New Beginnings

We're 3 weeks into the new year, and I've not been good about blogging, but I have been good about writing.  I finished Captain Brenda's book and turned it in to my editor at Steeple Hill.  Now, I'm writing my WWII book and learning all sorts of things. 

Did you know that the Australians had their own Pearl Harbor when the Japanese bombed  Darwin?  It came Feb.19, 1942-- 10 weeks after Pearl Harbor and the air attack was in the morning like Pearl Harbor.  By the time the attack was over 8 ships (including an American destroyer), 22 aircraft, dozens of buildings leveled and more than 240 people died.

I've also run into little questions.  Where did you apply for a ration card?  Where was the UPI office in London?  Where was the Dutch embassy?

I'll find the answers.  I'm making my list and will be checking it twice.  If any of you knows, please comment.  


(Churchill and PM John Curtin)

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.  We ended up iced in and ate all the goodies that I made to take to the family dinner.  We'll be eating Cherry dessert I made for awhile.  And the cheese appetizer I made we'll also work on.

I am excited for this new year.  My project for the next few months is a WWII book that will come out in the Summer of 2014.  The series will be with B&H Publishing.  There will be a series of WWII books, but each will be written by a different author.  My book will be set in the Netherlands and England. More later.

I also will have a book out with Love Inspired.  In Redemption Ranch there was a female captain who was injured and was at the ranch to regain strength.  Well, I've finished her book and I'll let everyone know when her story will be out.

I pray this year will be a good one for you.
Leann

My prayer

With what happened in Connecticut all our hearts are sad.  It is beyond understanding.  It is my prayer the God will wrap each family, victims and survivors, in His tender love.   He can comfort them in ways we can't understand.  Please join me in prayer.

Brenda's story is finished.

Some of the best time a writer has is when they finish writing a book.  I finished Captain Brenda Kaye's story on Tuesday.  I did a happy dance, then sent the manuscript to my proofer.  There is no way I could turn a book in without another person reading it.  Most writers need another set of eyes to look over the book, but with me, well, it's twice as bad.

I met the lady who does my proofing when I was in Bonham at their library doing a reading.  Bonham has organized a day in Feb. when they invite local writers to come and talk.  The ladies there bring a dish and feed us all.  It is a wonderful day.  Meeting readers is a highlight.  And I love going there.  That's where I met my proofer and she's been doing it for me for several years.  She's a jem.

Season of Thanksgiving

Leann here. I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  My son-in-law cooked the turkey this year and did a wonderful job.  Our numbers were somewhat reduced due to my mom and sister-in-law weren't feeling well.  But we had a wonderful time.  Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday.  It has not been commercialized.  It is a time for giving thanks.  And what I enjoy the most about turkey day is turkey sandwiches with dressing and cranberries on it.  It is the best.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

Captain Brenda Kaye

If y'all recall in Beth's book, Redemption Ranch, there was a character, Captain Brenda Kaye.  When she appeared in the book, she wanted to take over.  Every time I started writing on Redemption Ranch, "Kaye" as she wants to be called--not Brenda, kept coming to my mind first.  After several days, I had to talk to the captain and say, "This is not your book, but you can have  your own."  With that promise, Kaye behaved. 

I am now writing Kaye's book.  She's back home and dealing with lots of baggage after being injured  when a insurgent walked into the cafe where she was meeting with several Iraqi women and blew himself up.  She's spent a lot of time in the hospital.  The hero of that book, Caleb Jensen, who is a pick-up rider in the rodeo.  He's facing a few problems of his own.  Now, for Kaye's eagerness to interrupt Beth's book, she's mighty reluctant to talk now.  I'll get it out of her, rest assured.

Since Caleb is a pick-up rider, I needed to do some research and  went to a rodeo in a neighboring town..  All research such be such fun.

Happy Veteran's Day

Mom in her uniform

 Church was opened with a selection of all the military theme songs.  There is nothing more soul stirring than to hear those songs.It calls to the deepest part of our souls.  This country owes a debt of gratitude to those brave men and women who fought.  They gave of themselves and in doing so, were tested in fire.

I find myself in awe.  Both my parents and husband were Army and I'm proud of them.  If you go to your local cemetery and walk through, you'll see head markers of young men who never made it to the age to 20.  The cemetery where my husband's family is buried, there are several grave stones not far from where our family is and they all read the same date in 1941. 

Please take a moment and give thanks to those brave solider/sailors/marines/coast guard that paid the price of freedom.

Dad setting in front of his barracks.