Inklings

book review–Million Dollar Diva

May 15, 2012 | 0 Comments

Tristi Pinkston has a new book for women on how to become proactive and strong with your money. Check out this way cute video:

www.milliondollardiva.com

(My blogging juju failed to embed the video directly, but please do click over.)

I enjoyed this book. Written in conversations between Tristi and her financial gurus, women can find plenty to relate to. I applaud her gutsy honesty–the numbers used are her actual financials. Fans will be able to continue to track her progress toward her financial goals by going to the above website.

Most things in the book sound like good old common sense. I’m a HUGE Dave Ramsey fan, so I immediately recognized the debt reduction plan in the book as his “Debt Snowball.” Many other money counselors have recommended the same plan. Hey, it works. It’s the best.

Tristi is offering this book FREE until June 15–all you have to do is cover the shipping and handling.

book review–Kate’s Song

May 11, 2012 | 0 Comments

I was pleasantly surprised to find out the mom of my son’s good friend just had a book come out.

Kate’s Song, by Jennifer Beckstrand, is an Amish romance. I confess, I’m not a romance reader, so I wasn’t aware this has become a popular subgenre. Well, I can see why. It’s clean, gentle, and heartwarming. Sort of like Amish people.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Amish. I suppose I envy them–their peaceful existence, their devotion. In the clamor of real life, it was nice to pick up this book and go somewhere quiet.

That’s not to say the book has no tension or conflict. It’s there. But it’s more along the lines of “will they discover they both love each other despite the twists of fate” rather than bruised lips, heavy breathing and bodice ripping.

Of course it’s not gritty reality. Some books serve a different purpose.

Kate’s Song is well written and edited, published by Summerside Press. Two more Amish romances are on the way.

More information can be found at Jennifer’s website: jenniferbeckstrand.com.

turn on the faucet

Apr 20, 2012 | 5 Comments

Oh Calvin! I miss you. After all, we think so much alike.

I think I’ll go hang out in the sandbox for a while and wait for inspiration.

Outlining

Apr 13, 2012 | 1 Comment

I’m speaking to the Bountiful League of Utah Writers this coming Tuesday, April 17. Topic: outlining.

I’m hoping to show that you don’t have to choose to be either an “outliner” or a “pantser” (discovery writer). There’s advantages to both, so why not cherry-pick from both writing styles for a great result?

I’m going to talk about different outlining methods. There are many. Hopefully, attendees will find something they’d like to try and will be a benefit to their writing.

The public is welcome. It’s going to be held in the downstairs meeting room of the Bountiful library at 7pm. Maybe all those books surrounding me will give me some good vibes. I could use that–I’m pretty scared.