Odds and ends

Captain’s Log, Stardate 12.14.04

The insurance got cleared up rather painlessly. My company admin called because apparently she needs to verify all Open Enrollment changes, and she also had power to add benefits changes for employees. So she added our health, dental and vision coverage.

I am rather apprehensive about going back to work. The physical therapist recommended that I not return until January 5th, 2005, but I am already dreading the day. Today I read Psalm 37 and took perverse pleasure in imagining all the horrible things that will befall the wicked, shame on me. But the Psalm also talks about not fretting and trusting in God, and I need to remember that His hand is over all things. “Pray and let God worry.” So I will work hard at my writing while I’m still home, and thank God for this time.

Speaking of writing, it’s slow going. I’m struggling with that scene worksheet for some reason. Well, I sort of know the reason: I have a general outline of events, but as I do the more detailed scene worksheet, I’m realizing that some things I stuck in there 1) cannot physically happen, 2) disrupt Scene/Sequel flow, or 3) describe horribly improbable character reactions. But I’m almost 2/3 of the way through with it. Once I finish it, I’ll start writing (hopefully) like crazy.

I also started a Yahoogroup, Camy’s Loft:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/

Ha! Look-it me, with a Yahoogroup even though I’m not even published! Anyway, I thought I’d send out monthly newsletters to let people know what’s up with my writing (as of now, just the pain and suffering of plotting), and to unload WAY more information than anyone would ever want to know about me. ;-) Feel free to join. I didn’t set it up as a standard newsletter-only group, but as a forum for people to chat or ask questions or just hang out.

Oh, and I got rejected by Waterbrook. Just a generic, “I think I’ll pass.” Lord, I know it’s all in Your hands.

The knee is the same. Still stiff with some inflammation and swelling inside the joint, but getting better. I have a PT appointment on Thursday, I think (gotta check my calendar for that one).

Been reading a lot lately. Finished a few disappointing books (plot holes, “too stupid to live” characters), finished a few entertaining books (but not five-star keepers), and blasted through DOUBLE VISION by Randall Ingermanson. Waaaaaaaaaaaay cool, dude. I’ll write a review later.

I am also on a DIET. Capital D-I-E-T. My sedentary days are showing in the size of my behind. Whereas before I could go for a run with the dog, I now have to suffer and eat less food. Waaaaaaaaaaa. This is totally brutal for someone who loves to eat. Drink more water, eat more vegetables, eat smaller portions.

Well, off to write more.

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Grace Livingston Hill romances free on Google Books

I wanted to update my old post on Grace Livingston Hill romances because now there are tons more options for you to be able to read her books for free online! I’m a huge Grace Livingston Hill fan. Granted, not all her books resonate with me, but there are a few that I absolutely love, like The Enchanted Barn and Crimson Roses . And the best part is that she wrote over 100 books and I haven’t yet read them all! When I have time, I like to dive into a new GLH novel. I like the fact that most of them are romances, and I especially appreciate that they all have strong Christian themes. Occasionally the Christian content is a little heavy-handed for my taste, but it’s so interesting to see what the Christian faith was like in the early part of the 20th century. These books are often Cinderella-type stories or A Little Princess (Frances Hodgson Burnett) type stories, which I love. And the best part is that they’re all set in the early 1900s, so the time period is absolutely fasci

Brainstorm - character occupation

Captain's Log, Stardate 03.23.2009 Hey guys, I could use some help. In my current manuscript, The Year of the Dog , which is a humorous contemporary romance, I have a minor character, Eddie. He’s my heroine’s ex-boyfriend, and they’re on good terms with each other. He’s a bit irresponsible, but not so much so that he’s a complete loser. He’s got a very easy going attitude, he forgets to pay his bills sometimes, he’s friendly and charming. He’s adventurous and fun to be around, but he’s a little forgetful sometimes, and he tends to spend a little outside his income. I need an occupation for him. What would a charming, easy going, slightly irresponsible guy do for a living? He’s not too irresponsible, because otherwise readers will wonder what in the world my heroine saw in him to date him in the first place. She was attracted to his charm, his easy going attitude (her family’s uptight, and he was a nice contrast), and his adventurousness. But his forgetfulness and irresponsibility

Sweet May Stories

I’m participating in this promo. Click on the graphic to check out all the Christian romance and suspense books available and stuff your eBook reader! Sweet May Stories

FREE: The Vow by D.L. Wood

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Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13 Dear Lord, Thank you that you are the God of hope. Thank you that I can trust in you and hope for something better because you are in control of everything around me. Help me to be filled with your joy as I focus on you to sustain me in the midst of trials. Let your power flow into me to make me strong in my faith and in my hope in you. Amen ローマ15:13 親愛なる主よ、あなたが希望の神であることを感謝します。あなたは私の周りのすべてを支配しておられるので、私はあなたを信頼し、より良いものを望むことができることを感謝します。試練の中にある私を支えてくださるあなたに集中し、あなたの喜びで満たされるように助けてください。あなたの力が私の中に流れ込み、私の信仰とあなたへの希望を強くしてください。アーメン

No Cold Bums toilet seat cover

Captain's Log, Stardate 08.22.2008 I actually wrote out my pattern! I was getting a lot of hits on my infamous toilet seat cover , and I wanted to make a new one with “improvements,” so I paid attention and wrote things down as I made the new one. This was originally based off the Potty Mouth toilet cover , but I altered it to fit over the seat instead of the lid. Yarn: any worsted weight yarn, about 120 yards (this is a really tight number, I used exactly 118 yards. My suggestion is to make sure you have about 130 yards.) I suggest using acrylic yarn because you’re going to be washing this often. Needle: I used US 8, but you can use whatever needle size is recommended by the yarn you’re using. Gauge: Not that important. Mine was 4 sts/1 inch in garter stitch. 6 buttons (I used some leftover shell buttons I had in my stash) tapestry needle Crochet hook (optional) Cover: Using a provisional cast on, cast on 12 stitches. Work in garter st until liner measures

What are you reading?

What I’m reading: If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love (Light Novel), Vol. 1 by Harunadon SOMETIMES FIRE AND ICE ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER. Brigitte Meidell belongs to a noble family, which means high expectations were placed upon her spirit contract. However, her bonded spirit turned out to be a weak no-name, and ever since, she has been a source of shame to her family. She thought her engagement to the prince would turn her life around, but when he publicly breaks off their relationship, she finds herself alone again. After her haughty, villainous behavior as the prince’s bride-to-be, no one shows her much sympathy―except for the duke’s son Yuri, who attends the same magic academy. Yuri is feared for his incredible abilities and icy personality, but with him on her side, her fortunes might have changed... I read this book last month but forgot to post about it. I absolutely love this series! The heroine has such a deep backstory and a plausible reason for her previ

Tabi socks, part deux

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.25.2008 (If you're on Ravelry, friend me! I'm camytang.) I made tabi socks again! (At the bottom of the pattern is the calculation for the toe split if you're not using the same weight yarn that I did for this pattern (fingering). I also give an example from when I used worsted weight yarn with this pattern.) I used Opal yarn, Petticoat colorway. It’s a finer yarn than my last pair of tabi socks, so I altered the pattern a bit. Okay, so here’s my first foray into giving a knitting pattern. Camy’s top-down Tabi Socks I’m assuming you already know the basics of knitting socks. If you’re a beginner, here are some great tutorials: Socks 101 How to Knit Socks The Sock Knitter’s Companion A video of turning the heel Sock Knitting Tips Yarn: I have used both fingering weight and worsted weight yarn with this pattern. You just change the number of cast on stitches according to your gauge and the circumference of your ankle. Th

What are you making today?

Look! Look! This is the blank journal that I’ll be offering in my upcoming Kickstarter ! It’s a fabric and knitted lace journal cover slipped onto a Levengers Stanley Journal refill. I had a lady at my church make the fabric cover. I knit the lace panel and sewed it on the fabric so you can see the color underneath. The lace pattern is the same as the lace shawl worn by my character Lena in my upcoming book, Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 7: Spinster . It’s based on an antique pattern that isn’t quite from the Regency era—maybe 10 or 15 years later—but I felt it was close enough, plus it’s so pretty! I loved knitting this! What are you crafting today? Comment below!

Happy Boys' Day!

I realize for most of the world it’s Cinco de Mayo, but in my house it’s Boys’ Day! Fly carp flags and eat mochi!

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Lady Wynwood #7 early release Kickstarter