I can only plead end-of-the-book madness! I'm on the homestretch with the new book, "A Wanted Man" (July 07, HQN hardcover), starring Rowdy Rhodes, of "The Man from Stone Creek" fame, and his lady, schoolmarm-with-a-secret Lark Morgan. All hell's breaking loose in Stone Creek, and I don't mean maybe.
Gunfights.
Train robberies.
Love scenes that will peel the paint off the walls.
It's crazy.
It's exciting.
Best of all, it's FUN!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Rowdy and Lark
They're the hero and heroine of my work-in-progress--and they are red-hot.
Mom, don't read this book. :)
Mom, don't read this book. :)
Monday, August 21, 2006
At the Kitchen Table
One of the best blessings of my life as a writer is the freedom. I've got a killer deadline, but I can set up this laptop anywhere. There other day, I wrote an entire chapter while watching QVC. (I don't recommend this method, although it will improve your wardrobe.)
Today, I'm blogging at the kitchen table, after my usual stint of journaling and personal devotions.
In a little while, I'll go upstairs and write another chapter of "A Wanted Man". I can't wait for you to read it.
Today, I'm blogging at the kitchen table, after my usual stint of journaling and personal devotions.
In a little while, I'll go upstairs and write another chapter of "A Wanted Man". I can't wait for you to read it.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Fabulous
Did you know that words have vibrations? Good words bring good experiences, and the reverse, of course, is also true.
My life is full of fabulous things, and I'll bet yours is, too. I sometimes get distracted by all the non-fabulous stuff, and then I get into alignment with it, and it isn't any fun at all.
I'm planning to have a FABULOUS day today.
How about you?
And here's an affirmation we can all use:
I believe something fabulous is going to happen to me today!
My life is full of fabulous things, and I'll bet yours is, too. I sometimes get distracted by all the non-fabulous stuff, and then I get into alignment with it, and it isn't any fun at all.
I'm planning to have a FABULOUS day today.
How about you?
And here's an affirmation we can all use:
I believe something fabulous is going to happen to me today!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Showing Up
Some days, and this is one of them, I'd like to crawl back into bed and sleep, sleep, sleep...
I can't, of course, because I have a deadline.
I always have a deadline.
What's a cowgirl to do? Get up, pull on her clothes, give those boot straps a good hard tug, saddle up and RIDE.
I don't always feel like writing, as much as I love it.
Some days, it's all I can do to show up.
Fortunately, that's all the Boss asks of me. I get on that horse.
And then it carries me.
I can't, of course, because I have a deadline.
I always have a deadline.
What's a cowgirl to do? Get up, pull on her clothes, give those boot straps a good hard tug, saddle up and RIDE.
I don't always feel like writing, as much as I love it.
Some days, it's all I can do to show up.
Fortunately, that's all the Boss asks of me. I get on that horse.
And then it carries me.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
For or Against?
This might be a good time to point out that, instead of being against cruelty in any form, I am for kindness, compassion, mercy and grace. Look at physics, the earth-science type, I mean--when we resist or oppose something, it will push back. Our pushing only makes it stronger. But when we are FOR goodness and mercy, when we stand firmly in our position and speak up for the things we believe in, we align ourselves with All That Is Good.
Wounds heal from the inside.
God heals by being Present in any situation, and He transforms by that Presence.
Our part? To be aware of Him. To believe, because few things dishonor Him more than doubt.
He does the rest. Whether it's a cut in your pinky, or a world-wide disaster, He heals from the inside.
Wounds heal from the inside.
God heals by being Present in any situation, and He transforms by that Presence.
Our part? To be aware of Him. To believe, because few things dishonor Him more than doubt.
He does the rest. Whether it's a cut in your pinky, or a world-wide disaster, He heals from the inside.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A Wanted Man
A little about my work in progress, an historical western starring Rowdy Rhodes, who appeared briefly in "The Man from Stone Creek", and Lark Morgan, a lady with secrets as big and dangerous as Rowdy's own. The novel takes place in the fictional northern Arizona town of Stone Creek, where readers of the previous book will run into old friends, Sam, Maddie and the Major, and make some new ones, too.
It's 1905 when Rowdy arrives in Stone Creek, summoned there by Sam and the Major, in their capacity as Arizona Rangers, with little other information to go on. His dog, Pardner, comes along, and serves as a canine deputy when Rowdy is once again sworn in as town marshal.
It's a heart-driven, complex story, and I think you'll love it, even if you haven't read "The Man from Stone Creek". That will be out in paperback next June, and "A Wanted Man" will follow in hardcover in July. I've seen the art work for the cover, and those fine folks in the HQN art department have done it again. It's wonderful!
Most of the household is off today for a wedding in Canada. I'll be staying home to ride herd over the four-leggers and work on the new book. More tomorrow.
It's 1905 when Rowdy arrives in Stone Creek, summoned there by Sam and the Major, in their capacity as Arizona Rangers, with little other information to go on. His dog, Pardner, comes along, and serves as a canine deputy when Rowdy is once again sworn in as town marshal.
It's a heart-driven, complex story, and I think you'll love it, even if you haven't read "The Man from Stone Creek". That will be out in paperback next June, and "A Wanted Man" will follow in hardcover in July. I've seen the art work for the cover, and those fine folks in the HQN art department have done it again. It's wonderful!
Most of the household is off today for a wedding in Canada. I'll be staying home to ride herd over the four-leggers and work on the new book. More tomorrow.
Monday, August 14, 2006
The Suicide Race
Some of you have asked for clarification on the infamous "Suicide Race" taking place every year at the Omak Stampede.
Horses are forced to run a VERY steep down hill track. They often tumble, end over end, and are crippled and killed in the process. Should they survive, they are required to perform the same brutal and irresponsible spectacle the next day! And people pay money to watch this abuse; that disturbs me almost as much as the terrible danger the horses are subjected to.
Horses are, obviously large. They fear few things more than falling, because they're vulnerable when they're down. Their own weight works against them. They are prey animals, remember.
They are also magnificent creatures, with truly amazing spirits.
Some people actually argue that they enjoy the race.
Horses are sporting animals. Some of them do love certain rodeo events, such as barrel-racing. I have several rodeo cowboys in my family--father, brother, uncles--and I am NOT opposed to rodeo, as long as the animals involved are treated humanely. The Suicide Race at the Omak Stampede certainly doesn't qualify as humane--it is brutal, primitive, and absolutely insane.
The riders have a choice. I don't have much sympathy for them.
The horses DO NOT have a choice. And they have no voices.
Is there an event like this in your community? Speak out, and whatever you do, DON'T buy a ticket. This is all about money.
If you live in Washington State, write to your Senators and Representatives. All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to remain silent, to do nothing.
Remember--those who will mistreat animals will mistreat children. Brutality is brutality, and abusing the helpless is WRONG, whether the victim has two legs or four.
Horses are forced to run a VERY steep down hill track. They often tumble, end over end, and are crippled and killed in the process. Should they survive, they are required to perform the same brutal and irresponsible spectacle the next day! And people pay money to watch this abuse; that disturbs me almost as much as the terrible danger the horses are subjected to.
Horses are, obviously large. They fear few things more than falling, because they're vulnerable when they're down. Their own weight works against them. They are prey animals, remember.
They are also magnificent creatures, with truly amazing spirits.
Some people actually argue that they enjoy the race.
Horses are sporting animals. Some of them do love certain rodeo events, such as barrel-racing. I have several rodeo cowboys in my family--father, brother, uncles--and I am NOT opposed to rodeo, as long as the animals involved are treated humanely. The Suicide Race at the Omak Stampede certainly doesn't qualify as humane--it is brutal, primitive, and absolutely insane.
The riders have a choice. I don't have much sympathy for them.
The horses DO NOT have a choice. And they have no voices.
Is there an event like this in your community? Speak out, and whatever you do, DON'T buy a ticket. This is all about money.
If you live in Washington State, write to your Senators and Representatives. All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to remain silent, to do nothing.
Remember--those who will mistreat animals will mistreat children. Brutality is brutality, and abusing the helpless is WRONG, whether the victim has two legs or four.
Friday, August 11, 2006
The Suicide Race
There is a spectacle going on at the Omak Stampede, right here in my beloved Washington state, called the Suicide Race. But it isn't suicide from the horses' perspective: it's murder.
Every year, horses are crippled and killed in this "race". This kind of blood-spectacle should have gone out with the Romans, feeding Christians to lions and pitting gladiators against each other. It is a cruel travesty, and there is no excuse for it. It galls me that people will pay money and turn out in droves to watch something like this.
The horses have no choice. They are forced to participate.
I'm speaking out against this, every chance I get, from every possible platform. It's JUST PLAIN WRONG.
Furthermore, it's NOT the cowboy way. Can you see Sam O'Ballivan endorsing something like this? Or any one of the McKettricks?
NO WAY. This is unspeakably cruel.
Every year, horses are crippled and killed in this "race". This kind of blood-spectacle should have gone out with the Romans, feeding Christians to lions and pitting gladiators against each other. It is a cruel travesty, and there is no excuse for it. It galls me that people will pay money and turn out in droves to watch something like this.
The horses have no choice. They are forced to participate.
I'm speaking out against this, every chance I get, from every possible platform. It's JUST PLAIN WRONG.
Furthermore, it's NOT the cowboy way. Can you see Sam O'Ballivan endorsing something like this? Or any one of the McKettricks?
NO WAY. This is unspeakably cruel.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Thank God
Pray for peace, and for the safety of all innocent travelers, everywhere.
And while we're at it, let's say Thank You to a gracious and merciful God, for Scotland Yard and all the others, everywhere on earth, who work and keep watch, night and day, to guard us all.
And while we're at it, let's say Thank You to a gracious and merciful God, for Scotland Yard and all the others, everywhere on earth, who work and keep watch, night and day, to guard us all.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The Humane Society of the United States
I will soon be officially associated with these fine people; they are a voice for the voiceless, the animals who cannot speak.
Do you remember the lost pets, abandoned or separated from their human families during and after Hurricane Katrina? Well, the HSUS was instrumental in getting legislation passed to protect and provide for our faithful companions in the event of disaster.
I have said it before, and I will say it again. The measure of an individual or a society is NOT wealth, accomplishment or military might. It lies in the way they treat the helpless, the dispossessed, the lost and the hungry and the sick. The ones with no voices, no power, no influence.
The Master set the example. It is up to us to follow it.
Do you remember the lost pets, abandoned or separated from their human families during and after Hurricane Katrina? Well, the HSUS was instrumental in getting legislation passed to protect and provide for our faithful companions in the event of disaster.
I have said it before, and I will say it again. The measure of an individual or a society is NOT wealth, accomplishment or military might. It lies in the way they treat the helpless, the dispossessed, the lost and the hungry and the sick. The ones with no voices, no power, no influence.
The Master set the example. It is up to us to follow it.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Saturday
On Saturday, friends and family of Jack Wiley crowded the historic little church in Northport, not so much to mourn as to celebrate a life well and honorably lived. All of us had stories to tell about how Jack had touched our lives in so many positive ways. Tears were shed, but there was laughter, too.
Jack would have wanted it that way.
Jack would have wanted it that way.
Friday, August 04, 2006
The Margaret Mitchell House
One of the highpoints of my trip to Atlanta was a visit to the house where Margaret Mitchell wrote "Gone With the Wind". Now, lest you think she had the run of some big place, not so. She and her husband shared a very small apartment in the basement. (The rest of the house has burned, not once but twice, but the apartment remained intact.) She sat at a tiny table, facing a window, and wrote what many would consider the Great American Novel on an old-fashioned typewriter. Each of the 63 chapters of the novel was tucked into its own manila envelope (writers are strange creatures, as you may have guessed), and Mitchell steadfastly refused to show the pages to anyone. (Her friends finally convinced her to give it to a famous editor visiting Atlanta in search of new writers--she literally ran into the lobby of his hotel, dumped 63 manila envelopes on a table, and ran out again!)
Among my favorite lines from the book is, "You should be kissed, and often, and by somebody who knows how." Rhett Butler. (Oh, baby.)
Friends, it doesn't get any more romantic than that.
Favorite Margaret Mitchell quote? "In a weak moment, I have written a book." I love that so much, I bought a coffee cup inscribed with her picture and those words.
In a weak moment, I, too, am writing a book.
I'd better get back to it.
Among my favorite lines from the book is, "You should be kissed, and often, and by somebody who knows how." Rhett Butler. (Oh, baby.)
Friends, it doesn't get any more romantic than that.
Favorite Margaret Mitchell quote? "In a weak moment, I have written a book." I love that so much, I bought a coffee cup inscribed with her picture and those words.
In a weak moment, I, too, am writing a book.
I'd better get back to it.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Thursday Mornin' Comin' Down
Still descending from the heights of attending both the filming of "The Last Chance Cafe" and then trekking on to Atlanta. Heady experiences, both.
Now, for the real world.
Chapter 1 awaits.
A new adventure!
This cowgirl says: YEEHAW! Turn this bronc out of the chute, cause I'm ready to ride!
Now, for the real world.
Chapter 1 awaits.
A new adventure!
This cowgirl says: YEEHAW! Turn this bronc out of the chute, cause I'm ready to ride!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Snail Mail
PS
If anyone wants to write an actual letter, I'm receiving mail at:
Linda Lael Miller
PO Box 19461
Spokane, WA 99219
Include an SASE, and you will get an answer.
If anyone wants to write an actual letter, I'm receiving mail at:
Linda Lael Miller
PO Box 19461
Spokane, WA 99219
Include an SASE, and you will get an answer.
Back from My Travels!
What a busy couple of weeks I've had!
First, I flew to Vancouver and watched, fascinated, as Kevin Sorbo and other members of the cast of the Lifetime movie of "The Last Chance Cafe" brought MY story to life! (Kevin, I'm here to tell you, is seriously cute, not to mention gracious, and he SO nailed my character, Chance Qualtrough, who is called Chance Coulter in the movie. ) As I understand it, the movie will be shown in November. You may rest assured that there will be plenty of advance notice on the website. The whole cast is excellent, and they were kind enough to include a very star-struck writer in some lively conversation. If you haven't done so already, please check out Kevin's website--kevinsorbo.com.
I'd barely dumped my suitcases and washed my laundry when it was off to Atlanta for a week, to attend the annual Romance Writers of America conference. As usual, I had a wonderful time. And you should see Debbie Macomber! She's looking skinny. and oh-so-glam.
Highlights were: Nancy Berland's breakfast and lunch events for such bookselling and publishing notables as Daisy Marlys, of "Publisher's Weekly". Dinner at Nicolai's, with my long-time agent and friend, Irene Goodman. (The food was presented with a flourish, and we each got a rose at the end!) The Harlequin people gave me the star-treatment, and I lapped up every minute of it. As if that weren't enough, assistant Jen and I had the privilege of nearly colliding with none other than Morgan Freeman as we were entering an elevator at the Ritz Carlton, and we also ran into a delightful four-year-old who could sing most of Johnny Cash's repretoire! She did the first line of "Jackson", from her stroller, no less, and it was a kick.
Atlanta is a beautiful, friendly city, if a little hot and muggy for my taste. I don't think I've ever encountered so many engaging, warm people all in one place! We made a pilgrimage to the Margaret Mitchell house, and also visited the Coca-Cola museum and the best aquarium I've evr seen. Of course, I worked in some shopping, too.
Big news on the home front: I've made an offer on the lake house I told you about, and it has been accepted. It's twenty-five minutes from this house, and has a perfect office with a view of the lake!
Truly, I am blessed.
And you are among the greatest of those blessings!
More tomorrow.
First, I flew to Vancouver and watched, fascinated, as Kevin Sorbo and other members of the cast of the Lifetime movie of "The Last Chance Cafe" brought MY story to life! (Kevin, I'm here to tell you, is seriously cute, not to mention gracious, and he SO nailed my character, Chance Qualtrough, who is called Chance Coulter in the movie. ) As I understand it, the movie will be shown in November. You may rest assured that there will be plenty of advance notice on the website. The whole cast is excellent, and they were kind enough to include a very star-struck writer in some lively conversation. If you haven't done so already, please check out Kevin's website--kevinsorbo.com.
I'd barely dumped my suitcases and washed my laundry when it was off to Atlanta for a week, to attend the annual Romance Writers of America conference. As usual, I had a wonderful time. And you should see Debbie Macomber! She's looking skinny. and oh-so-glam.
Highlights were: Nancy Berland's breakfast and lunch events for such bookselling and publishing notables as Daisy Marlys, of "Publisher's Weekly". Dinner at Nicolai's, with my long-time agent and friend, Irene Goodman. (The food was presented with a flourish, and we each got a rose at the end!) The Harlequin people gave me the star-treatment, and I lapped up every minute of it. As if that weren't enough, assistant Jen and I had the privilege of nearly colliding with none other than Morgan Freeman as we were entering an elevator at the Ritz Carlton, and we also ran into a delightful four-year-old who could sing most of Johnny Cash's repretoire! She did the first line of "Jackson", from her stroller, no less, and it was a kick.
Atlanta is a beautiful, friendly city, if a little hot and muggy for my taste. I don't think I've ever encountered so many engaging, warm people all in one place! We made a pilgrimage to the Margaret Mitchell house, and also visited the Coca-Cola museum and the best aquarium I've evr seen. Of course, I worked in some shopping, too.
Big news on the home front: I've made an offer on the lake house I told you about, and it has been accepted. It's twenty-five minutes from this house, and has a perfect office with a view of the lake!
Truly, I am blessed.
And you are among the greatest of those blessings!
More tomorrow.
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