Captain's Log, Supplemental I get hits on this every year, and I know there are lots of writers who read my blog, so here’s my article. I’d love any ideas you might want to add to it! Christmas gifts for writers

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.30.2007 Christianity.com has launched new Bible Study Tools at its website. I got an email and I've been checking out the website. Here's the release info: Here’s what you can do with Bible Study Tools: * Highlight your favorite Bible verses * Take and save personal "margin" notes about your Bible study journey * Explore 29 different Bible translations and compare them side by side with our split panel screen * Search a comprehensive library of additional study helps and resources including commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, reading plans, and more * Read devotionals from your favorite pastors and authors including Chuck Swindoll, Max Lucado, Charles Stanley, John Piper, and more If you are looking for a FREE resource to help you dig into the Bible . . . If you want to know God's Word better and see a dramatic impact in your life . . . If you want Bible study resources and teaching you can really trust from some o

Captain’s Log, Supplemental Bayou Justice by Robin Caroll A body in the bayou. Alligator conservationist Coco LeBlanc knew real fear when she found a body in the clutches of her beloved beasts. Fear turned to horror when she saw that it was one of the Trahan clan—and he'd been shot in the back. Her ex-boyfriend, Luc Trahan, had dumped Coco two years ago when she refused to give up her family's centuries-old voodoo traditions, and he didn't know about her newfound faith. Now, as they and their families become prime suspects in the grisly crime, they'll have to work together to clear their names before the Cajun killer strikes again. Camy here: This is such a great book! It completely immersed this Hawaii-grown-California-girl in the Southern Cajun culture without making me feel like I’ve landed on another planet. The setting is like another character in the story, incorporating everything from alligators to Confederate history to voodoo. CoCo is a spitfire and I loved

Captain's Log, Supplemental I totally love the TV show Chuck . Captain Caffeine and I are completely hooked. I think it’s because the main character, Chuck, is such a geek. I love geek heroes. Maybe because I’m very happily married to one. I like the combination of smart and a little unsure. (Okay, I also admit I think Adam Baldwin is terrific and will watch anything he’s in. He was hilarious in Firefly , and he's just as funny in Chuck .) I like how Chuck, Super-geek, likes Sarah, kick-butt CIA agent. I’m rooting for the underdog to get the pretty girl. He deserves her! He’s sweet and smart and sensitive. I just realized that I write a lot of geek heroes. I think Drake in book 3 of my Sushi series is the first truly Alpha male hero I’ve written yet. Even the hero in one of my old (unpublished) manuscripts, a romantic suspense, is a more withdrawn type rather than an aggressive Alpha male. I love geeks! Geeks rule! How about you? What kinds of heroes do you like in your stories

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.27.2007 I'm blogging over at Girls, God, and the Good Life today: Prayer Warriors

Captain's Log, Supplemental I took a trip down South for a short brainstorming retreat at this FABULOUS cabin in the North Carolina woods. I finally got pictures up here: Brainstorming in North Carolina

Just Jane by Nancy Moser Unable to find her own Mr. Darcy, she created him. Pride and Prejudice , Sense and Sensibility , Emma ...these titles conjure up a romantic world of rolling English country-sides, elegant balls, noble gentlemen, and headstrong gentlemen's daughters. But how much do we know about the woman who immortalized those times and names like Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennett? Growing up in a clergyman's home gave Jane Austen opportunities to watch human nature at its best...and worst. Just Jane is a bio-novel, a biography scened-out to read like a novel. It gives Jane a chance to tell her life's story, in her own delightful and insightful words. To read a chapter of this fun new title go to ChapterAWeek . If you don't belong to Chapter a Week, it's free and easy to join. Just click here .

Captain’s Log, Stardate 11.23.2007 When Dreams Come True by Margaret Daley Book 4 in the Ladies of Sweetwater Lake series When her DEA agent husband's plane went down, Zoey Witherspoon thought her life was over. But with two kids to care for, and another on the way, she moved back home to Sweetwater to be closer to friends and family. Two years later, her world was turned upside down: her husband was alive! Amnesia-stricken Dane was not exactly the same person he had been, but neither was Zoey. She refused to return to the fractured marriage they had shared—workaholic Dane had never been around—yet moving forward was a scary prospect. Would a second chance at happiness make all her dreams come true? Camy here: Margaret Daley is always a good read. I liked the unusual premise about a husband, presumed dead, who reappears after two years. Margaret adds more tension by the fact that Zoey and Dane had been on the brink of separation before he’d disappeared. The story highlights the g

Captain's Log, Supplemental I heard these lyrics on KLOVE and thought they were awesome. For me, this song is like “Love Song” by Third Day—the songs remind me of the incredible emotional depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. In honor of Thanksgiving, here’s something to express what I’m thankful for. “A Better Way” by Downhere from the Wide-Eyed and Mystified album Listen to "A Better Way" on Downhere's Shoutlife page or their MySpace page . I'm not alone, I really believe You never go, You never leave Here and now, You always stay “I love you” could not be said a better way It's everything You've promised There's no greater love than this From prophets until today A man laying down His life for His friends Your sacrifice has spoken, You gave everything And “I love you” could not be said A better way I am forgiven, I clearly see It's why You came to do all you did for me Trading earth with heaven, You took my place “I love you” could not

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.21.2007 I'm completely utterly totally thrilled to have Wendy Lawton as my agent, and to be a Books and Such Literary Agency client. One of the "bookies," Bill Giovannetti, graciously compiled a list of Books and Such clients who blog! I'll update this as I get any new additions. Latayne C. Scott Author interacts on leaving Mormonism, accessible theology, and "cult fiction" http://www.latayne.com Latayne C. Scott Cult Fiction Reviews of fiction books dealing with cults, especially Mormonism. http://www.latayne.com/#/cult _fiction/ Latayne C. Scott Incite Reflection on theological issues http://www.latayne.com/#/ blog / Latayne C. Scott 365 Reasons Why I Won't Return to Mormonism Seasoned ex-members of the LDS church reflect on their decisions to leave. http://www.latayne.com/#/365 _reasons/ Latayne C. Scott Maxgrace .com The life of a perfect pastor and his flawless family http://www. maxgrace .com Bill Giovan

Captain's Log, Supplemental I am giving up on NaNoWriMo. Ever since I came back from visiting my parents at the end of last month, and with the traveling and events I had planned for this month, I KEEP COMING HOME TO A MESSY HOUSE! IT’S DRIVING ME NUTS! MY BRAIN FEELS AS CLUTTERED AS MY OFFICE! I got a measly 4000 words done (although to my credit, I did manage to get the entire book plotted out scene-by-scene on my scene spreadsheet). I came to the conclusion this weekend that I’m spending too much energy trying to write in the midst of clutter, and it’s stressing me out and blocking any creativity I might have. So, I’m taking this week off from writing to clean my house! Captain Caffeine has graciously offered to help, so I think he’s feeling the clutter, too. And no, I will not terrorize you with pictures. People would drop dead in front of their computers all over the world.

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.19.2007 Today, I have an interview with my friend Cara Putman about her debut historical romance novel, Canteen Dreams ! In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what’s a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community starts a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. She spends nearly every spare moment there, offering food and kindness to the soldiers passing through. Despite her busyness, Audrey does allow some time to get to know a handsome rancher. Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. When Willard’s worst fear is confirmed, he feels he must avenge by enlisting himself. But will his budding relationship with Audrey survive the war? Or will one of the many soldiers at the canteen steal her away from him? Can two such determined people find their place in the war and with each other? And now, here’s me and Cara!

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.18.2007 Leave any prayer requests in the comments and I’ll be praying this week. You don’t have to be Christian to leave a prayer request. If you’d rather not advertise to everyone on the blogosphere, just leave an unspoken prayer request or e-mail me. If I forgot your prayer request, email me. Not to be mean or anything, but if you don't email me or comment to update your prayer request, I'm only going to pray ONE Sunday. I’m trying something new with my Sunday Prayer. I’m really bad about doing it on Sunday , so I’ll be updating it during the week. Father God, thank you for this time to pray to you. I pray for complete healing for Bruce, Doug, Malia, Helen, Kelli, Kristy, and Tony. Please deliver justice to Case swiftly. I lift up him and his family to you. Please heal Katie. Sustain her family with hope and peace. I pray everything turns out well for them. Please be with Kacy and her mother. I pray the surgery goes well and that your peace cove

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.16.2007 Captain Caffeine found a new water fountain for me at Goodwill! It was only $7, which is even better! It has all the things I wanted—a quiet motor, the sound of running water (other fountains had super quiet motors but NO sound of water, which was disappointing), and it’s small enough to fit in my newly revamped Tranquility Corner: I like the sound of running water (something I discovered when I visited my friend Sharon Hinck in August), so I wanted a fountain to help put me in my creative right-brain writing mode. The candles are there for both ambiance and aromatherapy, and the M&Ms are for ... well, they’re a NECESSITY. What do you think? What’s in YOUR tranquility corner? And if you don’t have one, why not?

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing TRY DYING (Center Street October 24, 2007) by James Scott Bell Note from Camy: I'll be giving a copy of this book away next week, so y'all come back now! (Can you tell I spent a week in North Carolina?) ABOUT THE AUTHOR: James Scott Bell is a former trial lawyer who now writes full time. He is also the fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine and adjunct professor of writing at Pepperdine University. His book on writing, Plot and Structure is one of the most popular writing books available today. The national bestselling author of several novels of suspense, he grew up and still lives in Los Angeles, where he is at work on his next Buchanan thriller. ABOUT THE BOOK: On a wet Tuesday morning in December, Ernesto Bonilla, twenty-eight, shot his twenty-three-year-old wife, Alejandra, in the backyard of their West 45th Street home in South Los Angeles. As Alejandra lay bleeding to death, Ernesto drove their Ford Ex

Captain's Log, Supplemental I'm blogging over at the Girls, God, and the Good Life blog today: Bare

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.11.2007 Leave any prayer requests in the comments and I’ll be praying this week. You don’t have to be Christian to leave a prayer request. If you’d rather not advertise to everyone on the blogosphere, just leave an unspoken prayer request or e-mail me. If I forgot your prayer request, email me. Not to be mean or anything, but if you don't email me or comment to update your prayer request, I'm only going to pray ONE Sunday. I’m trying something new with my Sunday Prayer. I’m really bad about doing it on Sunday , so I’ll be updating it during the week. Holy Father, thank you for this time with you. I pray for complete healing for Bruce, Doug, Malia, Helen, Kelli, and Tony. Please deliver justice to Case swiftly. I lift up him and his family to you. Please heal Katie. Sustain her family with hope and peace. I pray everything turns out well for them. Please be with Kacy and her mother. I pray the surgery goes well and that your peace covers everyone.

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.08.2007 I'm blogging at Faithchicks today: It's not your responsibility

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing DEADFALL (Thomas Nelson November 6, 2007) by Robert Liparulo ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert is an award-winning author of over a thousand published articles and short stories. He is currently a contributing editor for New Man magazine. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Travel & Leisure, Modern Bride, Consumers Digest, Chief Executive, and The Arizona Daily Star, among other publications. In addition, he previously worked as a celebrity journalist, interviewing Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Charlton Heston, and others for magazines such as Rocky Road, Preview, and L.A. Weekly. Robert is an avid scuba diver, swimmer, reader, traveler, and a law enforcement and military enthusiast. He lives in Colorado with his wife and four children. Robert's first novel painted a scenario so frighteningly real that six Hollywood producers were bidding on movie rights before the novel was completed. His acclaimed debut novel, Comes A

Captain's Log, Supplemental I just realized I might not have internet access for much of this week, so I’m taking a break from blogging this week. I might post random things if I get internet access, but no promises. I’ve extended the deadlines for my Wednesday and Thursday book giveaways. No wild parties without me, now.

Captain's Log, Supplemental My friend Ruth Logan Herne came up with this: Hyperallergenicmanitosis: Hyperallergenicmanitosis is a known but little studied phenomena believed to be intrinsically linked to the 'y' chromosome, specifically testosterone-based. It manifests itself in no small number of ways, but general symptoms include grouchiness in spring and fall, depression in winter, and heat stroke in summer. Victims may sweat a lot. Also noted is distinct lack of anything remotely connected to romance or romantic notions during those same seasons. While male homo sapiens working outdoors in critical climate attire seem to be the most affected, their wives (if married) bear the brunt of the situation, often dealing with their inner angst by such means as belly dancing, running a third-world country, becoming a corporate magnate and writing romance novels, to name a few. Seekerville definition Camy here: Not to say Captain Caffeine has this disease to this extrem

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.04.2007 Leave any prayer requests in the comments and I’ll be praying this week. You don’t have to be Christian to leave a prayer request. If you’d rather not advertise to everyone on the blogosphere, just leave an unspoken prayer request or e-mail me. If I forgot your prayer request, email me. Not to be mean or anything, but if you don't email me or comment to update your prayer request, I'm only going to pray ONE Sunday. I’m trying something new with my Sunday Prayer. I’m really bad about doing it on Sunday , so I’ll be updating it during the week. Dear Lord, Thank you for another day with you. I pray for complete healing for Bruce, Doug, Malia, Helen, and Tony. Please deliver justice to Case swiftly. I lift up him and his family to you. Please help me to be faithful and disciplined this month with all the things I need to do. Amen.

Captain's Log, Stardate 10.23.2007 My husband made a smoker, thanks to Alton Brown from the Good Eats program on the Food Network. He has also connected with some guys online who smoke meats quite often, to get tips and tricks. I thought his first efforts quite tasty, but I can also tell that he’s gotten better. He recently roasted a pork shoulder, and I took pictures because ... well, because I could. He made the smoker out of a couple of terra cotta pots. He has gone very high-tech. He has a remote thermometer with an alarm that goes off when the meat reaches the right temperature. I think it's just an excuse to feed his gadget-addiction. Here is the pork shoulder on the grill in the smoker. Underneath is a hotplate (very safety conscious, I know) with a metal pan full of woodchips. The chips smoke, the temperature inside the pot rises, the meat cooks, as he says it, "low and slow." A few more pictures of the smoker, with our dog, as usual, trying to see what's

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing SURRENDER BAY (Thomas Nelson November 6, 2007) by Denise Hunter ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! In addition to Surrender Bay , the second Nantucket book releases in April 2008. The title is The Convenient Groom and features Kate Lawrence, a relationship advice columnist, whose groom dumps her on her wedding day. Denise is currently at work on the third Nantucket book (Oct 2008) which is untitled so far. ABOUT THE BOOK: When Sam's estranged step-father dies, she inherits his ocean-front cottage in Nantucket--not because he kindly bequ

Captain's Log, Supplemental Today’s the day! It’s the start of NaNoWriMo 2007 !!! You can check my progress on my NaNoWriMo profile page (you might need some patience, sometimes the website is a bit slow). However, last year I didn’t update consistently, so be warned. If you're doing NaNoWriMo this year, add me as a buddy! Just click on my profile page above. My username is camytang. This year, I’m working on an Asian American Christian chick lit young adult novel (long enough description?). I’m pretty busy this month, so I hope I can finish this year. I think I use NaNo as an excuse to stock up on snacks. I am well-armed. I have: dark chocolate M&Ms taro chips dried fruit and nut mix ginger beer lots and lots of different types of tea (I got to go bonkers at my favorite tea shop, Lupicia, in Ala Moana mall in Hawaii) pistachios lemon cookies (although technically, those belong to Captain Caffeine because he specifically asked my mom’s cousin Dale to bake those for him). W

Captain's Log, Stardate 11.01.2007 This month's feature author is: LISA SAMSON and her book: Hollywood Nobody Th1nk Books (August 30, 2007) ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Samson is the author of twenty books, including the Christy Award-winning Songbird . Apples of Gold was her first novel for teens These days, she's working on Quaker Summer , volunteering at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, raising children and trying to be supportive of a husband in seminary. (Trying . . . some days she's downright awful. It's a good thing he's such a fabulous cook!) She can tell you one thing, it's never dull around there. Other Novels by Lisa: Hollywood Nobody Finding Hollywood Nobody Romancing Hollywood Nobody Straight Up Club Sandwich Songbird Tiger Lillie The Church Ladies Women's Intuition: A Novel Songbird The Living End Visit her at her website . AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER: Hollywood Nobody: April 1 Happy April Fool’s Day! What bett