After my last post, I decided to check out some of the other authors who will be at the launch party on March 16 at the Barnes & Nobles in the Gateway. I visited Kimberly’s blog and learned about her Favorite Things Giveway to celebrate the release of her debut novel I’ll Know You By Heart.

One prize in particular caught my attention: a session with her critique group. Oh I want it! But I couldn’t just blog about the contest here and leave it at that. I had to ask a perfect stranger if she’d be willing to do an interview on my blog. And she agreed. I’m glad she did because I could relate to so many of her answers and I feel like I’ve made a new blog friend.  I hope you enjoy gettting to know her as much as I did.

Kate: Where are you from?

Kimberly: I was born in Utah, and have lived here all my life, except for a short time in Florida where there was way too many BIG bugs.

Kate:  How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Kimberly: A lot of the thoughts and feelings of the main character are based on my own experiences. I know what it is like to feel trapped in a situation that is out of your control, and I understand the worries and insecurities of being a single parent. Portions of the book were also influenced by my own religious beliefs.

Kate:  What does your family think of your writing?

Kimberly: My children think it’s cool.  They like telling people I’ve published a book.  My parents are proud of me and tell everyone they know.  My husband is very supportive.  He watches the kids so that I can go to critique group every week, go to book signings, and he’ll take care of them while I’m gone on my two week tour.

Kate:  So will your husband watch my kids when I win this critique group session? Just kidding–my husband is very supportive as well. He tells me I’m happy when I’m writing and always offers encouragement. Enough about me. We’re here to learn about you. When and why did you begin writing?

Kimberly: I love to read, and I guess in the back of my mind, I’ve always thought it would be cool to write my own book.  I met a friend in 2008 who is an aspiring author.  He had something like thirteen manuscripts written at the time.  I was intrigued and asked a lot of questions.  He encouraged me to start writing, and took me to my first writing conference—from there I was hooked.

Kate:   That’s the same year I started writing.  Here it is two years later and your first book is coming out. Wow! You must be a fast learner.  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Kimberly: Yes, plotting.  I can come up with basic story ideas, with a beginning, middle, and end.  But I have a hard time filling in the details in between.  I like to get from one point to the next quickly, and I struggle to have enough words.  Some people in my critique group are prolific writers and are always trying to cut words out.  I have the opposite problem.  We joke about them giving some of theirs to me.

I also don’t really like to write about things I know nothing about.  I know some people love to research and learn about new places and things as they write—me, not so much.  Sometimes it’s necessary, but I avoid it if I can.

Kate:  Having enough words is something I struggle with as well. Would you describe yourself as a discovery writer or an outliner?

Kimberly: I’ve tried it both ways.  I find that my writing is much better if I outline.  I’m not strict about staying with the outline, but it helps me to know where the story is headed.  I also think outlining helps pace the story.  In an outline you can create an even distribution of conflict and high points, with slower, low points in the story.

Kate:  What do you think makes a good story?

Kimberly: I personally like stories that show a lot of character growth.  I want to see a character experience real-life problems and overcome them in unique and inspiring ways.

Kate:  Tell us about your novel I’ll Know You By Heart.

Kimberly: What happens when the love you thought you found is the one that puts you in mortal danger?

I’ll Know you by Heart is the story of Stephanie Roberts. As Stephanie runs from an abusive marriage and tries to safeguard her children, she finds support as she turns to Jared, a recent widower with trials of his own.  She soon learns that Jared might need more than she is capable of giving.  With Stephanie’s abusive husband and past looming, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.

I’ll Know you by Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity.  A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Kate:  Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

Kimberly: The main idea for I’ll Know You by Heart came from me wanting to portray a character who seems weak and insecure but realizes her inner strength and relies on her Heavenly Father to overcome a very difficult situation.  I think there is a part inside all of us that is strong and wants to survive.  I hope that readers will be able to identify with my character’s strengths, but also their weaknesses and come away knowing that no matter what difficulties they may face, or how hopeless they may seem, there are happy days ahead.

Kate:  Hope is always a good feeling to have. Thanks so much for visiting today and good luck with your book launch!

Here are some places you can find Kimberly online:

www.kimberlyjob.com

www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Job-Author

www.facebook.com/kimberlyjob

www.twitter.com/kimberlyjob

www.kimberlyjobrecipes.blogspot.com I expecially liked this site she calls What’s For Dinner? Kind of has a familiar ring to it don’t you think? I definitely need to try her Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe. Fast, easy, and all in a slow cooker–that’s my kind of recipe.

The Thorn is author Daron D. Fraley’s debut novel. You can read about a chance to win this book and a $25 Barnes and Noble gift certificate over on his blog.

Back cover copy from the book:

Three tribes are at war on the planet Gan, unaware that the sign of Christ’s birth on an unknown world – Earth – is about to appear in the heavens.

During a bloody skirmish with Gideonite troops, Jonathan of Daniel spares Pekah, a young enemy soldier, gaining his trust forever. These two distant brothers from estranged tribes covenant with each other to end the war being waged by a self-proclaimed emperor, and soon discover the intentions of a far more dangerous foe named Rezon – a sinister general bent on ruling those he can bring into subjection and destroying all others.

In the end, Pekah’s selfless bravery is the means by which all the tribes are united. But there are dissenters, and Rezon escapes a well-deserved fate. When the promised heavenly signs appear, will there be peace at last, or will the malefactors once again threaten the safety of them all?

The first time I read about the premise of this book I was intrigued. Over the years I’ve wondered about the other worlds we know exist and how they too believe and follow Christ who was born on our Earth. Mostly I stop there and place those wonderings on a shelf for later. I’m interested to see how Daron imagines this other world taught to believe in Christ. The Thorn will be released on March 16 at this launch party:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Valor Author Lollapalooza Book Launch
A world of difference…
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 Rio Grande Drive
Salt Lake City, UT

New books by authors Michele Ashman Bell (Young Adult-Coming of Age/Romance), Tristi Pinkston (Mystery/Comedy), Karen E. Hoover (YA Fantasy), Daron D. Fraley (Speculative Fiction) and Kimberly Job (Romance) will be released at this book launch event as well. All these authors will be in attendance and signing books.

I’m particularly interested in one other upcoming release. Karen E. Hoover’s Sapphire Flute has been touted as clean gripping YA fantasy. Since I’m a parent of a couple of YA readers that’s important to me.

It has been 3,000 years since a white mage has been seen upon Rasann.

In the midst of a volcanic eruption miles outside of her village, Ember discovers she can see magic and change the appearance of things at will. Against her mother’s wishes, she leaves for the mage trials only to be kidnapped before arriving. In trying to escape, she discovers she has inherited her father’s secret–a secret that places her in direct conflict with her father’s greatest enemy.

At the same time, Kayla is given guardianship of the sapphire flute and told not to play it. The evil mage C’Tan has been searching for it for decades and the sound alone is enough to call her. For the flute to be truly safe, Kayla must find its birthplace in the mountains high above Javak. The girls’ paths are set on a collision course…a course that C’Tan is determined to prevent at all costs.

So there’s a few new choices if you’re looking for something to read.

“Mom why are you trying to be fat?”

“It’s not fat, it’s the the baby,” I said.

“Uh-uh. I can see your back. It’s bent. You’re pushing your tummy out.”

Many are bemoaning the recent heavy snowfall. However, I’m grateful for the storm. We need several more just like it if we want water enough for our summer crops.

Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from my children who played until well past dark enjoying the new snow. Today as they donned coats and boots before school, they were discussing the improvements they will make to their tunnel system this afternoon. (Snowball throwers just happen to make great tunnel diggers with the side benefit of creating perfect snowballs.)

Enjoy the moment.

One year ago I pulled into a Cabela’s parking lot for the first time. (I’m behind the times, I know.) I got out of my car and started walking towards the door where other customers were coming and going. A couple of people exited the store carrying rifles. Another man pulled a gun from the back of his parked car before continuing to the doors. A little ways past the massive entry three men held and admired another gun. And I felt at home. Now I know that probably seems a strange reaction to most of you, but I felt comfortable there–like I understood these people. I also realized the irony most would see of feeling at home surrounded by people carrying guns. So let me explain.

I grew up in a family that hunted. All the meat in our house came from deer and elk hunts and summer fishing trips. When I was in high school, my mom bought some hamburger and made sloppy joes with it. We all wanted to know what ingredients she had left out or changed to make it taste so different. We weren’t accustomed to hamburger. Guns were a way of life in my world and since I experienced a safe and happy childhood, my peaceful response at seeing others toting guns in and out of Cabela’s isn’t all that strange after all.

Have you ever felt comfortable in a place that popular society says you shouldn’t?

This recipe  comes from a cookbook compiled for the Sonberg family reunion held in 1999. I love recipes from these kinds of cookbooks for a few reasons. One being that people typically send their best and favorite recipes. Secondly, the stories behind them. The note with this recipe reads: “This is kinda interestin’ to fix, but a lot more interestin’ to eat.” This has become one my children’s favorite desserts partly because of the preparation method. This is a great cake to make if you’re out of milk, eggs, or butter. Let’s get started.

Put 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, 2 tsp. soda, and 1/2 tsp. salt into an ungreased 13×9x2″ metal baking pan. I’ve always wondered what would happen if I used a glass baking dish. Would the cake stick  to it? Hmmm …

Stir with a fork to mix. (I often use a wire whisk instead.) Form 3 wells in flour mixture. So I opened a new can of cocoa–a different brand than I usually buy. Those brown flecks are cocoa dots that didn’t mix. It turned out fine in the end; it just looks weird here.

Pour oil into one well, vinegar in one and vanilla in the last.

Pour cold water over all ingredients and stir with fork until well mixed. Do not beat.

Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Bake in 350° oven for 35 to 45 minutes. I baked mine at 325° in a convection oven for 30 minutes.

The cinnamon sugar makes a thin layer of crunchy topping.

Serve and enjoy! It tastes scrumptiously chocolatey with a hint of cinnamon. You don’t really need anything with this, but … when I skimmed the milk for dinner, the cream was so thick and perfect for whipping that …

it would have been a shame not to do this. You choose.

Stir Crazy Cake

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. cooking oil
2 T. vinegar
1 T. vanilla
2 c. cold water
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Put flour, 1 1/2 cup sugar, cocoa, soda, and salt into an ungreased 13×9x2″ metal baking pan. Stir with a fork to mix. Form 3 wells in flour mixture. Pour oil into one well, vinegar in one and vanilla in the last. Pour cold water over all ingredients and stir with fork until well mixed. Do not beat. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Bake in 350° oven for 35 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Nate stepped out the door, milk bucket in hand, but quickly returned for the camera.

This award came from L.A. DeVaul. She’s committed herself to five years of yoga. Everyday. In her own unique and insightful way she’s blogging about her journey. She’s also a soon to be published author. Her novel Roxanne in La La Land (A love triangle between a man, a woman, and a dream.) comes out sometime this spring.

So the rules of this award are to list five fascinating things about myself, and pass the award on to five new blogs. Already I’m in trouble with the fascinating part. How ’bout I go for five perhaps not-so-fascinating-things,-but-things-about-me-nonetheless? Agreed? Agreed.

1. The recipe section of this blog is struggling.

2. So is the running section.

3. There’s a good reason for that.

4. I’m pregnant.

5. For the twelfth time.

Food is beginning to taste better. Maybe I’ll be able to photograph it again. When my energy comes back. Running on the other hand …

Five new blogs for you all to check out:

1. Krista Lynne Jensen This lady I’ve got to meet someday. It’s fun to hear her ever changing playlist.

2.  Chasing Dreams You’ll find a lot of writers commenting here and info about the publishing journey.

3. Preschool by Stormie Yeah, this isn’t a blog. L. A. might have to revoke my award. It’s a fantastic resource for parents who do preschool for their own children and professional educators alike.

4. Cool Running Yes, I know. This isn’t a blog either, but it has fun forums and people. It’s where I found the Couch to 5K program that started me on my running obsession journey. I’ve done a few virtual races with other runners on this site and learned a lot.

5. Writing Excuses This is a blog format. These 15 minute writing podcasts are how I get my Monday morning breakfast dishes done. The comments are fun and informative, too.

Now you know more about me than you really needed  to know on a Monday. Sorry about that.

Before the fateful power outtage a couple of weeks ago, I had planned a winter chore post. However, not all of my pictures were recovered, so here is a sketchy view of what winter feeding entails. Nate uses all his weight and strength to pull hay from half ton bales placed by the tractor. Behind him (in pictures that I lost) is the calf corral. He simply turns around with a forkful and places it in the feeder. Once the calves are fed we cross the corral, climb a fence, and enter the cow (Mama Cows) corral.

Then pass through a gate to the alley and haystack. Nate and our oldest cowboy determine where to take the hay from.

Then with pitchforks the hay is spread in the alley for the Mama Cows.

These are some happy cows. While they and the calves are happily eating, we focus on the iced-over watering troughs. More lost pictures. What you don’t see is Nate and the children breaking the ice and using pitch forks to toss chunks of ice out of the trough before filling them again.

Now it’s time to feed the horses and bull. Each gets their own individual spot of hay. They don’t like to share. Wish I had the photo where you could see the bull and each horse spread out munching their personal meals. Or the one showing the bull’s approach after Nate dropped a pile of hay for him. Alas, maybe another time. Use your imagination. This is why Nate works all hours of the night to bring in the hay during the summer.

There’s always time for sledding after morning chores.

(At least during the holidays when school is out.)

Over the last two weeks an anonymous soul took pity on my emerging writing skills. Anon dissected my writing sample and offered up invaluable expertise for which I’m very grateful. Anon criticized my dialogue this way.

“It needs to be natural. This is not natural:

‘We like to entertain, and it’s nice to have formal place settings.’

This is more natural:

‘Parties. You know. We like to have people over.’ Sean reached for two large boxes in the back of the Escalade.”

You will all likely agree that Anon’s rendering flows better, sounds better. This is not the first time I’ve received this criticism. However, it’s the first time the critiquer’s example sounded better to me than my own. Previously, I considered the advice and kept an ear out only to discover that I write my dialogue the way my mom. sisters and I talk when we’re together. I decided my dialogue was perfectly normal and continued on my way until Anon. Now I’m rethinking. It’s difficult for a formal speaking person like me to do these revisions, but I’m determined to make my manuscript better.

Last week my daughter typed and posted rules for the girls’ room. Here is rule number eight from her sign: Do not rummage through our possessions. Perhaps formal diction runs in the genes.