Interview with Color Analyst, Lora Alexander

I get tired of buying clothes and then they don't look right (the color) and I end up giving them to someone I think they will look fabulous on (and they do.) I'm happy if someone benefits from my mistakes, but I've wasted a lot of money and I'm still not happy with my color choices. I heard about color analysts years ago and I've been told I'm a winter (don't really think so, though she draped me,) a spring (maybe? Another draping,) or an autumn (again, there are some things there.) Maybe a summer? My mother was definitely a summer. I didn't look like her.

My mother when she was about my age in her best color, pink

I ran across Lora Alexander's blog and website in a search for someone who could finally find my formula. I would like to buy a winter coat in a color that just makes me look fab. Wouldn't you? I'd like to finally look pretty. Oh, and yeah, I'd like to find a lipstick that I am happy with. How about you?

How is it that we remember all our failures? And why do I give up and just buy black? I remember buying a beautiful pale pink sweater for my junior in high school photo because there was this girl named Paulette who always looked gorgeous in that color. I'm pretty sure she was a cool summer with that ash blonde hair (and she had model looks.) I looked washed out and pale. My photo was terrible. How did she do that? How did she always know what color looked best on her?

And then there was my gorgeous friend Nazanin who always looked so sophisticated in black and stone. She was obviously a deep winter. I just looked like I had been sick with the flu for a week. I thought I'd finally found it when my friend Linda, a for sure autumn, offered to lend me some of her clothes. I tried on each one. Each one made me look worse than the last. A few of the colors worked, but most didn't.

Enough!


I really believe in Lora's system. We're still working on getting my palette, (I need some better photos) but we're closer than I've ever been. I asked Lora if she'd do an interview here and she has offered to give away a prize if you come back tomorrow, too, and comment on that blog. Lora uses a 12 season system, which you can see on her site. If you are an author, or a writer, wouldn't you like to have your best colors to wear and lure people in with your healthy and harmonious looks? (Especially at those book signings!) And if you're not an author, I know you still want to look your best and not waste money on clothes which make you look drab.

Here's (almost) everything you wanted to know about Pretty Your World and Lora Alexander.Lora owns and operates her website herself. She is a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, certified Image Consultant and artist. She admits that the name "Pretty Your World" is a bit of an odd name for a beauty site. It's not her first choice but, long story short, it's the one she stuck with and it has definitely grown on her. Let's read about her and see how it all came together and how she can help you!

Lora Alexander, Color Analyst

CLM: What is your official title?

Lora: Color Analyst

CLM: Tell us a little about your growing up and how it led you to color analysis.

Lora: I was good at art from an early age. I remember hearing my first grade art teacher tell my regular teacher that my artwork was “out of this world.” I didn’t know what that meant. I just knew nothing made me happier than a pad of white paper and a brand new box of crayons. 

I was naturally drawn to drawing faces, women’s faces and could see the beauty in all women, except myself. I had very little self-esteem. I was pale, reddish blond hair, and had an older brother who did little to help my self-esteem.  Everything changed when I read the book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson while I was in high school in the 80’s.  I became obsessed with analyzing people’s colors. I have been doing it the second I see someone’s face ever since reading that book.

CLM: What’s your favorite part of your job?

Lora:  I love hearing from women all over the world! My first client was from Italy (a place that is my dream vacation destination.) I’ve analyzed women from China, Russia, Australia, Sweden, South Africa, and nearly every country in between. I love it when women tell me the analysis changed their life. Obviously that’s good feedback.

CLM: When and what made you decide to go online with Pretty Your World?

Lora: I quit my good paying, secure job in early 2008 to start an online store with a friend. The store was going to be romantic shabby chic style one-of-a-kind home décor, furniture and thrift store finds. I secured the title “Pretty Your World” for that store. My friend bailed out on me in the last minute, my old job wasn’t hiring due to the economy and a hiring freeze and all I had was a secured domain name. 

So, I found a company called Site Build It that helps people create and build a website and I signed up with them. They emphasized the need to do something you are passionate about or you won't stick with it. Not knowing how well a color analysis site would do, if it did anything at all, I went with it, (kept the original domain name) and now I average about 20,000 visitors a month. It’s been fun and I’ve learned an enormous amount of information about ecommerce.

CLM: What’s the most difficult part of doing cyber-analysis?

Lora: Making sure I have enough good quality photos of people that are truly reflective of their actual coloring. Sometimes people want to “look good” in the pictures and may want to add a little foundation, or make sure they wear a little mascara and its important that they don’t cover up any part of their natural coloring.

CLM: My world would be perfect if only….

Lora: My income doubled this year. Then, I would be making as much as I did when I quit my old job and I can finally feel good about my decision. Financially it’s been tough, but it keeps getting better each month, each year.

CLM: The best thing to help in my evaluations is…..

Lora: Lots of clear accurate photos. I tell people they cannot send me too many. I like large hi resolution photos best. I also like to see pictures of clients when they were younger, to see what their coloring was before they started coloring their hair or they started turning gray, etc. Except for some people who cool down a lot when they age—very common—their season typically doesn’t change throughout their life.

                                                

CLM: When you do color analysis of a client, what helps the most in deciding which category your client fits? 

Lora: Their childhood or teenage pictures help often. Plus, if I get a good photo of someone that is clear and they have no makeup on, I upload it into a third party website called www.taaz.com ( I asked for permission to use this as part of my service and they said yes.) I then apply makeup and haircolor to them virtually and this really helps me see immediately if some colors work or not.

CLM: If a client is a man, how does it help him to know which colors to choose?

Lora: I think color analysis is crucial to men, even more so than women because they only have their clothes to make them look their best. Women have makeup, hair color, jewelry, etc. Men need to get their shirts and ties right in particular to have an impact on their coloring.  

CLM: I still can’t get the hang of....

Lora: ….aggressively marketing myself without feeling pushy. I know that link exchanges are important for growing my business but I don’t feel comfortable asking someone if we could exchange links, or ask them if they would review my book, or other similar self-promotional things. Ninety-eight per cent of my traffic comes from search engines and I’ve done no other advertising except for some Google pay-per-click ads. Self-promotion, and to be honest, fear of rejection, is something I need to work on.

CLM: Most of my writer friends will understand about marketing yourself. It can feel awkward. The thing I feel most comfortable in this process is….

Lora: Doing the virtual makeovers. It has re-ignited my passion to be a makeup artist again! I went to school in ’98 to become an Esthetican, hoping I’d learn about makeup artistry. Two days of training was all we got. When I worked in salons, I only did a few makeup sessions, but they were fun. I mainly did waxing, facials and more waxing. I didn’t dislike it, but I never really got the chance to hone my makeup skills like I had once dreamed of.

CLM: What’s your favorite way to celebrate reaching your goals?

Lora: Going shopping at my local Thrift Store. I love hunting for treasures at thrift stores and garage sales.

CLM: What do you know now that you wish you had known in the beginning?

Lora: Well, I am learning to be a little less effected by criticism. It’s still hard though. But I’m learning that being successful (or trying to achieve success) does not mean pleasing everyone. You can’t. You can only do what you genuinely feel is right and hope they accept that. If they don’t, I can’t let that ruin my day. I like to read inspirational stories like how Col. Sanders was rejected over a thousand times for his KFC recipe but he kept going. Most likely I would have given up at the 3^rd or 4^th rejection! To become successful you have to be persistent.

CLM: We writers really know about that and relate to you there. Tell us about your art and how you use it in your business? 

Lora: Thanks for asking! I always had this dream of opening a little makeup studio/facial room and decorating it with my original artwork. When I did my book Color Revival I did all of the illustrations. First, I wanted to present my artwork to world, and second, it saved me lots of money hiring an artist or buying stock photos! But that process helped re-ignite my other passion, too (and my very first one): Artwork. 

I plan on trying to market my artwork seriously for the first time this year. I plan on opening a Zazzle store, too, [www.zazzle.com] which will feature my artwork. I’m pretty excited about it. My artwork is an area in particular where I need to get over my fear of rejection. That’s why I sort of kept it hidden so long. It’s very personal. If someone is not happy with their color analysis, that’s one thing. But if they hate my artwork, they hate me! At least that’s how it feels sometimes. 

Lora's book, Color Revival, has her art work inside and it's very well done

CLM: Again, as writers, we can relate and I have sons who are artists so I know what you mean there. Can't wait for more products and your Zazzle products. Anything you’d like to add in how a color analysis will help your client (particularly if he or she is an author?) 

Lora: I honestly feel that getting to know your best colors can indeed change your life. Besides enabling you to look your best, it can save you so much time and frustration because your wardrobe will all work together perfectly. And the money saved from not making mistakes in makeup and clothing is tremendous. If you add a style analysis from http://www.prettyyourworld.com/personal-style.html , you will have the two most important beauty tools in your arsenal for looking your best. 

If you win, will you choose this? Her ColorFast Color Analysis with eSwatches.

If you would like to have a full color analysis by Lora Alexander or a style analysis, go to her website and you have several options from which to choose. Also, she has color palettes to carry in your purse to help you with shopping. 
 EXCITING OFFER!
WE have a winner! The winner of Lora Alexander's Quick Color Analysis is CARRIE WOOD. She has been notified and hopefully will share with us what she learns. If you would like your own analysis, do check out Lora's website.

If you win, will you choose her Color Revival e-book?

Go exploring at her blog and website and take her free quiz. Be sure to come back tomorrow when she shows us how she does her analysis!
 

Lora's Blog


Lora's Swatches

Lora's Book Color Revival

Lora's Products

Free gift 

Free newsletter 

Free quiz  

http://www.prettyyourworld.com

Finally, Cooking

My Dogs, Awaiting Any Crumbs I Will Drop

This has been a tough winter. I have a new puppy (he's on the right, a Scottie) and training hasn't been easy. Since my last dog came here eight years ago, I had forgotten all that comes with a new puppy--chewing, accidents, confining schedule, not getting along with the older-I-don't-want-to-play-or-share-Dog, chewing, chewing, oh, yeah, and chewing!

Then, there's been the snow and ice. We were blessed with good weather and a houseful of relatives for the annual Small Family New Year's Eve Euchre Party started by our dear and blessed Aunt Lola (and some claim it goes back to Grandpa and Grandma Small.) When Lola was in her last months of her cancer, she asked me if we could have the euchre party on New Year's Eve and I couldn't say no. She had been there for me for so many tough times that I'd had, that all I could say was, "Ok. How do you make coffee in that big ol' Grandma Halcie coffee pot??"

This year was especially special--the guys had left to take extra cars to another location so our guests had plenty of places to park and I was down to the wire, baking my last item in the oven--meatballs. I ran upstairs to freshen up, planning on coming back down just in time to take the meatballs out, put them into the crockpot with my sauce (a Lola special--a jar of Welch's Grape Jelly with a jar of chili sauce--yum.) I came down to check, and the oven wouldn't open. It was locked. Seriously. And the temperature was rising and smoke was coming out. Not good. I had set the oven for 350 degrees. I'd been making various items in the oven all day, but never over 350. It was locked down like it was cleaning.

I punched every button to get it to stop. My last resort was to run to the basement to flip the breaker switch. Only unknown to me, the electricians who wired our house had mislabeled the switch for that area. I'd flip a switch, run upstairs, see it wasn't it, run back downstairs. I was just getting ready to flip the whole house breaker, when my guys walked in the door. In all my frantic running, I had called one of their cell phones to let them know what was going on. My husband went down and flipped switches until I yelled, "That's it!" By this time there was a lot of smoke in my house--a house where guests would be there in half an hour. I opened windows to bitter cold to air out, sprayed Febreeze all over, and finally, the oven cooled and released so I could throw out my burned pans and charcoaled meatballs. Ruined.

Since my oven is also in a unit with my microwave in the wall, I couldn't use my microwave, either. Our family pitches in dishes, and sometimes they need to warm up whatever they've brought. This year no one needed my oven, but they did need a microwave. My sister-in-law sent hers over with my nephew and brother-in-law. Saved the party! We had a great time that evening, and a few were entertained by seeing what was wrong with the oven. (Once it turned on again, it went into lockdown mode again.)

When Chopper, my appliance man, came to inspect it, it was obvious to both of us that this oven could no longer be trusted. So, I had to pick out a new oven/microwave combo that fit the dimensions of my old oven. Turns out, my new oven is way better than the old one. But. I had to wait a full month before getting the new one installed. That meant creative cooking for a month--with no oven or microwave. Wow. I use my crockpot a lot, anyway, so that helped. We bought a free-standing microwave and I also had my stovetop. If we wanted any baked item, I had to get it at bakery about 20 miles away. We cut down on bakery items.

So, at last I got my new oven. Back in December I'd won a new Kitchen Aid mixer and I finally got to use that to mix up some goodies. Here it is pictured with tempura shrimp from the oven along with my book that I won, also, from Thomas Nelson and author Rachel Hauck. My cooking adventures aren't far off from Joy, the heroine in Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck. Alas. I would rather read about it than be always in dilemmas.

The new mixer and book from Rachel Hauck and Thomas Nelson

New Yellow Pepper Mixer and New Oven/Microwave

My Beloved Cornbread Fresh From My New Oven ( Priorly Mixed Gently by My New Kitchen Aid)

Now I'm cooking. As long as our electricity stays on....

Infinite Playlists: How to Have Conversations (Not Conflict) with Your Kids About Music by Todd Stocker

Infinite Playlists by Todd Stocker




A dad who loves music and grew up on the rock songs of the 1980s and a pastor, Stocker teamed with his teen son on conversations about the music influencing teens now. Instead of condemnation, he has guidelines for parents to talk to their teens about what music is healthy and acceptable for a Christian. This book is more than traditional worship music vs. contemporary, but practical questions and discussions to open the conversation instead of closing discussion on contemporary secular music.

Stocker talks about how music is a gift of God, the effects of it, understanding genres, guidelines for discussion, and even legal issues for Christians. His music student son adds a valuable teen insight. Highly recommended for Christian parents of teens.

Published in Church Libraries Winter 2010-11
By Crystal Laine Miller
Used with permission

Kregel, $9.99



View all my reviews

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Nancy

I'm reposting a blog with links to my friends' posts on Nancy because today is the first birthday since her death. We are thinking about her today and praying for her family. If you didn't know Nancy, here is some about this woman. Someday we'll meet her again--when it comes our turn for heaven.

Anchors,Signposts and Wanderings

Forks, bends, detours, scenery, and fellow travelers I've discovered while Exploring the Path Home.

This is what you'll find on freelance writer and community mental health counselor Nancy J. Ring's blog. That, and a whole lot of wisdom and truths that just leave you breathless. I am having a tough time telling you just one post to read, so let's just say that you should read the whole thing including quotes, favorites, and  things. Nancy found the ultimate path Home on March 13, 2010.

A native Chicagoan, she graduated with a Master’s in Community Counseling  and held her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification. She worked with adults who have severe and persistent mental illness, so she knows a lot about how it can be tough to find the path home. She worked at the same place for nearly 10 years and loves that her work focuses on helping people achieve their vocational goals, as well as working on emotional health and well being. Besides work she also volunteered in her church and worked on setting up a food pantry.

When asked about how all of this affected her writing she said,"Helping people become who they are meant to be is a theme that runs through my writing, my counseling, and my ministry."

I know I gain many insights into myself and my own writing from Nancy and her blog and I will miss her so much in our group where we shared so much. She is in a great place now and wouldn't want to come back, so someday I will go to her and that comforts me somehow. She has been a writing buddy in my Struggling Artists of Literary Talent (SALT) for many years, so I love her as a sister, and my fellow SALT sisters are suffering today along with me. We got together over 10 years ago to critique each others' writing, but we bonded as sisters and cared about and prayed about every aspect of our lives. She was the youngest of the group, but seemed wise beyond her years.

Nancy wrote nonfiction articles for women, adults, and teens on all kinds of inspirational, Christian living topics. She's  also written Sunday School curriculum for her church and award-winning grants for her vocational program at work.

Her blog started as a way to get back into writing after she had finished graduate school.
Nancy said, "It’s helped me find my voice, connect with other writers, and helped me identify writing topics I might not have otherwise considered."

Sometime back I interviewed Nancy for my blog, When I Was Just a Kid. I think it's appropriate to share that interview again. I want to celebrate her life, which was lived to the fullest. Amen.

Childhood Ambition: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor, a gymnast, a scientist, and an artist. Sadly, I wasn’t very good at any of these things. When I discovered how much math was required to be a scientist or doctor, I ditched those goals right away.

I still like gymnastics and art, and I’m still not good at either one of them.

Fondest Memory: Ok, I’m having trouble coming up with one stand-out memory. I think it’s mostly the little memories that I’m fond of. Our family Christmas traditions, getting ice cream or Gene & Jude’s hot dogs when me & my brother had good report cards, and having my aunt’s family over for brunch after church on Sunday. I’m sure there’s more extraordinary memories, but these are the ones I recall at the moment.


Proudest Moment :A lot of my proudest moments seem to be related to academics. I guess I’m a nerd. When I was in 7^th &  8^th grade, I won 3^rd place in a spelling bee. At the time I was disappointed that I didn’t place better, but I’m proud of that now. I was also a finalist in a regional story writing contest. I’d been interested in writing ever since I’d read The Hobbit back in 3^rd grade, but this was the first time I received real, genuine, encouraging feedback about my writing. Even though I was only a finalist, I was proud of this at the time. Go figure.

Biggest Challenge as a Child or Teen: Most people would think my biggest challenge was growing up with a disability. Spina Bifida has always been a part of my life. I’ve never known life to be any different, and being disabled is only an issue when it’s an issue. Snow on the ground creates an unpleasant experience, but it’s hardly the biggest challenge I’ve ever encountered. The quadratic formula, now that’s a challenge. Does anyone know why we needed to learn that thing anyway?


My First Job: My first job was as a telemarketer for a basement waterproofing company. Cold calling at the age of 14. Despite the fact that most of the calls were rejections, we had fun in the office. Our boss was young himself & would do all sorts of goofy tricks to try to keep our spirits up. He taught me to think outside of the box when you need to address a problem. And if that doesn’t work, go next door to the Hostess shop and buy everyone Twinkies.

Childhood Indulgence: As a kid I was always asking to stay up late to read “just one more chapter.” Also, when my dad was working overnights as a paramedic, on Fridays Mom & I would get pizza and a movie. I looked forward to those nights all week.

Favorite Outfit as a Child: Well, there’s the tea bag Halloween costume my mom made me out of pillowcases. (No, I do not have a picture). I also had a mint green Easter dress I loved when I was about 5 or 6 years old. It had pink ribbon, and lace, and a layered, pleated skirt. I loved that dress.

Favorite Childhood Movie: I loved The Muppet Movie. I still do. Kermit the Frog is wonderful.

Favorite Childhood Book: I read all the time when I was a kid. My mom would buy me chapter books at the beginning of a shopping trip to keep me quiet and by the time she finished shopping I was always asking for another one to sustain me over the car ride home. So while it’s hard to pick just one book, I’d have to say my favorite is The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. This was the book that made me decide I wanted to be a writer. I remember reading the opening paragraphs and trying to figure out what the magic stuff among the words was, what made those words do what they did.

Favorite Childhood Activity: Well, there was reading, of course. And playing on the swings. I still loved to do that. The neighbors across the street had a swing set, but we never did. When my parents did some renovating in the backyard I lobbied for a swing set. Instead, they put up a 2-car garage. My beloved lilac bush was also sacrificed in favor of this ugly, mustard yellow & brown monstrosity. Mom would say that it was “her” lilac bush, but it’s not like she lobbied to save it from the invasion of the garage.

Childhood Hero: I think my favorite childhood hero would have to be Jim Henson. I mentioned this at work the other day, and several of my clients laughed at me. I just think the guy was a creative genius. Kermit the Frog & I seemed to understand each other, and that was very important to me at times when I was growing up.

Favorite Childhood Ritual: Well, there’s the pizza & movie nights with Mom that I mentioned. At Christmas, our family would also hold auctions, where the kids would get to bid on dime store items. For some reason, that was almost as exciting as opening presents. I think I liked knowing that it was something special about how our family celebrated the holidays; something other families didn’t do.

Sample of Nancy's Writing Expertise:
"The Need to Be Needed," reprinted for Ministry in Motion
She has also written for Discipleship Journal, Young Salvationist, Christian Standard, The Christian Communicator, and other publications.

Nancy says about her development as a writer, weaving in all aspects of her life and her philosophy behind it:
"Both my jobs (writing & counseling) are driven by a passion for communication. I’ve also recently discovered the art of making handmade books. I’m very interested in how making books can be used in a therapeutic manner. I think handmade books can be a great bridge between my interests in writing and counseling."

 

Here's a rainbow from her balcony in Chicago that God hung just for her.

Anchors, Signposts, &  Wanderings


Here's a few of Nancy's favorite things from our photo album:

Bears (these are real bears in fellow SALT sister Paula's yard in Alaska, but she also had a collection of stuffed bears!)

 

Nancy was able to adopt a gorgeous gray velvet cat whom she named Katerina. Her tales of Kat's adventures kept us entertained!

 

Nancy was very creative and was able to sell some art. This is a "star book" she created.

 

This one above is entitled, "She wondered if her eggs would hatch" and has "faith, hope, love" on the eggs. Nancy definitely hatched those three eggs in her own life.She had a delightful sense of humor and whimsy that came through everything she did.

 
This is Nika, her dog who went on before her. Maybe even now she is running with Nika in heaven. It's a heartwarming thought for me.

Nancy loved periwinkle, bears, her Katerina the Kat, lilacs, JRR Tolkien and The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings, Kermit the Frog, purple, Levenger pens, Alaska, moose, writing, making art and art books, butterflies and rainbows, as well as her friends and family. A fascinating person, full of warmth and wisdom and whimsical dry humor, I will miss her but am reminded of her each time I encounter any of these things.

And a quote from Nancy:


 "Well, as Kermit the Frog would say,'Time's fun when you're having flies.'”

Missing you, Nancy J. Ring
January 21, 1974-March 13, 2010

Nancy's When I Was Just a Kid Childhood Memories


Links to Tributes by
LeAnne Martin

Teena M. Stewart

Marti Suddarth

Petra by T.L. Higley

Petra by T. Higley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Cassia and her son, Alexander, flee Damascus in A.D. 106 to seek her dead husband's family in the rock city of Petra. When she arrives, she's immediately accosted. Kind Christians take them in and help her to find her husband's family. The Christians become her allies when Alex is taken.Nobleman Julian has fled Rome where his fellow Christian friends are persecuted and martyred. He, too, seeks refuge in Petra. Cassia's and Julian's destinies intertwine as they race against an evil queen and her agenda to end all of their lives.

The well-developed characters, set in a plot pitting the forces of good versus evil, reveal a passion for Christ that is compelling. With political intrigue and faith to move mountains from this band of first-century believers with a fervor of what it means to follow Christ into spiritual warfare, there are lessons for us tucked into this fascinating story. Highly recommended.

Published in Church Libraries Winter 2010-11
By Crystal Laine Miller
Used with permission

Petra
by T.L. Higley
B&H, 978-14336-6856-2, PB, 331 pp. $14.99.





View all my reviews

A Very Private Grave: The Monastery Murders #1 by Donna Fletcher Crow

A Very Private Grave by Donna Fletcher Crow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Young American Felicity Howard studies at the College of Transfiguration in Yorkshire, England. With her beloved elderly Fr. Dominic beaten to death, Fr. Antony, her church history lecturer, is accused when found soaked in Dominic's blood. The two flee to discover Dominic's last pilgrimage, the clues left behind in his journal given to Felicity. They must uncover ancient truths to solve the mystery in order to save their own lives, as the murderer pursues them through northern England and southern Scotland.



This is not light reading. Encompassing church history from A.D. 633 to the death of Saint Cuthbert to the time his relics are reexamined in 1827, it weaves the past with the present. A compelling thriller, as well as a masterful mystery, the mental gymnastics will have you breathlessly soaking in British and church history as you puzzle through a satisfying spiritual adventure with romantic, quirky characters. Anglophiles and history buffs will love it.



Published in Church Libraries Winter 2010-11 edition

By Crystal Laine Miller

Used with permission



View all my reviews


A Very Private Grave
The Monastery Murders #1
by Donna Fletcher Crow
Monarch, ISBN 978-1-85424-968-5, PB, 384 pp., $14.99

Egg Nog Cornbread from the Kitchen of Deborah Raney

Author Deborah Raney has written books I've been reading for years because her characters are real and she pulls you into the story until you're sure you know them.

She is down-to-earth, warm and I can't ever imagine her angry. As a mom to four kids, now grown (and now a grandmother!) I'm sure her brow furrowed a time or two, but here's what I know about the moms with that many kids--their kitchens are always open. (I have 4 boys...)




First, a little about Deb
After spending two happy decades as an at-home mom to two sons and two daughters, Deb finally began work on her first novel––a contemporary story––after an intriguing discussion about Alzheimer's disease with her husband, Ken, and their young teenagers. Drawing on her experiences working in a New York nursing home early in her marriage, she crafted a fictional account of one family's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. A VOW TO CHERISH was published by Bethany House Publishers in 1996 and won an Angel Award from Excellence in Media. It has been translated into the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian languages, and is also available in a hardcover large-print edition from Thorndike Press. Steeple Hill Books recently released an update and expanded version of the book.

(Do check out her interview on When I Was Just a Kid, too!)


Her latest book is Almost Forever set in Hanover Falls, part of a series:
"Unearthing a lost memory may cause her to lose everything she holds dear. but could it also set her free?

Volunteer Bryn Hennesey was there at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter the night five heroic firefighters died at the scene. Among them was her husband, Adam.

Now a terrifying absence of memory has her wondering if she might, in some way, be responsible. Garrett Edmonds' wife, Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. He was supposed to protect the woman he loved.Now she's the one who's died a hero. How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss? And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer..."

Author Deborah Raney

 So, now you know a little about Deb. Here's her recipe for Egg Nog Cornbread, which I'm sure you want to try. If you have an iron skillet, try making it in that to pop into your oven.

Deb's actual cornbread in her actual kitchen

From her Facebook page:

Except for the eggnog and adding a little more sugar, I used the recipe from the back of the Quaker Cornmeal box: 

1 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix till blended. Add: 1 cup dairy eggnog, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 beaten egg. Mix just till dry ingredients are moistened. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

As you see from the photo, she used a French Corning Ware dish. 


And because Deb is in the Big Honkin' Chicken Club (I think she may be president--this is a club Brandilyn Collins started because there were people who were too scared to read her books,) I am changing my list of recipes from RECIPES TO DIE FOR (this is a title of one of my unpublished stories...) to RECIPES FOR GOOD EATIN' . Who knows? I may change that title again. 

Enjoy! 

Crystal, writin' it all down

Teen Writers: Advice for the Young Writers

A while back I spoke to high school students about writing. I got some quotes from several authors to give to the kids.Maybe some of these will help spark your writing. Also, if you know some teen writers, there are some great web sites below you can send them to get more encouragement.

Bob Elmer

Bob Elmer: 
1. What sorts of things from your childhood/teens have you used in your writing? Anything specific?
 "In my first series, The Young Underground, I had the kids raising homing pigeons -- which I also did as a kid. It was unusual enough to add a different twist to the stories. Also, I often added an animal to the mix, and I had lots of animals when I was young. My love of sci-fi stories as a kid helped me write sci-fi stories as an adult.

Beyond that, I always try to sprinkle in attitudes and little memories, even though I'm always on the lookout for new material. Using memories as a springboard is great, but eventually we run out of material."

2. Are kids that different today?
"In some ways maybe, but in others, no. My feeling is that even though my childhood was a few years ago, we all share a common bond. I just have keep thinking like a kid, with eyes wide open and ready for new experiences."

Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble, Indiana author of romantic suspense
1. Do you draw any of your ideas from your teen years?
"Sure. All those feelings of rejection and inferiority come from the teen years. LOL. Lots of actual incidents from my childhood and teen years have made it into my work too.

2. What advice do you have for teen writers to encourage them to continue their journey?
"Realize that it's not going to happen now. You need some experience under your belt so you can have a book that resonates. In the meantime, journal your experiences and remember the ways you learn to deal with the hard knocks that hit us all. And read, read, read. That's the best education for writing you can have."

3. What's your best method for coming up with ideas for your books?
"Read magazines and newspapers and tear out anything that inspires an idea, even if it's not fully fleshed out. Watch documentaries and the history channel, even if you're not writing a historical. History is a great teacher of the human condition and people don't change, just technology around us. Be an observer of people too and jot down any interesting circumstances you notice."

Max Elliot Anderson

Max Elliot Anderson, author for boys, who hated reading when he was young:
1. What is your best advice to kids who are writing right now?
 "Start early. I wish I had. This is a very competitive business. It’s difficult to get established. Publishers are looking for that extra element that will cause one author to stand out over another. It’s called platform. I’ve been working for over two years on my blog, Books for Boys. As a result of  constantly working on this, Books for Boys   recently reached the # 1 spot on Google. Something like this is very important to publishers, given that over 30 million sites pop up under this search subject.
 Then, notice the types of books that are already being published, and see if you can find a way to write for an area of the market where there isn’t so much competition. Write in your own voice. This means, don’t try to sound like some other writer. Write like you think and speak.

Expect it to take a very long time to establish yourself as a writer / author. Writing is the easy part. It’s all the other aspects of an author’s life that are the real work. Publishers expect you to do much of the promotion and marketing work. Start working on your public speak skills too. But if you were born to write, you’ll know it. Even if no one understands this, don’t let anyone get in the way of your dream. At the same time, until you become established as an author, make sure you have a backup plan. By that I mean plan for your education and a job that will carry you in the earlier years. It can also give you a career in case becoming an author doesn’t happen for you."

2. What do you like best in a story—since you didn’t like reading as a boy?
"I like a story with an element of danger. I don't like large blocks of type and I hate seemingly endless details that don't advance the story. I like humor and a fast pace. Shorter sentences are good for a reader like me, and short chapters. I like a little larger type and a page layout where I won't easily lose my place if I look away. I'm attracted more by story and plot, and not as much by the characters. I think one of the reason that the 35 manuscripts I've written so far all have different main characters, is probably because I wouldn't necessarily care if I saw the same characters in the next book or not. It also frees me up to read any book, and not have to go in the book order of a series."




Sarah Sumpolec, author of teen books:

"Young writers, I think, should focus on lots of reading. And not just reading things they naturally like. But trying out a wide variety of books. And along with that reading, learning to analyze a story. When you finish a book, ask yourself things like:
Why did I like (or not like) this book?
What did I know about the main character?
How did the main characters change over the course of the story?
What kept my interest the most? (The people? The story?) Why?


Young writers should also do lots of writing. Practice! Practice! Practice! You'll never get too much practice! If any of them are like me, they may start lots of different projects, but never actually finish them. So completing a project - writing the entire story from start to finish, is a valuable habit to get into. You don't have to finish every story, but you should finish some of them:-)"

What have you used from your growing up years in your writing?
"Interestingly, I have found that I pull from much of my growing up years and use that in my writing. I was in drama throughout school so sometimes my characters are involved with a play production, or I simply use my background in acting to help me develop my characters. I also valued education, so you won't find my characters not caring about school."

She and a large list of writers for teens blog at their site Girls, God and the Good Life.

"Writing is an extension of who we are, so the more well-rounded we are (and willing to try out lots of different things), then the more well-rounded our writing will be. ~Sarah Sumpolec

More sites for Teen Writers

Stephanie Morrill's Go Teen Writers Blog

A Novel Writing Site with Lynn Dean, Michelle Van Loon, Naomi Musch and Teri Dawn Smith.

Entertainment site for Teens by Ken Raney  and http://www.clashentertainment.com/

Professional Writing Program at Taylor University, Upland, IN : Contact admissions to schedule a time to come and learn more about the program.  If you are a high school sophomore or junior, consider coming this summer to our three week CRAM session.  You will live on campus, eat at our dining commons, and attend classes that are not only fun, but will also earn you college credit.

"You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you're working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist."- Isaac Asimov

 Lots of links, so have fun exploring!


Crystal Laine Miller

Crystal, hard at work, brainstorming

P.S. Check out this week's focus on Jeff Gerke from Marcher Lord Press at The Barn Door!

Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this book in one day. I literally couldn't put it down and carried it around all day. I could've easily been skeptical of such an extraordinary story, but with strong biblical principles and scriptures and such convincing revelation from the young boy, I saw heaven a little more clearly.Lynn Vincent did an excellent job putting this account into a story form.If you have loved ones who are dying or have died, it is something that will comfort you. Everyone dies, so how will you face death? With fear? Or will you have something to look forward to no matter when it comes? I think the thing that encouraged me the most was Todd's prayer was answered, even though he questioned God harshly and raged in pain. Sometimes you wonder if God listens, but He does. Read it, recommend it to your friends, give it as a gift. Heaven IS for REAL.I highly recommend it, especially if you have questions about heaven or have never studied the scriptures concerning heaven.



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It's a Jungle Out There

This Was a Nice Jungle

I've been writing this blog for several years now. I started it so I could find my "voice" in writing and what interested me. I had the blogspot with the title "Christian Book Scout" for a full year before I ever posted. All I knew is that I had published a lot of book reviews and read a lot of manuscripts and books. I did a stint on a parenting column, but I found that I hated revealing too much about my four boys. Over the years I've posted on just about everything that interests me. It's about as jumbled as my brain.

I started the blog When I Was Just a Kid because those interviews needed a separate parking spot. I'm pleased with that blog. I will have a couple new interviews there coming up soon. Even if you don't know the person, you get to know them better and there's a lot of nostalgia there. That will have to satisfy my history interest bent. I thought I would write historical romance--one of my favorite genres to read. But in the past couple weeks as I reevaluate my life and writing interests, I know I won't be doing that. I have found authors who really know how to do that and I'll be supporting them. It hurts me to say that I won't write an historical romance novel.

But something clicked this week after I had yet another disaster at my house. I'm describing my disaster in great detail to my friends and they were laughing at the way I talk about it. This has been my whole life--one disaster after another and me making fun of myself through it all. Me, leaning wholly on God while in the midst of it. God keeping me from a much worse fate. Somehow I always picture myself in the middle of chaos, leaning on God (or hiding under His robes) and Him smiling down at me. It's like Peter in the middle of the storm at sea. I have mentioned more than once how I'm like Peter. (I can really relate to him.)

Because of all this, I think I've found my focus and my sweet spot in writing. I have been in some very serious life and death situations, am married to a man who helps people through their own life and death situations, and I've learned that I just have to trust God and keep smiling through my gritted teeth.

I'm now making up my calendar of posts so I'll be more regular in my blogging. I'm also going to try to be more focused so you don't end up with a chaotic mess of posts. Laura Christianson of the Blogging Bistro has this great post about how to brainstorm for posts, and I'm also going to use that for my fiction writing. That has been my one prayer this year--to find a focus and order in my life. The storms won't stop, but I can be at peace in the apple of His Eye.

What about you? What's on your plate for this year? What are you seeing as your focus for the New Year? Do you see what kind of writing you are going to do?

Mrs. George Washington's Christmas Cake

Lots of people have Christmas traditions. It appears that our founding fathers of the U.S.A. had them, too. They celebrated the 12 Days of Christmas and usually had a party on January 6th. There is a wonderful article on Guns & Patriots (even if you're not a gun-lover, this article is very informative! It has several more recipes) by Susan Dale describing the celebrations of the 1700s and it includes George Washington's bride Martha's recipe for Christmas cake.

Since I'm collecting stories and recipes, how could I not include this recipe? Enjoy!

Martha Washington's Christmas Cake
"Take 40 eggs and divide the whites from the yolks & beat them to a froth then work 4 pounds of butter to a cream & put the whites of eggs to it a Spoon full at a time till it is well work'd then put 4 pounds of sugar finely powderd [sic] to it in the same manner then put in the Youlks [sic] of eggs & 5 pounds of flower [sic] & 5 pounds of fruit.  2 hours will bake it add to it half an ounce of mace & nutmeg half a pint of wine & some fresh brandy."


Do you have a recipe that was handed down to you through generations? Do you fix any special recipes at Christmas?

When I Was Just a Kid

Author Lena Nelson Dooley shares her poignant story of her childhood at When I Was Just a Kid blog and is giving away her new book, Love Finds You at Golden, New Mexico!

Come visit at When I Was Just a Kid!

Books & Such Literary Agency and Their Marvelous Recipes

You know how much I love books, but now you're beginning to realize that next to a good story, I love a good recipe just as much. I love the stories in families surrounding meals and recipes, because it says so much about them. A single taste or the aroma of a certain food can take you back to a time and place that has already passed.

Anyway, do go over to Books & Such and catch up on the agents' stories of cooking for Christmas. Janet Grant and Wendy Lawton have already posted. Wendy shared her fantastic Rocky Road candy recipe and the story of her mom who was a wonderful woman (I even got to meet her once.) Life is full of treasures that you hold in your mind's eye and with one whiff of cinnamon or oregano, you are transported in time and space to something that's no less than a miracle of the mind. You might even figure out how it works into your writing.

Do you incorporate what you know about food and the food from your families' meals into your writing? How have you done this?

Seven-Layer Bars for the Holidays

Pike Place Market since 1907

My Southern friend, Scarlett* and I were exploring Seattle while our husbands had to go to conference classes. One of our first stops was at Pike Place Market. It was fun watching the crowds, checking out the eats and shopping in the shops. One coffee place had these 7-layer cookie bars that Scarlett absolutely adored. She asked them for the recipe, which of course, they refused. Let me tell you something about Scarlett. She is one determined little Mississippi Girl. She can charm the worst beast into laughing. So, I knew this wasn't the end of her heart's desire.

We went to a great kitchen store called Sur la Tab. In the middle of the store were cookbooks stacked to the ceiling. I have to admit I love kitchen stores. They make my heart sing, just as Scarlett's heart sings over a special recipe to serve. So, she tackled the cookbooks, looking for that recipe! I have a weakness for dinnerware and went wandering. Finally, she grabs my arm, drags me to the stacks and demands that I help her. Realizing that we would be there all day if I didn't at least try, I took a book off the stack.

Flipping to the index, I scanned the listed recipes for some sort of layered cookie. Lo, and behold on my first flip, I land on a recipe that sounded pretty much like the same recipe (our expert tastebuds had discerned the ingredients.) Of course, I smirked, handed her the book and said, "No problem."

This may not be the same recipe, but it is pretty good, if I do say so myself, and I think it would have satisfied Scarlett.

Easy Seven-Layer Bars

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C. butterscotch chips
1 C. shredded coconut
1 1/2 C. graham crackers, crumbled
1/2 C. butter
1 C. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in 13X9-inch pan; melt in oven. Swirl to coat bottom and sides with butter. Spread crumbs evenly over bottom of pan. Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and nuts over crumbs. Pour condensed milk over nuts. Sprinkle coconut over condensed milk.

Bake 25 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool before cutting.




*Scarlett is not her real name.

--Crystal Laine Miller

Happy Birthday, Indiana (And to me!)

Here's a story about a little girl born in Indiana on the anniversary day that Indiana became a state, December 11th.

The day started out as a blizzard, that day on December 11th, Indiana's birthday. Her dad was a long haul trucker and had to work. He was "on the road." Her mom had to make it to the hospital slip-sliding on treacherous roads in Noblesville, Indiana, but she made it in time. The snow stopped.

The doc went outside to hunt rabbits while the young mother, who had lost 5 previous babies, labored and worried. The doctor told the nurse to "hollar out the window" when it was time. The state, Indiana, was celebrating its birthday, too.

The dad finally made it home, came to the hospital, and the baby was already there. The mom, drugged by some drug called "twilight" (awake, but feeling little pain by that point,) cried and said, "I'm sorry, it's a giiiiiiirrrrrl."

The dad grinned and said, "We'll keep her, anyway."

Missing both of them on my birthday, and yes, I'm still a Hoosier Girl.

Fascinating Fingers in Indiana

Back in the "old" days since the camera mom had didn't have a flash, photos had to be taken outside. Yes, it was cold! It was December in Indiana, c'mon.

5th Birthday in Noblesville, Indiana (note the milk box behind the little brother)

Hey, you!

I still look like this in the morning!

 

Crystal, still in Indiana on her birthday (and yes, it's cold and snowy)

Happy Birthday, Indiana!
December 11, 1816
(And no, I'm not telling you what year I was born.)

~Crystal Laine Miller

Cara Putman's Hazelnut Crinkles (Cookies)

Stars in the Night by Cara C. Putman

Have I told you how much I love the scones that Cara Putman makes? If not, then here is a public declaration. Cara is a friend and she just had her fourth child. I'm so thrilled for her. Also, I love her writing, but mostly, I just think she's one of the nicest people I know.

Anyway, here's the promised cookie recipe. These are yummy and from the kitchen of Cara Putman. Eat them while reading her latest book, Stars in the Night. You'll be glad you did!


Hazelnut Crinkles (makes about 4 dozen)
(Cara Putman)

3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. hazelnut spread (Nutella, which has some chocolate in it)
1/2 c. butter or margarine (softened)
1/2 t. vanilla
1 egg
1 34 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
3 T. course white sugar crystals or regular sugar

1. Heat oven to 375. Beat sugar, Nutella, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.

2. Shape dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar crystals. place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until puffed and edges are set. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Remove to wire rack. Cool.

I WON!

When I first moved here, I couldn't get a library card. Really. It frustrated me to no end and I tried every angle. What had we done moving to such a literary forsaken place??!

But then I took Doc Hensley's writing class at Taylor University in Ft. Wayne and he got me started on the road to writing book reviews--and with book reviews came FREE BOOKS.

Back then (about ten-twelve years ago) that was a revelation to me. I also got on board with Multnomah Publishing as a reviewer, giving feedback to them on books they sent to me. Before I knew it, I had started libraries in two churches and in an elementary school. Of course, I didn't give away the ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies,) but I did give away many books to these libraries.(And still do.)

Now, after a thousand published reviews and countless copies of books, you would think I have had enough. Not so. Even though I gave up my book review column in a magazine, I still review for Church Libraries Journal and will influence for Christian authors as I am able. And I sometimes enter drawings on blogs for books I am thinking of getting. That's what I did when I entered the contest for Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck in the Thomas Nelson contest.

Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck (Thomas Nelson) released November 2010

I was hoping to win her new book. Well, I ended up winning the grand prize, too--a Kitchen Aid mixer! That was something I would have never thought would happen.

I influence heavily for my Indiana ACFW authors, but also any ACFW member, so don't tell anyone, but I'd do this without winning a book or a mixer (but I can't tell you the boost of joy--pun intended-- that it gave me on Tuesday to learn I'd won!)

Do you have a blog where you do influencing for authors? Do you belong to a book review group where you are sent books in exchange for a word about them?Do you ever enter the book contests either to win a book or other prizes?

If nothing else, I will always be a reader. And when you offer a reader a free book, how can she resist?? We didn't have to in this contest (though encouraged to do so,) write a food preparation faux pas, but I put mine in the comments section on Rachel's blog.

Here it is:
"I've been married about 30 years now and have done LOTS of cooking since for our four sons and my hubby and lots of family and friends. BUT when I first got married, my husband was in school and we lived on scant groceries and creativity. One night I was in a big hurry to get supper on after teaching all day. I had chili powder, but for some reason as I mixed chili ingredients, I got the cinnamon! I dumped out the cinnamon before I realized what I had, so frantically I scraped as much of the cinnamon off as possible. It wasn't even an option to start over!

I gave the chili extra chili seasoning, as I knew some of that cinnamon soaked in. Then, I got out some applesauce and sprinkled generous cinnamon on top. I set that next to my husband's bowl and hoped he wouldn't notice. Back in those days I was still sensitive about my cooking, so no way would I admit what I'd done.

Hubby took a bite and then put down his spoon. Little did I know I'd married a man who would could discern every ingredient, could taste the difference between Coke and Pepsi, Lay's Potato Chips and Seyfert's. He says to me, "Is there cinnamon in this chili??"

And I'm alarmed but still not wanting to own up to my mistake. I say, "You have cinnamon on your applesauce." (See? Not really lying....) He puts the applesauce on the other side of our table and takes another bite.

"Yup. Tastes like cinnamon. New recipe?"

At that point I broke down. We laugh about it now....

I can't wait to read Dining with Joy! Love stories like that."


See what admitting your mistakes can do? Enter a book contest today! (I'm a happy camper.) Now, to find a good cookie recipe to mix up in my new Rachel Hauck/Thomas Nelson Kitchen Aid mixer so I can eat cookies with my new book. (I'll post a cookie recipe tomorrow.)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When my boys were young, I read this book to them and fell in love with the story. It's one of my favorite stories EVER. I read it to my boys every year until they simply got too old to sit night-after-night approaching Christmas to sit and listen (Four boys are quite busy.) I hope that we all can approach the Christmas story with the fresh eyes of someone hearing the story for the first time.Robinson captures it perfectly with endearing characters and humor.

If you haven't read this story, no matter if you have children in your life or not, you must read it, is my advice.




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How Did You Get Started?

Often I'm asked how I got started in writing, and then, into freelance reading/editing. Everyone has their personal journey and here's a little bit of mine. When I was speaking to groups of students about writing, this is what I jotted down. How did you get started? What kinds of writing have you done? What kinds of writing do you wish to do?

Writing for most people begins with a desire to communicate through the written word, doesn't it? I think my writing began with reading--I loved to read and I wanted to write something to read. Usually I was the only person reading what I wrote. All through junior high I wrote in journals. When I won my scholarship in journalism and headed to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, I did an incredibly impulsive thing: I burned every one of those journals! I wish now that I could have kept those journals somewhere safe until I was ready to process the things I was writing at the time.

a. I started real writing in high school. I published a poem in my freshman year and that fueled the fire.

b. I got on the newspaper in high school–was the sports editor and art editor. Those articles won me a journalism scholarship at Ball State University, where I started off majoring in journalism.

c. Back then I knew I wanted to work with books more than newspapers, so I changed my major to elementary education with physical education, wanting more experience with children—for whom I thought I wanted to write.

d. I took a correspondence course from the Institute of Children’s Literature as I finished my degree, then dove into teaching and coaching. When I had one experience after another, like students who were murdered, beaten by parents, unfair treatment of teachers, etc., I wrote my first article and sold it.

e. Then, I had four boys of my own, and life sort of went into “living mode”—all good. I edited a newsletter, wrote articles for newspapers freelance, and just wrote down thoughts and dreams and insights on parenting.

f. When we moved here (where I live now) in order to be close to our parents and extended family, I no longer was doing the jobs I did in the past—-teaching and leading--so I found an online writing organization, and then drove an hour to Ft. Wayne once a week, taking the professional writing program at Taylor University with Dr. Dennis E. Hensley. This is a superb program that is now located at the Taylor campus in Upland.

Everything has a beginning, and while my writing took an adventurous turn to evaluating fiction, working freelance for both editors and agents, I still find time to write.

The Barn Door: A New Midwestern Blog

A new blog by Midwesterners about the Midwest, The Barn Door, begins and I'm one of the gals kicking off my boots to contribute(Second Saturday of the month.) All members of the American Christian Fiction Writers, you'll see the view from Midwest states, all with a heart for Jesus, and all putting their thoughts into ink.

Come follow us! It'll be fun.