The Frog Blog Christmas Reunion---Jeff Savage

I’m not sure how Julie will introduce this series of posts, so let me just say that as former writers of Six LDS Writers and a Frog, we had a great time, made good friends, and hopefully kept a reader or two entertained. We eventually ended the blog, but have retained the friendships and thought it would be fun to share with all of you who followed us by doing a Christmas reunion. We aren’t bringing back the “Frog Blog.” But it’s fun to get the band back together one last time.

For my part, the year plus since we ended the blog has been a roller coaster. I nearly gave up writing (at least for public consumption), saw my Farworld series picked up again by Shadow Mountain, signed a contract with Harper Collins for a new series, sold a horror novel (of all things) to Covenant Communications, and unexpectedly lost one of the people I am closest to in the world, my mom.

What did I learn from all of that? There are a bunch of clichés that probably fit the bill: When God closes one door He opens another. The night is always darkest before the dawn. You’ve heard them all before. But the reason they are clichés is because they are so true.

I firmly believe that no matter what you strive for in this life, you reach certain points where things seem bleak and impossible. You can’t see any way forward and the road back is too long and hard to even think about retracing your steps. In my experience those are the moments when you are so close to a new level of success that your subconscious understands it has to be there while your eyes and brain tell you it isn’t. You despair because you know you should be seeing the light over the next peak but all you can make out with your limited vision is darkness.

My gift to you this Christmas season is hope. Don’t give up. Believe in the things that got you climbing in the first place. Trust that God would not have set you on this journey to fail. Realize that although it doesn’t make it any easier, others have walked the same path before you and reached the summit you are seeking. Remember that if Savage can achieve his dreams, anyone can. And most of all remember that you were sent here to fulfill your eternal destiny whatever that might be. It really is darkest just before the dawn and the long night makes the light all that much sweeter when it finally breaks through.

Merry Christmas and thanks for being my friends.

Jeff Savage

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First Page Friday

I think this is a critique that every author would like to receive from a national editor.  As always, if you would like your first page critiqued, use the submission guidelines in the sidebar.

Thank you to the author and to Ms. Shreditor for their efforts.  See you next week!

The Entry
The God Complex
by S.L. Seele

I step from the bottom rung of the ramp and plant my feet firmly on the powder this planet calls soil. An orange cloud mushrooms up around my calves and coats the neoprene suit I wear with chalky residue. Hanson walks toward the caves carved into the adobe cliffs. Little orange puffs trail behind him. I groan. Of all the inhabited planets I have cultivated, this has to be the most barren.

In five long steps, I’m beside Hanson. His eyes flicker to me then away, and his baby-smooth face pulls into a grimace. I know it irritates him when I outdistance him without trying. Even though we’re the same height, my five-eleven frame consists of more legs than torso. Hanson, on the other hand, was shortchanged on legs—pardon the pun.

“Lose the smile, Spider-girl,” Hanson grumbles.

Oh, was I smiling? I do my best to match his grimace—and stride—and return my focus to the mission. Data received from the unmanned probe revealed this planets population to be sparse, extremely primitive, and confined to this one area with an abundance of natural resources. That’s one reason I accepted this assignment. They don’t come much easier. Just take a shortcut through a wormhole, land a shuttle where the primitives are sure to witness it with fearful awe, and wait for them to fall at our feet and worship us like we’re some kind of Rock Stars—pretty standard on archaic worlds. Then it’s a matter of training the natives to harvest the resources needed, designate areas for human colonies, and I’m home in time for my sister’s wedding.

It looks like it will be easier than I thought. When our ship arrived, we found no sign of life, or of the so-called, abundant resources, even after orbiting the planet twice. I sent a crew to repair the unmanned probe, and shuttled down with Hanson to confirm the lack of life and resources before we head for home. But from the looks of the caves ahead, someone lives here.

Or did.

Ms. Shreditor's Comments

It’s difficult to “shred” a sample like this. What can I possibly criticize about a first page that feels this close to ready? There are some minor technical issues here and there, but nothing egregious—and certainly nothing worth picking apart in this column. I found myself reading this not as an editor, but as a reader.

Brief aside: It is very rare that an editor gets to read a manuscript for enjoyment. I was discussing this with a relative who is an avid reader last week. He noted that I rarely get to read books for fun because my job is to fix what’s wrong with the manuscript. He was half right. The way an editor reads a manuscript is worlds apart from how he or she would read a book for pleasure. But I enjoy reading books from that editorial perspective, too. If I didn’t, I’d have made a really bad career choice.

My point? I was able to sit back and enjoy this first page. I found myself latching on to “Spider-girl” and Hanson because the narrative dropped so many compelling details about them. We only get one line of dialogue between them, but it’s enough for us to understand the relationship between them. Perhaps most telling, however, is the look Hanson casts at Spider-girl in the second paragraph. In this look we see insecurity about his short legs, frustration that he’s been outdistanced, and perhaps even unresolved feelings for Spider-girl. While the exact relationship between them hasn’t yet been spelled out, I get the impression that they’ve been close friends for a long time.

The story creates for us, the readers, a world that is vividly barren. The use of color is really effective here, between the orange “soil” and adobe cliffs. World-building is a crucial element in any sci-fi or fantasy story, and I finished this first page with a fairly clear sense of where these characters are and what their surroundings look like.

Most impressive about this sample is the author’s ability to shift seamlessly between the past and present tense. This may seem like an elementary concept to the readers of this blog, many of whom are seasoned writers or editors, but I see more verb tense issues in my travels than I can mention here. Here, we have an author with really keen syntactic instincts. For the most part, the writing flows beautifully.

Please do submit this manuscript when you’re finished. It feels ready to me. I think a lot of people reading this blog would love to find out what becomes of these two characters and who/what inhabits the caves they've discovered. 

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The Six LDS Writers & A Frog Return for Christmas

Many of you know that I was part of the Six LDS Writers and a Frog blog for five years.  (If you've never heard of us, you can go to the archives here)  The Six LDS writers that I was privileged to blog with were:

Sariah Wilson
Jeffrey Savage
Robison Wells
Stephanie Black
Kerry Blair

Some of those are pretty big names now.  Jeff Savage and Rob Wells are nationally renowned authors.  Stephanie Black is a three (or is it four) time Whitney Award winner.  Kerry Blair is a beloved best-selling author of many many books who just put out a new Christmas book.  Sariah started it all when she asked us to participate in the blog and she's making a name for herself in YA fiction now.  It is a great group.

Since we stopped blogging almost two years ago, I've had several emails asking if we would ever get back together again.  Doing a regular blog together probably will never happen again (lightning doesn't strike twice) but we have been able to put together a Christmas gift for our fans and all the old frog bloggers will be blogging right here on my blog next week!  I'm so excited.

And just to prime you for it, I have linked to some of my all-time favorite frog blogs.

Here's the one of mine I really liked.  Cuz I feel odd a lot.  Odd Day

My favorite interview (with Edward Cullen) by Robison Wells  Enough for Forever

Let Us All Press On Scattering Sunshine (get the tissues out for this one) The Year of the Rat by Kerry Blair (Or pretty much anything by Kerry Blair)

Why I Write by Jeff Savage. (He's always so inspiring.  Like a mentor who's always there.)

Sariah Wilson and Why I Love the Muppets  because I loved Beaker, too.

Stephanie Black's March of the Cheerio Monsters because it's funny.  And so her.

Man, I had so much fun going back through all our posts.  We are awesome and I can't wait for our mini-reunion next week.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Finding a New Favorite Author & My Nano Thoughts

There are so many things going on for the blog right now.  Exciting, wonderful things.  Like the fact that my old blogging group, The Six LDS Writers and a Frog bloggers will be having a mini-reunion next week as a Christmas gift to all our fans.  I can't tell you how many people have asked me if we will have a reunion since we ended two years ago (or so) and now we are!  I can't wait.  If you know a Six LDS Writer blog fan, let them know will you?  We're all going to take our old days, right here on my blog.

I also am excited to tell you that I met my half-Nano goal.  It took me until Friday evening, but I did it and I am proud of it.  Which, since I had a work to work with, led me to agree to being tagged in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop to help us find new favorite authors.  But first, tell me, what did you think of Nano?  Did you meet your goal?  Will you do it again?

Okay, here is how the blog hop works: 

Week 25: THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

There are the books everyone had heard about: Twilight, Hunger Games, Fifty Shades of Gray. But what about all those books written by people you’ve never heard of? Some of them are treasures, just waiting to be found, and that’s what this blog hop is all about: the books you might not have heard about, but that you might end up loving.
This blog hop is like a game of tag. One author posts and tags five other authors who link back to their website the next week and tag five new authors. If you follow the blog hop long enough, you’re bound to find some books you’ll love! Maybe you’ll even discover a book that ends up being the next big thing.

I was tagged by Debra Allen Erfert. You can learn more about Debra on her blog, http://www.debraerfert.blogspot.com/ where you can then connect with her on Twitter, and even Pinterest.

This blog hop includes ten questions to help you learn more about an author’s current work in progress, so here’s a little info about my current project: 

1: What is the working title of your book?

My NaNo one was Bonds of Betrayal.  

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

I've always wanted to write a story with a lot of shades of gray in it---as in, a woman who may or may not be trustworthy, who may or may not truly need Colby's protection.  It's turning out a bit darker than I originally planned, so I might need to go back and lighten up a few things.

3: What genre does your book fall under?

Romantic suspense as always.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Ooh, that's a hard one.  Probably Michael Rosenbaum.  

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

For a man like Colby loyalty is everything, but when he is betrayed by a woman he's come to love, can he forgive and forget?

6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Probably self-published.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I'm not done with it yet.  So it will probably be a couple more months.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Maybe a Marliss Melton book?  I'm not sure.  My own previous books?  I have to think about that one a little more.

9: Who or What inspired you to write this book?

It popped into my head one day while I was playing horsies with my baby.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

There's a lot of twists and turns that you won't see coming.

So, did I pique your interest?  I hope so.

Here is a list of authors who will be joining the hop for week 25 on December 12th. I hope you’ll visit their blogs next week and learn more about their books. Maybe one of them will become your new favorite author!

1 Karlene Browning (she has edited a cute Christmas compilation you just have to read!)

Inksplasher Blog: http://www.inksplasher.blogspot.com/

Checkin' It Twice blog: http://www.checkinittwice.blogspot.com/

2. Rebecca Talley who has an amazing new YA book out that I can't wait to read.

Official website http://www.rebeccatalley.com/
Blog http://www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/
Twitter: rebeccatalley
FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Cornish-Talley-Author/137697159594475?ref=hl

3.  Emily Gray Clawson who also has an amazing new LDS YA book out that I had the privilege to read.  If you have a young woman this series is for you.  http://www.emilygrayclawson.com/

4.  And Marsha Ward who writes amazing westerns that completely hooked me, (even though I'm not exactly a western fan.)  http://www.marshaward.com/

So there you have it!  Four new authors that could be your next big thing . . .

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Castle and Hawaii Five-O--So Sweet & Christmas-y!

I loved Castle last night.  His child-like excitement for the holidays is so SWEET!  And now that his family is changing, it's hard to let go of the traditions you've had forever.  I can totally relate to this as the older three of my children have left the house and moved away to college.  We've had to be a little more flexible with our traditions and in doing so, have acquired a few new ones.  But I loved that Martha and Alexis saw how important it was to him and compromised in the end.

The case of the dead Santa was so clever and had some really great twists and turns.  I have to admit Esposito was my favorite with the captain catching him modeling the Christmas teddy and muttering about her in-laws, and Castle sure that the poor Santa was thrown from his sleigh.  Man, I love his speculations on how the murders happened.  The look on the team's face is always so priceless.

Esposito's little ending with Mrs. Cabot made me go hmmmm....  It could be interesting if he gets involved with her and she has a delinquent son.  Where's he's a cop and all.  And Ryan would make a cute daddy.  (Can I get a collective awwww)

But while there was a lot of Castle goodness, I have to admit I was sort of annoyed that Beckett did that duck and cover routine to him again, instead of being up front and honest about her tradition, she let him believe she would be joining him, then ducked out and made excuses.  It seems so beneath her and their relationship at this point.  But Castle always understands and always accepts her for where she's at.  I loved the little swirls (heart?) he did in her cup.  He really is a thoughtful man.  Although the preview of his ex-wife showing up did make me smile.  That is going to be goooooood.


Hawaii Five-O started out with adorkable Max hitting on the bank teller before the bank is robbed and she's shot right in front of him.  We also had the B story of the Victoria's Secret models having a stalker and I am SO grateful they didn't make Steve stay there with that story.  Because then we wouldn't have had the incredible jumping from building to building scene.  I mean, seriously, that was an incredible foot chase, like out of the movies or something.

Here it is in case you want to watch it too

Doesn't that remind you of a Spiderman-type thing? C. Thomas Howell still has some moves and Steve McGarrett is always in hot pursuit.  *fans self*  The funniest moment was probably the McGarrett flying takedown of the naked guy.  The look on Kono's face was hilarious!  And when the guy gives Steve his gun back and practically order him to kill him, for just a split second I wondered if he would.  Great suspense.  And Max's final scenes were sweet.  Great show overall (I could have done without the Victoria's Secret thing, but oh well.  Steve's story made up for it.)

No new Castle for a few weeks, but we get at least one more new Hawaii Five-O.  I guess I'll have to watch some Christmas shows or something to fill the void of Castle.  Does anyone love Elf (with Will Ferrell) as much as I do?  Here's some clips of funny Elf moments.  Jus 'cuz.  :)

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Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop Dec. 4-10

I'm participating in the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop because I am a book lover and love to share the joy.  As part of it, I am offering one of my famous book lover's packages which includes:

• one soft, flannel-y lap blanket to keep you warm while you read

• gourmet hot chocolate mixes to add atmosphere, warmth, and something yummy while you read

• a copy of any one of my seven international suspense novels, your choice.

What a great Christmas gift for you or a book lover on your list! 

Here's how you can win:

Become a follower of this blog and tell me in the comment trail.  (I could check but I'm too busy this time of year.)  :)


For extra entries you can:

Like my Facebook page

Follow me on Twitter

Tweet about the giveaway


Be sure to tell me what you did in the comment trail so I can give you all the entries you've earned and give me an email addy to contact you in case you are the winner.

(Giveaway is limited to continental U.S. addresses only.)

And if you want to see all the rest of the blogs that are participating, and enter their giveaways, here is the list:

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Book Review: Brownies & Betrayal & Miss Braithwaite's Secret

Double review for you today. Score!  But you know what else makes me happy?  I achieved my half-nano goal of 25,000 words.  It took me until close to ten p.m. on Friday, but I did it and I'm proud of myself.  November was a crazy month!

Brownies and Betrayal by Heather Justesen is a combination of delicious romantic options, baked goods, and a suspenseful mystery.  We're introduced to Tess Crawford, a pastry chef who's moved from Chicago to small town Silver Springs after she's caught her fiance cheating on her.  She's opening her own bakery and  doing refreshments for a wedding when one of the wedding guests gets into a petty argument with her over her brownies.  Tess later finds that guest murdered and she becomes a suspect when the police find out about the argument and her fingerprints are found on the murder weapon.  In trying to clear her name, Tess finds herself in several dangerous situations as she zeroes in on the killer.

The thing I like about Heather Justesen's books is that she writes romance really well.  Family by Design had some really great romantic moments that made me sigh, and I was hoping for that with Brownies and Betrayal.  Heather does a good job of balancing the mystery with a "love triangle" of sorts, but there's not a lot of romantic resolution, instead there's more of a romantic set-up for the next book (this is the start of a new series from what I gather).  The mystery was good, although I called the killer early on, but I liked the twists and turns the story took.  The recipes sounded yummy and I'd definitely like to try a few of them.  This is a great curl-up-on-your-couch afternoon read.

Here's the back copy:

Pastry chef Tess Crawford thought moving from Chicago to quiet Silver Springs, Arizona would simplify her life. That was before she found the body of a woman with whom she had traded heated words the previous night, left her fingerprints on the murder weapon, and came under attack for trying to clear her name. When her cheating ex-fiance shows up, intent on convincing her to come back to work for him, Tess—armed with an extra batch of éclairs—decides to take control and solve the mystery herself, with the help of friends and frenemies alike.

But will that be enough to save her when she gets too close and the killer decides it’s safer to get her out of the way?                 


Miss Braithwaite's Secret

You all know I've been on a historical kick this year and Miss Braithwaite's Secret really satisfied me.  GG Vandagriff has found her true calling as a writer in her regencies.  She has a flair in this genre that is hard to match.

In this book we see Caroline Braithwaite, who leaves her London season early to nurse a broken heart.  While she's picking up the pieces, the very man who broke it is invited to the house where she's staying for a house party, since he's recovering from a broken engagement.  The misunderstandings between the two are really well done and I particularly enjoyed the twists and turns the story took.  Ned is a worthy hero and Caro is her own woman trying to work within the restraints of society. I  loved her spunk and I liked that she wasn't perfect, just as the hero wasn't perfect.  It was believable and fun, romantic and page-turning.  For any regency lovers, this is a must-read.

Here's the back copy:

In this novel, when Caroline Braithwaite, the Incomparable, leaves her first London Season early, the ton is left wondering why. Home in Wiltshire, she does not confide in her parents or her best friend. However, when the duke of Beverley appears at a house party to which they have both been invited, she is seriously discomposed. So is he. Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing he wants is to partner a woman he had briefly courted in London – a woman he would have offered for before the fiancée came along. Caro fights her own attraction to the compelling duke. After all, he's already broken her heart once. She is not about to give him a second chance.

As the two slowly learn more about one another, they are surprised to find that first impressions have led them astray. While their feelings are growing progressively more intimate, they are plagued by harrowing circumstances which keep them apart and lead to new misunderstandings. How many times will Caro have to forgive Ned, the Duke of Beverley? And will he, at last, be able to prove his love?  

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