Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

Christian Fiction Monday

My good buddy Angela Hunt has a new book out that I'd like to tell you about. And this I know for sure — when it comes to books by Angela Hunt, expect the unexpected.

She Always Wore Red

Jennifer Graham—mother, student, and embalmer’s apprentice—could use a friend. She finds one in McLane Larson, a newcomer to Mt. Dora. While McLane’s soldier-husband serves overseas, Jen promises to support McLane, then learns that her tie to this woman goes far deeper than friendship. When a difference of opinion threatens their relationship, Jennifer discovers weaknesses in her own character . . . and a faith far stronger than she had imagined.

A Romantic Times Top Pick! “Be prepared to shed a few tears in Hunt’s emotionally gripping tale, the second in the Fairlawn series. With themes of family, friendship, and trusting God, the plot is enhanced by realistic and engaging characters. Jennifer’s growth as a character is evident, and the supporting cast enhances the story in a significant way. “ --Melissa Parcels, Romantic Times reviewer

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An Interview with Angela Hunt about She Always Wore Red, the second title in the Fairlawn series

Q:  What's up with the funky photo?

A:  Tee hee.  It's my "serious author" photo.  I snapped it myself, sitting at my computer.  Notice the funereal pose. 

Q:  The first book in this series is Doesn't She Look Natural?  Do people have to read the first book in order to understand the second?  (And congratulations on the Christy Award nomination for that title!)

A.  Thank you--I'm honored.  And no, people don't have to read the first book first, though it's always nice to read the books in order to get a sense of the story and background.  But all the books will work as single title reads. 

Q: The Fairlawn series is set in a funeral home. Did you observe the embalming process in your research? Or just read about it/interview morticians? It's fascinating. (Although I'm sure some folks with non-medical backgrounds are a bit grossed out by it!) Believe it or not, I had always wondered about getting the clothes on; that was an "aha" moment in the first book!

A. Unfortunately, with the advent of all the new privacy laws (HIPPA, anyone?), I was unable to observe an embalming--and believe me, I was ready and willing.  So most of my research came from books, photographs, and interviews (and once you announce that you're working on funeral homes, morticians seem to come out of the woodwork!)

It just so happens that one of my Tyndale editors grew up in a funeral home.  She has been a great asset--she gave me the idea for the funny flower arrangements and the funeral singers, plus I had written a scene in book three where Jen and Gerald sit down to eat a steak in the prep room.  My editor said that didn't feel right.  "Too weird?" I asked.  "No," she said. "There's always an odor in that room . . . not very appetizing." 

Ah.  That's the sort of thing you can't always get from a book.  :-/ 

I certainly hope the embalming stuff didn't gross anyone out, and I tried to ease my readers into it just as Jen is herself "eased" into it.  Book one--the barest trace, book two, a complete description of an arterial embalming, book three, the cavity embalming.  And frankly, that's as far as I want to take it.  Any more would be gross for grossness's sake. 

Q: Did you and your editors disagree over how much of the body preparation process was acceptable to include? I ask because I find all that sort of thing fascinating, and I think that I would include far more than most people would care to read, initially.

A. Actually, the embalming you "see" is the embalming I put in.  :-)  After 20 years in this business, I think I've developed a pretty good instinct for knowing how much is too much.  And you can be descriptive in a way that is clinical rather than gross (" She searched for the carotid artery" as opposed to "her stomach clenched as her gloved  fingers eased into the warm opening and she tried not to think of fish guts").    So actually, none of my editors ever remarked on the level of detail . . . and none of my readers have complained.  Yet.  :-)

Q. How has working on this series changed your attitude about death?

A.  I'm utterly at peace about it--not in a hurry to pass on, you understand, but very relaxed about the process and my final destination.  Doing research has also convinced me that I want to be buried, not cremated, and that I'd be better off buying my casket online. 

Q: Can you give us a hint about what happens in the third and final Fairlawn book?

A.  Sure. People die and Jennifer buries most of them. It's a funeral plot.

Q: Groan. That's not much of a hint.

A:  I don't like to give all the plot twists away!  Okay, here's a blurb from the back cover copy (yes, the book is finished and handed in):  In She's In a Better Place, the third book of the Fairlawn series, Jennifer Graham is now running the Fairlawn Funeral Home. Her work takes on a new dimension when Gerald Huffman, her assistant and mentor, reveals that he has a serious illness. When she learns that he and his daughter haven’t spoken in years, Jen decides to help them reconcile . . . but things don’t go exactly as she planned. Once again, the mortuary is a setting for lessons of laughter, love, and life.

Q: The setting--a funeral home--is unique, but these books are really about the typical challenges that face women today, right?

A: Oh, yes. Jennifer is a single mom juggling school, motherhood, and a career--and I think most modern women can relate to her. I certainly can.

Q: Anything else you want to add?

A. (whispering) I think you're supposed to ask where they can order it.

Q: Right--where can people order this book?

A: Thanks for asking! You can order it from your favorite online bookstore. Or, to make it simple, just click here.

For more information, visit www.angelahuntbooks.com.

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Enjoy!

-rlh-

a couple of heart-tuggers

First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. I hope this was a blessed day for you. My birthday was yesterday, and I got a beautiful bouquet from Daughter #2 and her family, celebrating both my birthday and Mother's Day. And today Daughter #1 and Granddaughter #1 took me horseback riding. I haven't been on a horse since I sold my last one 25 years ago. I was thrilled that I could get up in the saddle on a rather tall horse (Rocket) without someone giving my backside a big push.

Now for the real reason for this post. Over the past couple of weeks, I've seen two movies that really tugged at my heart, and I want to share them with you.

Lars & the Real Girl caught me totally by surprise, despite the good reviews of critics and a trusted friend. I mean, how good does a movie sound that's about a guy who "dates" a life size female doll? But let me encourage you to see it. This is a movie that will tug at your heart strings and leave you smiling in the end. I thought it might be a chick flick, but the guys seem to really like it too. Don't let this one pass you by.

The other movie I loved was Bella. This movie is told in the present and with flashbacks. Early on the viewer knows that something awful had happened in Jose's past, but you don't know what it was. You get pieces a little at a time until all is revealed. In the meantime, you are falling in love with Jose and Nina. And the resolution to the story? Ahhhhhh. Perfect.

-rlh-

of Henry and Anne and other Tudors

More than twenty years ago, big historical novels set in medieval England were easy to come by. I gobbled up a lot of them. I even wrote one myself. But after reading a few that were historically inaccurate with characters speaking like teenagers of the 1960's rather than people of that day, I lost my taste for them.

Recently, I decided to buy The Other Boleyn Girl in audiobook format. Oh, my. I have fallen in love with Philippa Gregory's storytelling and have also become fascinated with Mary and Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. What a story. I've got The Other Boleyn Girl movie in my Netflix queue for when it releases in June. I have learned that the movies of great books rarely live up to their inspiration. Still I'm eager to see it.

I enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl so much that I'm now listening to The Constant Princess , the story of the first wife of Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon. I'm enjoying it a great deal, and I suspect that I will continue to listen to more of the books by Philippa Gregory that tell the stories of the Tudors.

I must add that the reader of an audiobook makes all the difference of whether or not it's an enjoyable experience. The readers of these two audiobooks are wonderful. They really pulled me into the stories. I have the books on my iPod and listen to them in the car when I'm driving and take the iPod with me into the chiropractor's to listen to while I'm in traction. Great way to make the time pass more quickly.

-rlh-

a reminder of why I like Jason

I'm still sad this morning that Jason Castro won't be on Idol next week, and so I offer this YouTube video, a studio edition of Over the Rainbow along with great black and white shots of Jason on Idol.

I'll just have to watch the YouTube videos of Jason until he's got an album out.

-rlh-

idol 7: from 4 to 3

Nearly 51 million votes last night and the top three contestants, Ryan told us, all had within 1 million votes of each other. And how, I wondered at the top of the show, would that bode for Jason? Did his fans rise up in protest the moment Simon said, "Pack your bags"? Could be. This is, after all, American Idol.

David A — safe
David C — safe

Stupid phoned in questions. Guest group, Maroon 5. Bo Bice. Amazing how long an hour results show can feel. Thumb twiddling.

And finally the results — Jason goes home. I wish he could have gone out on a higher note. He's talented and original. He said his inexperience was showing last night, and that was true. Also showed he's got wisdom enough to know he doesn't know it all.

Jason, you make an album, I'll buy it. I'm going to miss you on the show a lot, and I confess I don't care as much about who wins Idol now.

idol 7: the 4 perform

Rock & Roll night.

David C. sang Hungry Like a Wolf. I thought it was solid but not anything that made me go, "Wow! I want to hear more like this." Randy and Simon agreed with me. Paula was Paula.

Syesha tackled Tina Turner's Proud Mary. I thought it was just all right. Randy and Paula liked it, but Simon didn't care for it. And I think Syesha has taken some cues from Paula. Super bubbly.

Jason chose to sing I Shot the Sheriff. He was more animated than I've ever seen him — and I'm not sure it was an improvement. Trying too hard perhaps. I've never hesitated to say how much I like this kid, but I did not like this performance. Randy didn't like it. I don't think Paula did either but she babbled about his likability or something. Simon hated it!

David A. sang Stand by Me. Nice job. Not a wow but nice. Definitely the best so far of the night. Randy sort of over-praised him, I think. Paula said her usual stuff. Simon gave tempered praise — plus another jab at Jason's performance.

Overall, the first half hour has been somewhat of a disappointment. Here is hoping the second round of songs prove more of an enjoyment.

David C. came back with Baba O'Riley. A lot better than first round although I think he's done better over the weeks. Randy liked it, Paula rattled around, and Simon welcomed back David Cook.

A Change is Gonna Come is the song Syesha chose for round two. Good choice. She performs it with both restraint and a few big notes. I loved it. And might I say, without sounding too much like Paula, that she looked gorgeous. Randy thought it was overdone. Paula gushed and did a standing O (and brought Syesha to tears). Simon agreed with Paula (which totally destroyed Syesha).

Jason's second song was Mr. Tambourine Man. I had my fingers crossed for a much better round, and I got it. Sort of. On the stool with guitar, Jason was back the way I like him. His voice. His style. And then he forgot some of the lyrics. Bad news. And Simon told him to pack his bags.

David A brought the show to a close with one of my favorites by Elvis, Love Me Tender. But David's version of it was so totally changed in melody that I didn't find much to like. The words were there but not the lovely tune. Judges all loved it. Simon even said David "crushed" the competition tonight.

Hmmm. I have been surprised before, but I think that Jason will go home tomorrow.

What do you think?

-rlh-

bad romantic comedies

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a romantic at heart. I love a love story. I love the hope I find in the promise of a wonderful HEA (happily-ever-after). I also love to laugh. So put love and laughter together and I'm usually right there with you. I will also freely admit that I am somewhat easily entertained. I am not the world's toughest critic. Not by a long shot.

Entertainment Weekly has put together a list of 24 Bad Romantic Comedies. Kind of fun to look through these. I have enjoyed a few of the movies on the list. I may have only given them a three out of five stars on Netflix, just an "I liked it" and not an "I loved it," but I was still at least mildly entertained. But there are quite a few that I haven't seen because even the synopses let me know I wouldn't like them. Others that I have seen were truly BAD.

I thoroughly disagree, however, about Father Goose. Okay, it may be a bit corny, but I've seen it more than a dozen times through the years, thanks to cable/satellite and the classic movie channels, and I always smile over the silliness.

So fess up. Which one of these "bad" romantic comedies do you like? And do you have some "bad" ones that you would add to this list?

Ready. Set. Comment.

-rlh-

unforced rhythms of grace

On May 1st, I began the second of my three times reading through the New Testament in 2008. The first time through, I used the New Living Translation. This time, I chose the wonderful Eugene Peterson paraphrase, The Message. I haven't used this version since 2004, and I am loving being in it again. For serious study, I go for a more literal translation, but for reading and soaking in the Word, The Message is a wonderful option.

Like these wonderful verses:

[Jesus said,] “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt 11:28-30)

I know that I haven't posted anything about my Bible reading in a while, but my heart is to encourage believers to get into the Word and feast on it regularly. It is so important. For how else, if we don't know what God has to say, can we sift out the whispered lies of the enemy?

[Jesus said,] “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove." (Matt 10:16)

We won't be cunning as snakes if we are not on the alert, and we will not be on the alert if we don't study what God has spoken. As Christians, we need the Bread of Life to sustain our spirits just as we need food to sustain our physical lives.

Some while ago, I got a wonderful email from a reader in Sydney, Australia who serves on my prayer team, and I asked her if I could share her words on my blog. I'm thankful that she agreed. It's a long letter, but I hope you will take the time to read it all the way through because I know it will bless you.

Dear Robin,

Back in January, after receiving one of your special prayer bulletins, I emailed you for your schedule for reading the New Testament through three times in one year - and you responded, thank you very much.

I thought long and hard prior to January about the way you've often mentioned how you read the Bible: through the complete Bible one year, and three times through the NT in the next two years. Also, your themes, that come to you as you prayerfully consider how you can get closer to God that year.

In December last year I decided that if you could do it, so could I. And, unbelievably, like a pebble tossed in a pool, this is having an amazing effect on the people around me. I'm writing to let you know about it, because I'm awestruck by what's happening.

After much prayer I also asked God for a theme/thought for the year, and - in big bold letters that surely got writ on my forehead, it came back as: STICKABILITY. Okay, that sounds a bit naive, but it totally fits my personality. I need to *stick* at things... like - gee, reading the Bible through in a year! If you want to reinvent the word I guess I can retranslate it as PERSEVERANCE. Not a bad theme at all for my Christian walk. So, I'm praying for stickability. And I think it's working. How brilliant is that?

As for reading the Bible through in a year, that's also working, and I'm so so *so* excited about it! I had a copy of a chronological Bible at home that I - yes yes, always meant to read it but, you know, no time, rush rush rush, no stickability, life got in the way, etc etc...

Christian Fiction Monday

CONTROLLING INTEREST
by Elizabeth White

THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY...

Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case.  When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered-until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner.

Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her--until Natalie makes him an offer he can't refuse!  If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company.

And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition-or discover an entirely new arrangement?

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A little Q&A with Elizabeth:

What's the craziest thing you ever did in the name of research?

You mean besides get married?? JUST KIDDING! Once when I was working on "The Trouble With Tommy," I went on a coon hunt with my uncle and my son. I did not carry a gun--but my son did. He was about fourteen at the time and had never been hunting before. You coon hunt at night, so we all wore these helmet like hardhats with headlights on the front. We put the dogs in their carrier on the back of the four-wheeler and they're barking their heads off as we drive through the woods. Finally we stop and let the dogs out and follow them, listening for the change in their baying. When a dog trees a raccoon it's very distinct. Even an ignoramus like me can hear it. So my son was so excited he could hardly hold onto the bullets as he loaded them in the gun. I won't go into the details, but it was hilarious and gross and totally a South Mississippi experience.

Who's your favorite author?

(Click to read the rest of the interview)

Silent tsunami of hunger

If you've been to the grocery store lately, you know that the cost of groceries is on the rise. The thing is, Americans have been very focused on the price of gas to fill our cars but we tend to grab off the store shelves what we want/need without thinking about the price too much. After all, we've grown up in an era of prosperity. Well, we're thinking about it now, especially those on fixed incomes. And we're thinking about what is happening around the world because we are no longer isolated and economically strong.

If you're a believer, remember that we were born for such a time as this. God has a plan. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His heart is for restoration, reconciliation, redemption. We can make a difference in the crises the world is facing: Corrupt and immoral leadership/government; poor health and disease; environmental decline; world hunger; human injustice (human trafficking); illiteracy; confusion and spiritual deadness. My church, through what is being called Isaiah 61 ministries, is dedicated to reaching out and making a difference in these seven identified world crises. God is calling His people to action.

Here is a good article from USA Today that is worth reading:

'Silent tsunami' of hunger washes over poor nations

Since the 1970s, aside from isolated famines caused by social upheaval, world hunger has been on the decline. Undernourishment in the developing world dropped from 37% of the population in 1969-71 to 17% in 2002-04, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Improved agricultural techniques, smart planning and global trade all played a role in this success. In fact, too much food was produced in some places, including the USA, and more farmers were paid not to produce food.

But suddenly, hunger is again plaguing the planet, threatening human beings and political stability. The crisis, stoked by soaring commodity prices, is hitting the world unevenly.

In the USA, rising costs for staples such as white bread (up 16.3% in the past year), milk (up 13.3%), eggs (34.8%) and bananas (17%) are causing hardship for lower-income Americans.

Read the remainder of the article here.

-rlh-