT FLASHES AND COLD CREAM?

DH: Hmm, I suppose it’s when she dives into the bush to spy on Lily. Maggie has a protective nature and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her best friend Lily from the men she meets on the Internet.

Maggie has quite a few antics up her sleeve, and I love how she always gets herself into one fix and then another.

CT: How did you come up with this story idea?

DH: True story. I got up one morning and went to the sink to wash my face. Just as I started to pull the water to my face, I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror. For the first time ever, I saw my grandmother looking back at me. Let me just say I wasn’t prepared for her visit. :)

I realized then and there, I could get bitter about aging or I could write a book about it. I decided to write a book.

CT: What's your next novel to be released?

DH: Well, I have two Love Inspired novels (under my pen name of Diann Walker) coming out next. In March, A Match Made in Bliss will be released, and its sequel Blissfully Yours will be released in June.

My next lady lit, RV There Yet?, also comes out in June. It’s a Women of Faith summer selection. I’m really excited about that, because I get to do a book signing at the Women of Faith Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana in August with Colleen Coble.

Also, WestBow is sending Colleen and me to Florida where we will pick up an RV and do a book tour in the month of June! How fun is that? Too bad I didn’t get to do that before I wrote the RV book. :)

CT: I love that title, RV There Yet?!!! What books do you like to read and why?

DH: I like to read lighthearted women’s fiction and romance. I also read writing how-to books and throw in an occasional non-fiction read.

Before writing, I worked for ten years as a court reporter, so I don’t enjoy reading about heavy issues. I can put too many faces on those issues and it depresses me, so I go for the happier things. I read to escape not to wallow in reality. LOL! I know I’m not the norm, but there you are.

I do read Colleen Coble and Terri Blackstock suspense books (and love them!), but for the most part, I choose to go with lighthearted tales.

CT: You know (or maybe you don't know) how much I LOVE FOOD. I once went to an Ethiopian restaurant, and not only were the spices exotic and slammin' interesting, but I got to eat with my fingers! What's your favorite ethnic food to eat and why?

DH: I love Mexican food, but that’s about as ethnic as I go—no, wait. I like Chinese too.

I went to dinner one night with Kristin Billerbeck and ordered calamari. I thought it was some sort of pasta dish. I start to eat it and discover “something amiss.” I’m like, “I thought these were noodles, what is this?” She starts laughing and says, “Don’t you know what calamari is? It’s squid.”

Amid my gasping and choking, the kind waiter took my full plate back and brought me something I recognized. :)

CT: Confession time: what's your weirdest habit?

DH: Well, my habits include coffee and chocolate, but I don’t think they’re all that weird.

CT: Do you cook and why or why not? What's your most famous (or infamous) dish?

DH: Funny you should ask. Once our kids left home, we just started eating out all the time. I don’t know if it was a celebration or what (just kidding, kids). Anyway, we’ve noticed our party selves are taking a toll on our finances. So, I’ve rediscovered cooking. And more importantly, I’ve discovered Paula Deen. :)

Lat week I made Taco Soup, (Paula’s recipe) with cornbread and it was fabulous!! It’s sort of a cross between chili and tacos. Yummy!

My most infamous dish was during our first Christmas together after we were married. My husband was sick with the flu, but I attempted to make a cherry glazed ham for our Christmas meal. Not the ham shank type, mind you, but rather the CANNED ham. The problem was not with my recipe, but rather with how to OPEN the canned ham. For crying out loud, why didn’t someone tell me that stupid key was SUPPOSED to break off? Sigh. I made such a mess of things--slimy juice everywhere--that my husband had to get out of his sick bed, grab a hammer and screwdriver and pry that sucker open. That was twenty-nine years ago, and the family still talks about it. :)

CT: Any TV shows you love?

DH: I rarely watch TV, but the one I watch most consistently is Seventh Heaven. I love the family values it teaches.

CT: What magazines are on your coffeetable right now? Any strange ones?
And will you confess if they're yours and not your husband's?

DH: Cooking magazines. Paula Deen, Cooking Light, and a few decorating magazines. Boring, I know, but there it is.

CT: What's your writing schedule like? How do you ensure time for family and church?

DH: I try to write from eight o’clock in the morning to one or two o’clock every day. But more than that, I try to write a chapter. If I don’t get that chapter done by one or two, I keep at it. But usually I make that goal, because I always reward myself with going to visit the grandkids, and I don’t let myself go if I don’t make my goal.

CT: What is your most memorable moment as a writer?

DH: My first sale was an article in Victoria Magazine’s Reader-to-Reader newsletter. I will never forget the moment I opened an envelope from them, thinking it was a subscription renewal, but instead it was a contract and a check for $100!!! I screamed my brains out (I suppose that’s what’s wrong with me today).

CT: When did you first discover that you were a writer?

DH: When I was in grade school and kept a diary. I had to write in that diary every day, come what may.

CT: What's your greatest writing weakness and how do you overcome it?

DH: My grandkids. I’d rather spend time with them than get my work done. Still, I’m goal-oriented, so I don’t allow myself the fun things (well, except for chocolate) until I get my work done.

CT: You're too young to have grandkids! :) What's your best writing strength?

DH: I work hard and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

CT: How do you handle deadline stress? Any advice or tips?

DH: Unfortunately, I eat chocolate. I wouldn’t recommend it. Those harmless little M&M guys, just aren’t as harmless as they appear. Lately, I’ve been trying to munch on carrots while writing, but let me point out that it’s just not working for me here. I want the little M&M guys back.

CT: Most writers struggle with insecurity. How do you retain your confidence as a writer?

DH: Well, when I get that confidence, I’ll let you know. :) I struggle with insecurity all the time. Keep thinking it’s a fluke that I’ve written any books at all. But then I remember that I serve the God of the impossible, and that’s why I am where I am today. For some reason, He has allowed this, and I want to be faithful. So I trudge forward, knowing that my confidence is not in myself but rather in Him.

CT: What's the biggest risk you've ever taken as a writer?

DH: I wrote Hot Flashes & Cold Cream. It was first person (something I’d never done before), and humor, also something I hadn’t done much of—though I dabbled in it with my first Love Inspired. I found that I LOVED writing this way, but was sure no one would want it. WestBow took it, and I’ve been dreaming ever since. :)

CT: How do you handle writer's block? Do you ever get writer's block?

DH: I try to outline a few chapters ahead so that I don’t get writer’s block, but I do have moments where I have to rethink some things to get pulled back into the story. The best way for me to handle those times is to go for a drive and turn the classical station on the radio. It always inspires me.

CT: Describe your writing space as it is now, and your fantasy writing space.

DH: I have an office, but I never use it. I normally sit on the end of my sofa in the family room and write on my laptop. :) I have a friend who has a BIG writing room, complete with built-in bookshelves, mahogany writing desk, ocean portraits on the walls, a beautiful lounging sofa and coffee table. It is gorgeous!!! And now she doesn’t write. :( I’d take that room in a heartbeat.

CT: Do you have a special verse specifically to inspire your writing?

DH: Yes! Isaiah 50:4: “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”

CT: What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

DH: You can be a writer or you can be a “wanna be” writer. The choice is yours. Never, never, never give up.

CT: Thanks for doing the interview! Any parting words?

DH: Thanks for giving me this opportunity, Camy! Such fun! Parting words? Enjoy the journey and laugh every day.

Camy's bookshelves: Want a laugh? Heather was working on the background for our Fab Four Book Picks blog (Heather, Pammer, Squirl and I are going to start a blog where we post book reviews, author interviews, and Saturdays of Sarcasm, starting sometime in March).
http://fabfourbookpicks.blogspot.com/

Anyway, she found a background tile for books but the seams didn't match well. Both sides of the tile ended mid-book so it looked just baaaaaad.

So I took a picture of MY bookshelves (sagging shelves and all), cropped it carefully, and sent it to Heather to see if we could use it as a tile. It's not bad. Eventually I'll take a picture using more recent books to use as our background. But FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! check out my messy bookshelves.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 45. I finished Song of Songs. It was nice. Some of the references threw me--eyes like doves, breasts like deer (like I told Mir, there is something just wrong with comparing my boobies to woodland creatures). Sorry, was that TMI?

I started Isaiah. I'm so glad I read Samuel, Kings, Chronicles before going into this book. I'm more familiar with the kings being mentioned, and the devastation he's predicting. I'm also again reminded of God's grace to His deviating people--just like me!

Writing: What's that? All I know is this Genesis stuff. It never ends... Actually, it will end next week once the entries are mailed out. Phew! And it's also making me itchy to write.

Diet: I did really great yesterday, not as hot today. I think I ended at 1800 today. Sigh. Self-control, toots, self-control. Good thing I have PT tomorrow.
 

Captain's Log, Stardate 02.22.2006

Just a short blog today (and posted massively late). I'm busy with Genesis stuff and some critiquing I need to get done for my Story Sensei critique service.

Book giveaway:
My Thursday book giveaway (WEB OF LIES) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/02/guest-blogger-brandilyn-collins-and.html
My Monday book giveaway (A FAMILY FOREVER) is here.
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/02/interview-with-brenda-coulter-and-book.ht...
You can still enter both of them. Just post a comment on those blog posts.
On Thursday (tomorrow), I'll draw the winner for WEB OF LIES and post the title for another book I'm giving away. Stay tuned.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 44. Haven't read today yet. I'll get to it later. I'm about to head into Song of Songs. I have read this book several times and never gotten it. The imagery just flies right over my non-Hebrew-culture-educated head. I should probably get a commentary or something on it so that I can understand it, at least.

Writing: Went through my Maass workshop notes yesterday and did some "stretching" of my protagonist. I hope to get some work done tonight, too.

Diet: I did okay yesterday but not great. I snacked too much in the afternoon because I was starving--I have to stop eating too-small meals that make me feel hungry after only 3 hours. I did have some self-control for dinner--I had a huge salad and limited myself to one small plate of pasta, but I think I still ended up at 1800 calories. Sigh.

Lunch today was a healthy chicken vegetable soup (500) and a small slice of cheese (100). I also snacked on a little veggie chips (100). Dinner will be leftovers, so hopefully it won't be too much food. I'm usually better at portion control when it's leftovers.