HEART OF THE WEST SERIES

Finally, it’s official! I have the signed contract for my book and received my advance to prove it! I’m so happy to announce a dream come true for me. My contract is with Revell Books of Baker Publishing for a three book series!! Yes! I said 3 books! Yippee for me!!

The series title is Heart of the West. Book one, No Place for a Lady, should come out in January 2009. Can a southern girl tame the heart of a rugged cowboy? You’ll have to pick up a copy to find out. I’m currently working on the second book, The Jewel of His Heart and my third book is entitled Kickin’ Up the Dust!

A great big thanks goes to my wonderful agent, Tamela Hancock Murray for finding the right publisher for me. I’m working with a wonderful marketing team from Revell and a great editor, Andrea Doering, who only makes what I’ve written even better.

I’m still waiting on the status of my option for a movie that I have with StarzMedia for book one. Exciting times ahead for me and of course, lots of writing and editing, so I’m zooming right along since I have a September 1st deadline for book 2. When I receive the cover art for book one, I’ll post a copy of it on my blog.

Stay tuned for further developments for Heart of the West while I bask in the glow of the true meaning of the term ‘author’—‘writer’….Hey! that's me! :)

REVIEW OF MY HEART REMEMBERS

Kim has done an outstanding job with this book. I believe it to be her best novel so far. The cover is stunning and I was itching to pick it up and read it. It's an unforgettable story of orphans that are placed on the orphan trains to Missouri after a tragic tenement fire. I learned a slice of history that I wasn't aware of with this book. The three children separated as they are placed in different homes, will tug at your heartstrings with a yearning to see them reunited. It's a well crafted book with conflicts and twists that will keep you turning the pages. Above all, it traces the paths of the three children into adulthood through their struggles to survive to find each other, along with a continued presence of God that gives them hope and strength to continue. With tenderness and turmoil, the story of the three Irish immigrants in the Mid-West, will touch your heart and make you cheer with what man meant for evil, God meant it for good. I highly recommend this book!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Kiss me, I’m Irish. Yes, I’m part Irish, English and Cherokee, but on this day if you are a little or a lot, it doesn’t matter if you want to celebrate. My maiden name was O’Neal, so I'm all Irish today. St. Patrick used the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity and placed the Irish symbol of the sun onto the Celtic Christian cross. You can see it on my bible in the picture. He was a missionary to Ireland where most of the Irish worshiped nature based pagan Gods. He shared the “good news” of Christ and converted many to Christianity.

My father was buried on this day, 36 years ago. Unfortunately, I was not there for the funeral, for reasons that I won't go into here. I did see him about 6 weeks before he died, and it was a very tough visit with a small toddler on my skinny hip (at the time, okay, lol!)

One good thing that came out of this visit was that he and I knelt one evening in his bedroom, and he prayed to receive Christ as his savior. This still brings fresh tears to my eyes now. I don’t credit myself for this. I was merely the instrument God chose to use. I feel like that was the purpose of my visit, because I knew that I would not be able to come back. At the time I was okay with that. But after a few years, I came to realize that I did not get closure—if there can be any—because I wasn’t able to be there, to grieve with my family or to say a final goodbye.

Now 36 years later, I still wish I could have been there because I needed my family’s support in loosing a father that I loved so much, even though for the most part he was an absentee father.

Today, as I have my coffee, I set an extra cup for my father as a tribute to his memory. He gave me my first taste of coffee, while sitting on the back porch steps in his undershirt after work. He would pour me a sip in the saucer, and I would eagerly devour it before mama would catch us! Pretty much the same way that I have done with my own granddaughter. My father was a kind, gentle soul. He never raised his voice that I can remember. He called me Baby, never Brenda. I can understand why my mother loved him. He was handsome and sweet.

Enough of all this blarney…So here’s to you, John Samuel O’Neal…I miss you still...

THE STORY

With Easter a few weeks away, I wanted to let you know about a wonderful event that our church choir is doing at the Cobb Energy for Performing Arts Centre on March 20th and 21st at 7:30 P.M. Our special guest is Charles Billingsley. It will be a spectacular Multi-Media Musical Easter Experience! You don't want to miss this. We are not doing a play this year. To find out more and where to buy your tickets, log on to www.jfbc.org. The tickets are $5, $8, and $10. The performing arts centre is new and beautiful and I'm very excited about this. Be prepared to enjoy the meaning of Easter, praise and worship like you've never heard! :)

REVIEW OF BLESSINGS

In this final installment of Sommerfield Triology, Trina Muller faces difficult decisions and obstacles when she tells her parents of her desire to go to college to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. College was frowned upon for women of the Old Order of Mennonites. She must convince her father and the deacons of the fellowship that caring for animals is God’s calling for her life. Graham Ortmann, her fiancé, struggles with understanding how she could do this to them when they are about to be married. He thinks her place is rightfully in the home and raising a family. His confidence in Trina is deepened when he turns to God in his exasperation. Only when she begins to take online courses with the help of her cousin, Beth, is she truly being who she was meant to be.
The book is about trusting God to give you the desires of your heart, when it appears as though everything around you is crumbling. This is a well written story that draws you in to discover how Trina will face her some hard decisions as only Kim Sawyer can do so well. One of the tenderest scenes in the book was the defining moment when Trina and Graham express their love to each other in a very well crafted love scene. This last book was a great culmination to a wonderful Sommerfield series.

Check out Kim's website for her other books here: http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/

Future Children Writers

New Young Writers

This past week my week, my daughter, Sheri came over from Augusta with her three children and their new puppy, Frankie. We shopped, cooked, walked Frankie, and watched the video of Maggie, who had a speaking part for the PTA. Usually, she is singing in the program. Next, we watched Angelina cheering at school, and she was so adorable. Peter was to start soccer the following week, so he hadn’t been taped yet. Winding down the day before they left, I was having coffee with my daughter, and sneaking a sip to Maggie, when Maggie asked me, “Mimi, how do you get started writing to get published?” Which started a conversation of how I wrote my first little book in the 3rd grade. Maggie asked if I still had my story, and I told her that I did. Naturally, I had to go find it and soon all 3 children were hanging off the armchair while Sheri read it to them. Sheri stopped to comment several times, surprised at the creative adjectives that I used at such a young age. It even surprised me!

The next thing I knew, all three kids asked for paper and pencils to start their own novel. I was more than happy to oblige. Maggie started a mystery, Angelina, a story about an ice skater girl and Peter, a story about Pooh and Tiger. The incredible thing is that this occupied them for 3 hours before bedtime at my kitchen counter and the next morning after breakfast for another 2 hours before they were to drive back to Augusta. How wonderful it felt to be an influence on my very own grandchildren! I know that I’ll never forget their enthusiasm or their talent. I believe, for most people that write, the desire begins early in life. Who knows, maybe one of them will follow in Mimi’s footsteps!

Which brings me to why haven’t I blogged since January? I have been busy with edits on my first book, an inspirational historical romance and my agent is ironing out the details of my contract, while I try to continue writing on the second book. I hope to share all the exciting details with you very soon! :)

IS IT REALLY 2008?

The past year is behind us now. There's no going back to reverse something you've said or recoup the time you've wasted. So don't waste time on regret. Our time is too short on the planet for that. January is always considered the month to start again fresh. That's why the magazines and television programs have all the advice that you'll ever need on how to lose the weight you've gained during the holidays, get organized, make a career change, or tackle a project that you've put off.

After a week of angst, from a painful shot into a nerve in my foot, I started yesterday with my usual 2 mile walk, just so I could place a big check-mark off my "to do" list. I'm all about making lists, and I feel so good when I can use a red pen to strike out the chores that I've completed. My daughter, Sheri does the same thing. We both get great satisfaction from making lists. At least I'm back to normal mode with somewhat of a routine established.

I'm looking forward to whatever this year will bring into my life. I hope mainly good things. I'm working on my second book with thoughts of the third one drifting through my mind and the hope of a possible movie being made from my first book. My critique group will start meeting again next week, and I'm excited about that because of the support and ideas that we brainstorm. Some, are very funny, and we have a good time discussing how the plot can be improved over coffee at Border's or here at my house. My crit bud, Kelly, gave me a sign for Christmas that reads-"Never Go to Bed Angry, Just Stay up at 'Plot' Your Revenge." I love it! A writer's mind never stops. We see a story in almost everything. So many stories, so little time.

I've read some great books this year, some of which I've reveiwed on my blog. My circle of writer friends has expanded and I thank God for that. So many of them through the ACFW who are willing to help other writers succeed and give of their time and talents.

One special sweet friend, Kristy Dykes, is going through kemo for a brain tumor, and still offers encouragement daily. She's got the "joy, joy, joy" down in her heart, as the song goes. Her hair is falling out, but not her enthusiasm for the Lord. Even through her illness, I guarantee that she will lift your spirits, not matter what trial that you are facing today. Check out her blog for the latest update at http://christianlovestories.blogspot.com/.

Have a great time planning out your new year, but remember that "Man plans in his heart, but God directs his steps."

PRODIGAL SONG

REVIEW OF PRODIGAL SONG

If I had to recommend one book that I consider my favorite this year, it would have to be Jim Robinson’s Prodigal Song. This book was first released in 2003. Jim’s beautifully written memoir created exceptional visual imagery of his early childhood, adolescence and adulthood, with such clarity that I could almost smell the pines or taste the ocean’s salty air. It was provocative, heartbreaking and deeply anguishing to read at times. It was so moving that I couldn’t wait to turn the page. Knowing that this was a real person’s experience into headlong disaster made me want to shout---No! Don’t do that to yourself. Many passages in the book bring certain tears.

This is the story of Jim’s surrendering totally to God, and the realization that the God of the universe had walked with him throughout his life, just waiting for him to render his life into His hands. In stark honesty, he allows us to glimpse into his very soul that longs for acceptance, longing and love, through just about every event that life affords, to take us further and further away from God. But most of all, it is about the power of grace that can only be obtained through a sovereign God that removes the spiritual separation barrier.

Walk with Jim through life’s greatest trials of drugs and alcohol abuse to find victory and success as God uses him in an incredible way through music and a ministry for many others walking a similar path.

For further exploration, visit Jim Robinson’s website. http://prodigalsong.com.

BEGINNINGS

REVIEW OF BEGINNINGS

I received my copy late, and Kim’s book had already hit the bookstores. Trying to read it during the busy month of December and the holidays, etc., caused me to fall behind for this review, but definitely not because it didn’t hold my attention. As always, I love Kim’s writing style and vivid characters. In the continuing Sommerfield trilogy, Beth Quinn shares the faith of the Mennonites, but still feels like an outsider, especially now that her mother is married and expecting twins. She feels like she is standing on the outside looking in on their sweet happy family and feels a little sorry for herself. Beth is a stained glass artist and opens a shop that becomes a lucrative business after a shaky start, with long hours in her studio away from family. Andrew Braun works for her and not only shares her loves of designing stain glass, but conveys his affection to her.

Her designs catch the eye of businessman, Sean McCauley, and they strike a deal for stained glass windows for churches that his dad’s construction company builds. He becomes more interested in Beth each time he visits her studio, and Andrew openly shows his displeasure. Beth has been hurt before and is very cautious to both men’s attentiveness.

A crisis paves the way for Beth to finally feel a part of her mom’s life again. When she puts family first, she finally learns to trust God in all areas of her life.

What can I say? Great read, Kim, reflecting your Gentle Stories of Hope. I can’t wait for the third book. Thanks Kim!

MIRACLE FOR MONDAY

Today, I’m selfishly going to ask that if you are reading my blog, to pray for a dear friend of mine, Kristy Dykes. On Monday at 3:30, she will be having radiation for a stage 4 brain tumor. Unless God intervenes with a miracle, she only has a few weeks to live. Kristy is a multi-published author and speaker. She is a lively, vivacious red head with a willing heart to help others, and a member of the ACFW, (American Christian Fiction Writers). Her husband is asking for special prayer for her around the world, through many people networking in prayer at the time of her treatment which is Eastern Standard time. We will be praying for a miracle, but if God chooses not to heal her and take her home to Heaven, then Kristy is ready. But we are selfish and don’t want to lose her.

If you’d like to read Milton’s post about their journey, here is the link to Kristy’s blog. They’ve already had one healing last week when they prayed that she would be able to read or write after her surgery when they took out the mother tumor. It’s an incredible story.

http://www.christianlovestories.blogspot.com/

Tonight I watched the Sanctuary Choir at my church perform the Christmas Festival and for the first time in 12 years, Idid not sing with them. While I did miss singing, I allowed myself to be bathed in the music of over 200 beautiful voices and the orchestra sharing the truth of God's love and the birth of Christ. The fact is, the Christmas story is a miracle that God's son would be born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit, to take on the sin of the world so that when we die we wouldn't be separated from God. No greater price was ever paid. Folks, God still does miracles in the world today, though we may not be aware of them. Monday, I will be praying for a miracle in Kristy's body, along with many others. Join me if you will, and I hope that soon I'll be able to post about her healing.

What does Christmas really mean to you?

VETERANS DAY

Today we hiked at Kennesaw Battlefield on this spectacular fall day. On the drive home we passed the Confederate cemetary and then Marietta's Town Square where the military had just ended their tribute to our Armed Forces. Seeing the military band and men in uniform brought tears to my eyes as I comtemplated all those who served our country well. I thought of my brother Orville, known as OK to some and Ken to others. He passed away 4 years ago, one year almost to the day as my brother, Jerry (Gary). He was the most cheerful, out-going guy you'd ever want to meet, ready with a smile and ready to lend a hand. I remember when I was a little girl my mama cried every day because he was in Korea tucked into a fox hole at the tender age of 17. He lied and told them he was 18. I really didn't understand then, but later realized the danger he was in. There was much happiness when he returned. Years later, he suffered from post traumatic stress as a result of the war and confided to me about this one day after my mother died while driving to her apartment in his truck to go through her things. He told me that he would never get closure on that part of his life and was having terrible nightmares. I felt so sorry for him, but not nearly as bad as I did when he contracted lung cancer. Seeing him in the hospital, and me massaging his swollen feet, made the little girl in me want to crawl up in his arms and tell him everything would be all right, but I knew better.

So, I guess today, I'm remembering the dedication of our men in uniform. My other brother, Sam was in the National Guard. My father-in-law, Clarence, was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. My brother-in-law Michael MacIver, served in Viet Nam, my brother-in-law Garland Hardison, served in the US Air Force, and my son-in-law, Bobby Christine, served in Iraq and is a Jag with the Guard and was, at one time, a Green Beret. His father, Alex, came home gravely wounded from Viet Nam after serving 2 tours retiring as a Colonel with 3 Purple Hearts. He lost and arm and leg and suffers from a muscle disease presently.

Suffering, pain, heartache, separation of loved ones and so much more scars our nation and hearts today. But because of brave, willing men, we have freedom in this great United States today. I bow my head in prayer to honor each and every one. War is so terrible, but God's word says "That there will be wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end..." Matthew 24:6. These are merely the beginning of birth pangs...

If you've read this far, indulge me with the post of OK's obiturary that describes his military service with honor. One of the finest to have served our country well. What a hero!!

Orville Kenneth O’Neal
___________________________________
Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday at St. Ann Catholic Church, HWY 53, Gulfport

Orville Kenneth O’Neal, 70 of Gulfport, born March 1, 1933, died Thursday, March 27, 2003 in Meridian, MS.

Mr. O’Neal was a native and except for the 22 years of service in the United States Army was a life-long resident of the Coast. He was a loving husband, supportive father, an avid golfer, a great friend to many and a valuable community member. After retiring as a Master Sergeant from the Army, he worked in data management at Litton in Pascagoula. From there, he was drawn to the sea and earned his Captains License and worked on assignment to private yacht owners. He was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Lizana.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Samuel and Maggie O’Neal; By a sister, Gail Hardison; and by a granddaughter, Michelle Williamson.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Fayard O’Neal; his three sons, Kenneth K. O’Neal, John J. O’Neal and his wife Arlene, and Joseph M. O’Neal and his wife Ronna; his two daughters, Louvine Williamson and her husband Michael, and Elizabeth Weiss and her husband William; his brothers Samuel O’Neal Jr from Gulfport, Jerry O’Neal and Sylvia from West Glacier, Montana, his sisters Doris P. Swarnowicz and her husband John from Gulfport, Dianne MacIver and her husband Mike, from Mobile, Ala, and Brenda Lott and her husband Bruce from Marietta, Georgia; and Ken’s thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 10 am St. Ann’s with a Recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 am with the Reverend Peter Mockler officiating. Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be at 11 am. Burial will be in Long Beach Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Kenneth O’Neal, Michael Williamson, John O’Neal, Joe O’Neal, William Weiss, and Jerry O’Neal.
The family prefers contributions to St. Ann’s Building Fund, 23529 Highway 53, Gulfport, MS, 39503.


Master Sergeant Orville K. O’Neal
United States Army Retired
January 15, 1950 to May 31, 1973

Master Sergeant Orville K. O’Neal had the privilege to serve with the following units throughout his distinguished military career:

1st Cavalry Division
2nd Infantry Division
2nd Armored Division
31st Infantry Division
United States Army Air Defense/Missile School

While assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea from 1950-1951, Sergeant O’Neal earned the “Combat Infantry Badge” for Courage, Valor and Duty. He served as an Army “Sniper” and “Platoon Sergeant” during the Korean War. Afterwards, he attended various schools within the Army. He specialized in electronics, ground radar and guidance systems. This training enabled him to become an instructor at the headquarters of the United States Army Air Defense School in Fort Bliss, Texas, from 1966-1973.

During his distinguished military career, Sgt. O’Neal earned the following medals and awards:

Two Army Commendations Medals with gold Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster
Five Good Conduct Medals
Korean Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars
United Nations Peace Keeping Service Medal for Korea
Korean War Service Medal
Two Presidential Unit Citations for 2nd Infantry Division

Sergeant O’Neal also received the following badges: expert rifle, AA artillery, Missile and Drivers badge.

He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant in May 1973.