9
February
2007
by Meredith Efken
I’m so excited to welcome Sharon Hinck to Violet Voices today. Sharon has been a friend of mine for several years, and we met at a writers conference shortly after both of us had sold our first mom-lit novels. We have the same terrific literary agent, and share a love of fine literature and intellectual stimulation.
Now, she is releasing her second mom-lit novel, Renovating Becky Miller, which is a terrific sequel to the first, The Secret Life of Becky Miller. And we’re lucky to have been including in her blog tour to welcome her new book into the world.
Her interview is below, followed by a link to more information about Renovating Becky Miller and how to get your own copy!
I’m so thrilled to be part of your blog tour, Sharon. When they asked for volunteers, I jumped at the chance.
You and I have chatted a lot about literature and the fact that we both like a good intellectually stimulating read. What literature do you think most influences your own fiction, in terms of style or themes, etc.?
Hi Meredith!
It’s so great to be here to visit. I’ve always read such a weird mish-mash that it’s hard for me to pinpoint my influences. I suppose if I was classy I’d say I have eclectic tastes. But really, it’s a hodgepodge.
As a child I read Mark Twain (The Conneticut Yankee was a favorite long before I could understand much of it) and Jack London (The Sea Wolf was far better than any episode of Survivor), Dickens, Austen, the Brontes, Robert Louis Stevenson. As I grew up I dove into every corner of our local library – but fiction was always my favorite.
Writers are often told that they can find a clue to which genre they are meant to write by looking at what they like to read. That hasn’t worked for me. I read pulp mysteries, literary fiction, sci-fi and fantasy, historicals, humorous contemporaries, dark suspense.
I’d say I’m most captivated by works that have something unexpected or blend genres in an unusual way. In recent years I’ve enjoyed Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Ella Minnow Pea (Mark Dunn), Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books, The Stolen Child, The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. I’d love to be able to write with both intelligence and humor, with layers.
I also have read stacks and stacks of fiction by Christian authors in the past few years and love watching characters grapple with faith issues in a wide variety of genres. My fourteen-year-old daughter and I just went to a bag sale at our library and each nabbed fifty books – only $2 a bag. We were in heaven. It was fun showing each other our finds afterwards, and they ranged through every category. That must be why I’m such a “everything and the kitchen sink†kind of novelist.
I think “kitchen sink” novelists are the best kind. Speaking of kitchen sinks…here’s the question everyone always asks me—how do you balance being a wife, mom, writer, and whatever else it is that you do?
Balance? I think that page is missing from my dictionary. But I show up each day. I try to listen for God’s interruptions (because that’s where a lot of my life happens).
I hear you! In Renovating Becky Miller, your main character is working on remodeling a run-down farmhouse. I personally can relate to the remodeling a run-down house experience. Is this something you’ve gone through, too? If so, what was your worst (or funniest) remodel story?
My husband and I have fixed up and remodeled each place we’ve lived. We’re eternal optimists who continue to be startled by the problems we discover when we tackle what’s meant to be a “quick weekend project.â€
LOL! You and I are soul-sisters on that, honey.
Our first home was a poor abused little brick house that had been used as a rental before we bought it. The first night (sleeping on the floor, because we were building a closet in the bedroom) we learned that even though we’d pulled out the smelly old carpets, the house was infested with fleas. The windows looked like amber stained glass because of tobacco smoke. But the oddest discovery was when the dryer wouldn’t work and Ted tinkered with it to try to fix it. He found chicken bones in the dryer. We never did figure out why someone had been drying chicken bones in the clothes dryer.
Oh my. I’m not sure I’d WANT to know! 
Well, you’ve had a lot of mom experience…how about some free advice? My oldest daughter just turned nine and announced to me recently that she has a crush on the cousin of one of her friends. Any parenting advice or tips or encouragement for me?
On the theme of remodeling – now is the time to build a Rapunzel-style tower to keep her locked up in. And cut her hair short.
LOL! We’ll get right on that–I promise. (Oh, here…time out for a snapshot of me and Sharon at the 2006 Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. I think we both look a bit peaked…being a writer is a tough job!)Â 
Do you have any inspiring thoughts to share with the parents who read this blog who may sometimes feel as if their own lives are on hold because of the demands of their children? Is it possible for them to still pursue their own dreams and goals as well? If so, how?
Okay, this may sound weird (so what else is new?) but sometimes when I feel a little “trapped†or “limited†it comforts me to think about people who really ARE in a prison. Richard Wurmbrand (a Romanian pastor who was imprisoned and tortured for his faith) talked about feeling joy when the cell door closed on him, because he was “shut up with my Jesus.†Wow. When I’m folding the bazillionth load of laundry and wondering if God remembers I’m there in the basement, longing to make a difference in the world, I think about how Christians through the ages have taken joy in whatever circumstance they are in, and watched for ways to serve.
I’ve also noticed that with Biblical heroes. God may stir a calling to serve Him in a special way and then wait years for the big picture to unfold. I love dreaming big. I want God to use me to bring grace to a suffering world. But I’m slowly learning that God’s grace can pour out through our small choices and seemingly insignificant actions.
I want to stop measuring how valuable I am on this planet by the standards of this culture. I can’t throw a football, win American Idol, or build a mega-church. I CAN listen to my husband’s hopes, put a bandaid on a child’s skinned knee, pray with a friend, or send an encouraging email. As a SAHM, I often don’t get to set the course for my day. I spend a lot of time reacting to the needs that come up around me. And really, that’s kind of exciting. We are all sort of God’s secret agents – ready to handle any mission He sends our way.
Meredith, thanks so much for letting me pop by to visit, and I can’t wait until we have a chance to have a good long talk in person again. I love the way you convey intelligent, real women in your books, with depth and sharp wit. I also love popping in to read your blog (although I’ve had to start rationing my blog-reading time because of deadlines). Blessings! Sharon
You are welcome any time, my friend!
Please make sure to check out Sharon’s latest book, Renovating Becky Miller.
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . 
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8
February
2007
by Meredith Efken
Mom-lit author extraordinaire, Sharon Hinck, recently released her second novel. Renovating Becky Miller continues the story from The Secret Life of Becky Miller, detailing Becky’s move to a dilapidated farmhouse and her quest for a more peaceful existence.
To welcome this novel into the world, Sharon is embarking on a blog tour, and tomorrow is her stop here at Violet Voices. I have a fabulous interview with her, so you won’t want to miss it. We talk about remodeling, tween girls, balance, and finding freedom when you feel trapped by life.
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . Email This Post
25
January
2007
by Meredith Efken
This blog exists not just to provide a way for you to get to know me. It’s also for me (and my readers) to get to know you. So why not become a Violet Voice by posting on my blog?
If you look at the top of the right sidebar, under “Pages” you’ll see a link that says “Tell Your Story!” This gives you all the information you need to be able to post your story on Violet Voices.
It’s pretty simple. You register, and put in your personal information that you’d like to be upgraded to a contributor on the blog. Then you log in and post your story. I assign it to the category for you, proofread it, and get it ready to post. Then I fit it into the posting schedule.
I’m especially looking for young moms and dads, and those who are involved with international adoption. But if you like the blog, and you want to be a part, you are welcome to do so.
Please let your voice be heard!
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: International Adoption, On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . Email This Post
23
January
2007
By Meredith Efken
I came across this last week–my latest release, @Home For The Holidays, is available as an e-book! I had no idea! But somehow it seems terrifically ironic and appropriate for a book told all in emails to be available in electronic format. Don’t you think?
Anyway, if you are a stay-at-home mom, or a stay-at-home dad, or any sort of parent, or anyone who loves a good comedy, you might give this e-book a try. Personally, I’m still attached to my physical pages and the feel of a nice hard-copy in my hands. But I think it’s cool to think that readers can take my book along with them on their PDA or Blackberry or laptop, too.
If you decide to give it a try, let me know what you think, okay?
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: Stay At Home Parents, Women's Voices . Email This Post
22
January
2007
by Meredith Efken
Found this CNN article over the weekend on what female celebrities go through in order to look so great for the red carpet at the awards ceremonies.
My thoughts:
1) ELECTRICAL TAPE??? They use electrical tape? THERE???
2) They PAINT ON muscle definition???
3) What would it be like to have an entire team of stylists at my command to make me look like such a fantasy?
4) Tape and underarm botox aside, the dresses and shoes are still….MMMMMmmm good!
What do YOU think?
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
16
January
2007
By Vasthi Acosta
Recently I went to hear best selling author, Karen Kingsbury, speak at a book store. Her books tug at your heart and make you laugh, cry and hope the story never ends. At the event she shared how she chose the path to become a writer.
In college she was floundering, not knowing what to do with her life. Then her journalism teacher (Let’s hear a cheer for teachers!) pulled her aside and told her, “Never stop writing, and come work on the student newspaper.”
Those words set her on her path.
The words of wise counsel.
Recently on an online writer’s forum, the topic of discussion was ‘who encouraged you to become a writer’. It was astonishing how many remembered someone in their youth who spoke words of light into their life. Many gave testimony to how they still treasured those words and those who spoke them. Others spoke of mentors who gave them words of advice, encouragement, teaching and hard truth.
More words of wise counsel.
Pinpoint a time in your life when someone encouraged you, offered you wisdom, opened up an opportunity, named your talent. Each one poured into your life wise counsel.
God speaks many languages — one of these is wise counsel. Sometimes the words may be hard to hear. Other times they are the exact words you least expected. Or words that confirmed what you already knew.
But when they come from God, they are always the words you need at your moment of need.
If you are struggling today, lost in a maze, don’t know where to turn — seek God’s face. Ask Him to speak to you through wise counsel.
He is faithful. He’ll bring into your life the person who will share His wise counsel.
He who has an ear, let him hear . . . (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
5
January
2007
By Pattie
Yep, I’m a resolutions girl. Every year, without fail, I make a list of ways I’d like to improve, things I’d like to accomplish or finish, and promises I make to myself and to God.
In fact, making new resolutions is one resolution I keep each year!
This year was no exception. I made my list. I tried to make it as realistic and reachable as possible, but I still went above and beyond what I will probably be able to accomplish. And that’s okay.
I’d like to think I learned something valuable about myself in 2006 that I carry into 2007: I set myself up for failure far too much.
It’s true. I do. Then I beat myself up for it. It’s a vicious cycle.
Therefore, for 2007 I’ve decided to work with my procrastinating, perfectionistic personality as it is. Instead of trying to change who I am into someone I could never hope to be, I’ll try to accomplish my goals in spite of my shortcomings. My theory is if I work with who I already am, I’ll be more likely to succeed.
Ask me in a year how it worked.
Written By: Pattie
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
29
December
2006
nothing to do with it . . .
By Barbara
I was a tad frantic this morning - made several phone calls to folks I thought could help - none were able to do so.
You see, I work for a “secure” facility. Our doors are kept locked. We all have keys to enter the premises.
We all do - until this morning. We all do - except for me. You see, I somehow had lost my keys. It’s a pretty recognizable set of keys, too - kept on a purple carabiner (snap tool, I think the Guardsmen call it) with a long tailed rust colored suede leather fob. I use that so I can spot it, or feel it easily, you see.
So, phone calls were made to my pastor asking him to go to the church to look there - to Lessa to ask her to check my house - to Ladybug to ask her to look around where I had parked this morning when I picked up TAT - to the school where I had dropped off TAT - to hubby moose to ask him to check the house when he goes home for lunch . . . I even went out to look in this lot - but knew it was kind of hopeless because the plow had come earlier and if it was in the snow, I would not be able to find it until the next thaw (oh, in about three months or so).
Finally I could stand it no longer . . . I drove to the school myself to check - then went in to tell them what I was doing in case someone called about some strange lady wandering amongst the cars in the lot. No keys.
I drove towards home - stopping at our cluster mailbox - kicked around the snow in front of it where I had stopped last night to check the mail. (thankfully, the city plow hits our street last on the list so the snow was just thick - and cold - and WET!)
Then I drove into our driveway, parking where hubby moose generally parks. Wait - what is that poking up out of the snow? Could it be? Yes!!! It was - my keys - actually, the long tailed suede fob!
Called everyone to let them know - well, except Lessa - she has gone back to bed by now, I’m sure - I’ll call her sometime after noon.
When I came back to work bearing keys held high - everyone said “you’re LUCKY!”
Nope, friends, LUCK had NOTHING to do with it. Prayer had EVERYTHING to do with it.
I believe in a Sovereign God who cares even about such a thing as lost keys. He allowed me to find them. And, it was thanks to the prayers of my pastor and his family and myself. The inablity to sit still at this desk a moment longer which led me home to find them - yup, I attribute that to His Sovereignty.
Praise the Lord!
(first published at my website.)
Written By: barbara
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
24
December
2006
I’ve missed posting regularly this month, and am looking forward to getting back to it come the New Year. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season with people you love (or at least can tolerate!).
I’m taking next week to do some blog maintenance, but there will be two new posts so watch for them. And after the New Year, I hope to have some new special things to add to Violet Voices.
My thanks and appreciation to those of you who have joined this blog as Voices this year. I really couldn’t manage the blog all by myself, and your stories and viewpoints are so valued by myself and our readers.
Love you all,
Meredith Efken
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
11
December
2006
by Meredith Efken
I’m a guest blogger over at Camy’s Loft today! Go check it out. She’s giving away a couple of copies of my newest book, @Home For The Holidays!
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
