The New Year is a time for resolutions. I bet you made some, right?  Mine were pretty simple. Spend more time exploring my new homes and less time staring at computer screens. Do you think that means less writing? Nah. It just means that I’m going to fill my personal well more frequently, which should result in more, not fewer, novels.

This year, though, I’ve also begun thinking of things I can’t do. Do you have a list like that? Not to be negative and take all the positive energy out of New Year’s resolutions, but maybe thinking about the things we can’t or refuse to do isn’t a bad idea either. After all, having boundaries is important.

So to get started, here are a few of mine. Share your own, if you feel so inclined.

1. I won’t jump to conclusions. I will continue reciting the following quote from Don Miguel Ruiz (posted on my Wisdom of the Goddesses board on Pinterest.)  ”There’s a huge amount of freedom that comes to you when you take nothing personally.” I’ve been working on this for several months, and it’s surprisingly helpful. I’m finding that if I remind myself not to take things personally, interesting doors open. I look forward to memorizing more of the inspirational thoughts from the board.
2. I will not get involved in squabbles or negative gossip. I will not choose sides or add my two cents worth. While my husband is no longer an active minister, I won’t forget the lessons I’ve learned along the way about organizations. (more…)

If you read my blog regularly you’ll have noted by now that titles are crucial to me.  They are crucial to my publisher, too.  Unfortunately we don’t always agree about what’s crucial to sell a book and keep an author happy.

I’ll confess that in hindsight I can see that some of my ideas have been less than stellar.  I remember titling one of my first romances The Soul’s Seduction, which Harlequin Superromance put a stop to immediately.  Of course their selection, Something So Right, has never felt like, well, something so right. But in all fairness, neither does The Soul’s Seduction, which now sounds like it should be a sequel to The Exorcist.

We’re having problems with my latest title, too, months after I proposed it and thought it was safe.  That’s particularly difficult for me since I’ve worked it into the story in numerous ways already.  This is something authors get and publishers don’t.  I’ve heard on good authority that Adam wanted to call the first book of the New Testament Eve and the Magic Apple, and we all know how that turned out.

I have friends who are far more objective about this process, believing that publisher input is vital.  I have others who are so thoroughly disenchanted they call every novel Untitled because they know marketing will change it no matter what, so why waste time?  A mega-bestselling author once told me a true story about a meeting in which she was told  what the title of her new book would be.  Marketing’s pick was two words, a heroine’s name and something the heroine possessed.  Neither word had any correlation to the story, but somebody thought it was a great title.  She wrote the book to match it.

I am not nearly as accommodating.  You will note that I am also not a mega-bestselling author.

Today, though, I’m most interested in what YOU think.  What makes a book title memorable and attractive enough that you pull it off the bookshelf to check out the story?  I’m truly interested in your opinion, so please feel free to also give examples if they occur to you.  I’ll start with  three that matter to me, just to get things rolling. Remember, this is your chance to be heard.  Share at least one thought in a comment on this post. If everything you want to say has been covered, just tell us a book title you’ve particularly liked and why.  You will still be entered.

Random.org will choose a winner in June from all commenters on both list posts in May.  The prize is an autographed novel, my choice since it will depend on what is not yet packed.  You still have time to comment on the first one, too.

Elements of a Great Book Title:

1: The title fits the genre so that the reader isn’t fooled

2: The title is short enough to remember AND long enough to remember

3:  The title captures my imagination

Now it’s your turn. Have fun.

And in another giveaway.  Congratulations to Janet Bowlin, whose comment on my interview with Diane Chamberlain was chosen by random.org to win a copy of Diane’s Keeper of the Light.

Life is just filled with unanswered questions, isn’t it? Some people see the world as one big mystery.  They might be content the’ve found part of an explanation, but they are always certain a complete answer is hovering just outside their reach. “Sure, after careful research I built my house out of stone, but now I wonder how my impact resistant glass windows will hold up to the Big Bad Wolf’s lung power.”

Others ask few questions, certain they have been given all the answers that matter using common sense, or finding them in the pages of holy scripture, family wisdom, or the slogans of their favorite politician.  ”Sure, I built my house out of straw.  Straw was good enough for Mama and Papa Pig, and they lived long enough to have us three little piglets, didn’t they?”

Most of us can be found somewhere in between.  We know there’s more to the world than meets the eye, so we search for answers in a variety of places without becoming obsessed.

If you’re like me, though, there are mysteries that haunt you, things you must know but can’t find out.  This is your chance to tell us what they are.  Share at least one in a comment here and you will be entered in May’s List’s giveaway. Let’s avoid politics and religion, okay?  If you have no unanswered questions, you can tell us that, too, and still be entered.

Random.org will choose a winner next month from all May’s List commenters.  The prize is an autographed novel, my choice since it will depend on what is not yet packed.

Mysteries That Haunt Me:

1: Was Lee Harvey Oswald really a lone assassin?

2: Is the Loch Ness monster a myth, wishful thinking, or a leftover from prehistoric times?

3: What did Billie Joe McAllister throw off the Tallahatchie Bridge?

4: In December 1941, how did the Japanese get so close to Pearl Harbor without being spotted?

5: Will Hollywood ever again find inspiration from any source other than comic books and video games?

Now it’s your turn.  Comment any time this month to be entered in the giveaway.

And speaking of giveaways and winners?  Congratulations to Mollie Cox Bryan, who won last month’s Lists giveaway with the following comment:  ”I agree with a lot of what’s already been written here. For me, a little politics and religion goes a long way. I don’t mind either one, really, if I feel like it’s an integral part of the story and if it’s done well. But so many times these days it feels like fiction has an agenda. That’s what I don’t like.”

I’ll make a confession.  I just slammed the cover on a novel by an author I have enjoyed in the past.  I read 150 pages or so of this, his third book, which was, under the circumstances, way above and beyond the call of duty for any reader.  There was some amazing writing on those pages, sentences I yearned to have written, descriptions that were so vivid I was sucked right into the scene.

At the same time, there were so many things I didn’t like, I finally realized I was torturing myself.

You’ve been there, right?  You’ve wanted to love a novel so much (perhaps even one of mine) that you’ve kept reading well beyond the point when you know the book just  isn’t for you.  And you probably know the reasons why the book didn’t work.  Sometimes, quite simply, there are things we just don’t want to read about. (more…)

Remember lists?   It’s time for a new entry.  Read about my list posts here, then comment and add your own thought.  At the end of the month Random.org will choose a winner from everyone who added to any April list to receive an autographed novel.   Remember, please stay away from politics, religion and general snarkiness, or the gatekeeper will “lose” your entry.

I’m moving.  I’ve told you that before, and I bet you’ll hear it a time or two more before the moving vans arrive.  But as a novelist, I spend a lot of time figuring out how to make “ordinary” things “extraordinary” for my readers. This means a certain amount of contemplation on even day-to-day events.

I move quite a bit, which is wonderful, considering that I’d never throw out anything if I didn’t.  This time, though, I’ve been in the same house for thirteen years.  This means thirteen years of accumulated items I was certain I could never part with.

Guess what?  I can part with lots of them, and I am.

This did set me thinking, though, about what we can’t part with in our lives. What is precious to us, so precious that we would do anything to keep it?

Today’s list asks that question.   As always I’ve listed five, but you can list as few or as many as you’d like.  Just do it in a comment right here, and you’ll be entered in the giveaway.

Since it goes without saying that you have people and pets in your life you would not want to live without, this list is for non-breathing object.

The Things I Could Never Give Away

1:  Anything that makes me laugh.  In my case this includes the wizard in a crystal ball who answers important questions so I don’t have to, and Percy, the Singing Pig who sings “My Girl” as he shimmies back and forth on my bookshelf.

2:  My computer.  You understand why, right?

3:  Photos.  Although, let’s be honest, how often do we look at them?  Still, mine represent my past, and it’s a great pleasure to relive it.

4:  Fabric, sewing supplies, quilt books and magazines.  Getting rid of any of these is futile, since I would immediately begin to stash fabric again, probably on the trip to my new house.

5:  Jewelry.   I’m not a collector and I have very little of value, but much of what I do have was given to me by family or friends.  That raises the meaning of each item to a whole new level.

I felt a huge need, even a duty, to put books here, but quite honestly?  My research books are no longer as helpful as the Internet.  The novels I love are easier to store as ebooks now.  And there is always that most wonderful of places, the public library, if I want to re-read a favorite on paper.  I’ll be taking my keepers, of course, but not as many as you might think.  I can’t live without books, and I am eternally grateful that I will never have to.

Now, how about you?

Congratulations to Marilyn Seitz, who won the March list giveaway and will receive an autographed novel.  Thanks to everyone else who participated.

I love to fantasize.  You probably knew that.  Last night when I should have been sleeping I began making a list of everything I ought to pack on two upcoming trips.  Honestly, who cares?  But I did, at about 2 AM.  Then as I began to make my list, I thought of you.  What fun to find out what you can’t live without when  you travel, no matter how small the suitcase.

This morning as the idea formed in a fully conscious brain I realized some of the things I would always take with me on trips are also things I need for life.  Period.  And that sounded like even more fun to blog about.

So today’s list?  You’re about to be born to a family here on earth, and you can pack a few things you will have with you all through your life.  What will serve you best?

Just tell us by commenting here–and not on my pages at Facebook or Goodreads, since it’s too easy to lose track of entries.  Remember that I give away an autographed book each month, and if you comment on any of that month’s “list posts” then you’ll be entered in the giveaway.  It’s that simple. 

Lists: Packing for Life

1–A sense of humor, because without this, life can be overwhelmingly sad

2–An appreciation of beauty, because without this, life will seem ordinary and plain

3–A sensitivity to the feelings of those around me, because without this, life will be lonely

4–A desire to help others, because without this, it’s impossible to make any lasting, meaningful connections

5–An understanding and appreciation of my own talents, because without this, I might not find the courage to explore them.

Now it’s your turn.  What will you pack?  You don’t have to list five.  Just share your thoughts and enjoy.

Remember lists?  That’s right.  It’s time for a new entry.  Read about my list posts here, then comment and add your own thoughts to this one and any others coming up.  At the end of the month Random.org will choose a winner from everyone who added to a March list to receive an autographed novel.   Remember, please stay away from politics, religion and general snarkiness.  This is not the evening news. 

Cell phones.  They’re everywhere, aren’t they?  Maybe they shouldn’t be.  Let’s list all the places cell phones don’t belong.  Remember, keep it clean.

Places and Times to Keep Your Cell Phone in Your Pocket:

1:  On dates.  I don’t know how many times I’ve seen a young couple sitting together at a restaurant and one of them is talking on a cell phone to somebody else.  Usually for a majority of the meal. 

2: When you’re having an evening out with your children.  Of course if the people above actually marry, there may not be enough private moments to worry about creating a family, but just in case. . .  Nothing’s sadder to me than watching a child sitting at a table with a parent who’d rather talk to somebody else.

3:  While pushing a baby stroller, or grocery shopping with a baby or toddler.  Okay, I get this.  I have four children, and I remember being lonely for someone with more than a 50 word vocabulary.  But come on, this is exactly the moment when you teach your children about the world around them.  Can you help them name colors or find the tuna fish when you’re talking to somebody else?

4:  In an airport van.  I was once a captive audience while a man fired one of his employees, loudly and with glee.  This is why women should carry Mace.

5:  In the airport itself, sitting next to other passengers who are waiting to board. Sadly one day I learned more than I ever wanted to know about the inner workings of  a Red Cross chapter, complete with names, employee problems, and more personal information too, well, personal, to mention here.  Guess what?  People are listening.

Now it’s your turn.  What did I miss?  Am I wrong?  Let’s talk–but please, not on your cell. 

Congratulations to Pat Matejcek, whose comment was chosen to win by random.org from all the list comments in February.

Happy Saint Valentine’s Day.

Did you know today’s holiday became popular during Chaucer’s time?  The real “Valentine” is obscured in legend, based on the lives of two Catholic saints, although the stories of neither hint at romance.  But the world loves lovers, and in the 14th century,  historical facts were stretched and altered.  Now, of course, we celebrate romance on February 14th and don’t look closely at the reason why.

All of us have loved someone.  The luckier we are, the more people we have loved and been loved by.  Have you thought about why you love someone in your life?  What traits, qualities, strengths or even weaknesses attract you? Spouse, parent, child, friend?

Anyone who adds an item to the list by commenting on this post or any “list” post this month will be entered in a drawing for an autographed novel.  No religion, politics or snarkiness allowed–at least nothing too snarky. 

Just follow the topic and speak from the “heart.”  My list is dedicated to my husband, but yours can be dedicated to anybody past or present.  Please feel free to tell or not tell whom your comments honor.

I Love You Because:

1–Because you refuse to stop taking silly pictures of us everywhere we go

2–Because you aren’t ashamed to get excited about life

3–Because you stand up for unpopular causes

4–Because you love our grandchildren as much as I do

5–Because you love everything I cook, even the failures

Celebrate love with us today and share your own list.  And while you’re at it?  Don’t forget to comment on Mollie Cox Bryan’s interview for a chance to win a scrapbooker’s “brag book” from Mollie.  Random.org will choose a winner late tonight.

Sometimes we stumble into history.  My husband and I did exactly that last week when we chose to visit Mt. Dora, Florida.  Little did we know that Newt Gingrich was planning a visit, too.  The Florida Republican primaries were in full swing, and so was the Gingrich entourage.  As we ate breakfast on the porch of a historic hotel on Lake Dora we learned that Newt, Callista and the gang were appearing the next morning, to be introduced by Calvin Coolidge himself.  We  made plans not to attend, although we do like Calvin Coolidge. 

Late the next morning we decided to visit the hotel again, certain the hoopla would be over.  It wasn’t.  While we missed the speech and Calvin, the Gingrich campaign was still there, shaking hands, having photos taken.  We took a table, watched and listened.  From my closest neighbor I learned that as a “liberal” I should be automatically deported to either France or Greece.  (I so wanted to ask this gentleman if Santorini was a possibility.)  Small groups of people wearing Patriot Army T-shirts converged on us, which made my heart beat a little faster. 

In front of us, deeply mired in the crowd, Newt continued to inch his way to the car.  I worried about security.  There were plenty of people in uniform, but it only takes one unstable person with a grudge to have another Gabby Giffords moment.  I was relieved to see him get in at last and be driven away.  I fervently hope all our candidates safely drive away at the end of these events. 

Seeing one of the candidates in person, and being subjected to the negative campaigning on Florida television did make me think harder.  I remembered hearing that in 1990 Newt, himself, published a list of words Republican candidates should use when talking about Democrats.  So after the event, I searched for it.  Along the way I found another list a group at politicalstrategy.org had put together to turn the tables.  You’ll enjoy the contrast.

Newt’s list: 

“Anti-flag, anti-family, anti-child, anti-jobs, betray, coercion, collapse, consequences, corruption, crises, decay, deeper, destroy, destructive, devour, endanger, failure, greed, hypocrisy, ideological, impose, incompetent, insecure, liberal, lie, limit(s), pathetic, permissive attitude, radical, self-serving, sensationalists, shallow, sick, they/them, threaten, traitors, unionized bureaucracy, urgent, waste.”

Political Strategy’s list:

“American, Best-interest, Bipartisan, Caring, Children, Choice, Clean, Common sense, Confident, Correct, Courage, Decent, Democracy, Determination, Diversity, Environment, Equity, Fairness, Family, Fiscal responsibility, Forward looking, Freedom, Growth, Hard working, Health, Humane, Innovative, Justice, Liberty, Life, Majority, Middle-class, Moral, New ideas, Open government, Open-minded, Passionate, Peace, Pioneer, Populist, Progressive, Pro-growth, Promote, Prosperity, Protection, Proud, Reality, Responsibility, Security, Solution, Strength, Success, Tolerance, Truth, Unity, Vision, We/us/our, Win, Women, Working, Working-class.”

Does any of this sound familiar? 

Let’s, none of us, Republican/Democrat, or Conservative/Liberal be taken in by lists of words in this next election.  Let’s listen, but let’s search hard for the facts and not be taken in by rhetoric. 

This is as political as I plan to get in the next months.  My job is words, not politics.  I’m just asking that we all use them wisely.

***

On another subject and speaking of lists?  Random.org tells me that the January winner for the “lists” giveaway is Myra Lynn Ross, whose comment fit today’s blog so well that I had to include it.  For the list entitled “Things I Want to Know” Myra Lynn wrote: “Why we are so threaatened by those who disagree with us.” 

More lists to come and more chances to win an autographed novel.  Stay tuned.

Remember “lists?”  I introduced my first list on the 13th, and you responded with wonderful additions.  You can read the comments if you click on the link.

Here’s my next and last list for January.  Anyone who adds an item by commenting on either post by January 31, is entered in a drawing for an autographed book.  No religion, politics or snarkiness allowed–at least nothing very snarky. 

Just follow the topic and speak from the heart.

Do you suspect an ulterior motive in my subject selection?  Of course.  I’m listening.

People I Really Want to Read About:

1–People who pick themselves up and keep going

2–People who make mistakes

3–People who fall in love, even if they know better

4–People who have something to teach me

5–People who live in worlds I’ll never inhabit and still make them feel familiar

Now it’s your turn.  Who speaks loudly enough that you have to pick up their book and immerse yourself in their life?

Who do you want to read about?