Tomorrow is the last day of my blog contest. You can read the rules below at your convenience.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tomorrow Is The Last Day Of My Blog Contest
Good
evening,
Tomorrow is the last day of my blog contest. You can read the rules below at your convenience.
I
am hosting a giveaway here at HiStory Thru The Ages. The prize awarded to the
winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.
Here
are the rules.
1.
You can link this contest to your own blog. Please leave a comment here with
your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will get you
an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come
back and leave a comment and link. One entry per day,
please.
2.
You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Login to Facebook and go to my page and
click on the like button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be
added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl
or
you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on
Facebook. One entry per new follower on Facebook.
3.
You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on
the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry
into the contest.
The
contest will run from Thursday, September 20, 2012 until Wednesday, September 26
at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Thursday, September 27,
2012.
Thank
you so much,
Donna
Tomorrow is the last day of my blog contest. You can read the rules below at your convenience.
100 Answers to 100 Questions About Loving Your Husband
Dear Readers,
Today I'm featuring the book 100 Answers to 100 Questions About Loving Your Husband.
100 Answers to 100 Questions About Loving Your Husband, Strang Communications
You've said, "I do." Now, how do you love your husband in a way that brings honor to him, to yourself, and to the God who gave you the gift of marriage? 100 Answers to 100 Questions about Loving Your Husband provides the insights you need in the areas that matter most to you.
Available at your local Book stores, Christianbooks.com, Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes and Noble.
Click here to learn more. or here.
Donna
Today I'm featuring the book 100 Answers to 100 Questions About Loving Your Husband.
100 Answers to 100 Questions About Loving Your Husband, Strang Communications
You've said, "I do." Now, how do you love your husband in a way that brings honor to him, to yourself, and to the God who gave you the gift of marriage? 100 Answers to 100 Questions about Loving Your Husband provides the insights you need in the areas that matter most to you.
Available at your local Book stores, Christianbooks.com, Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes and Noble.
Click here to learn more. or here.
Donna
Monday, September 24, 2012
Blog Giveaway Notice
Hello Readers,
I had a great time at the conference. As usual, it is good to be home but I am tired.
I noticed that the system for those who "subscribe by email" will not allow me to see who is following my blog. I think there is a glitch in the system. So for this contest, if you subscribe via email, would you please leave a message or contact me by email so I know that you subscribed. I want you to have an entry in the contest.
The contest ends at midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
Thanks,
Donna
I had a great time at the conference. As usual, it is good to be home but I am tired.
I noticed that the system for those who "subscribe by email" will not allow me to see who is following my blog. I think there is a glitch in the system. So for this contest, if you subscribe via email, would you please leave a message or contact me by email so I know that you subscribed. I want you to have an entry in the contest.
The contest ends at midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
Thanks,
Donna
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog Giveaway Reminder
Good evening,
Just a quick reminder about my giveaway.
I
am hosting a giveaway here at HiStory Thru The Ages. The prize awarded to the
winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.
Here
are the rules.
1.
You can link this contest to your own blog. Please leave a comment here with
your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will get you
an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come
back and leave a comment and link. One entry per day,
please.
2.
You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Login to Facebook and go to my page and
click on the like button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be
added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl
or
you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on
Facebook. One entry per new follower on Facebook.
3.
You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on
the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry
into the contest.
The
contest will run from Thursday, September 20, 2012 until Wednesday, September 26
at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Thursday, September 27,
2012.
Thank
you so much,
Donna
Just a quick reminder about my giveaway.
Conference Update
Hello,
It is Sunday morning, and today the conference ends. At least, the Dallas part of it does. But I know the conference goes on in the heart of each attendee, because we take this experience home with us, incorporating it into our lives, our writing, and our stories.
Last night's banquet and awards ceremony was, as always, first-class. I knew several finalists in different categories, but unfortunately, none of them went across stage to receive the award. But the cool thing is they were recognized for their talent, their commitment to the craft, and their perseverance to pursue the higher calling. They are all winners.
If I had to summarize this evening in one word, it would be "gracious". I sat at the dinner table with Shelly who was awarded her first contract by Barbour Publishing on Thursday evening. I remember Shelly from previous conferences. When I first met her, she had eight children and a husband at home. She told me she began writing about 30 years ago and put that dream on hold while she had a family. She picked the stories up again about 10 years ago. Now she has "5 or 6" children at home -- her children, and it probably depends on the day of the week how many the number is. She still prepares the meals in advance her family will eat while she is at conference, which I recall was one of the conditions of her coming to conference.
Seems to me that many stories I heard from writers this conference was that their "overnight" success took 10 years. That gives me a lot of comfort, since I am in my tenth year of writing seriously, of learning the craft, of submitting and getting rejected. Perhaps, like a good wine, writers need to be aged, the craft needs to be honed like an ax on a grindstone, the desire needs to be tested like precious metal in a fire.
I was asked by one editor why I think it has taken me ten years to get to this point, and I said it was because the Lord knew what I needed. Ten years ago, although I was a believer, success would likely have caused me to fly off on my own. I think it comes down to pride, at least for me. And while I still struggle with that, I do believe the battles I've been through and the victories the Lord has prepared for me have tempered the pride to the point where, while I won't be perfect, at least I'll be manageable.
For every writer out there, I know you've all envisioned walking across the stage at an awards ceremony and giving an acceptance speech. So I want you to share what you would say if your name was called as the winner. Here's mine:
"Stories are all about experiences. So thank you to everyone who rejected me in any way, offended me on purpose, hurt me without compunction, loved me without reservation, gave their time without condition, and hugged me when I cried. Thank you, God, for the gift of writing. Thank you, Patrick, for believing in me and supporting me beyond what seemed reasonable to others, and thank you, Jesus, for yanking me back from myself and forcing me to agree with you that you knew what was best."
I'm sure there will be others I'll mention by name, like my wonderful agent Terrie Wolf, my critique group, ACFW.
After all, they give you two minutes, and I'm not planning on wasting any of it!
Donna
It is Sunday morning, and today the conference ends. At least, the Dallas part of it does. But I know the conference goes on in the heart of each attendee, because we take this experience home with us, incorporating it into our lives, our writing, and our stories.
Last night's banquet and awards ceremony was, as always, first-class. I knew several finalists in different categories, but unfortunately, none of them went across stage to receive the award. But the cool thing is they were recognized for their talent, their commitment to the craft, and their perseverance to pursue the higher calling. They are all winners.
If I had to summarize this evening in one word, it would be "gracious". I sat at the dinner table with Shelly who was awarded her first contract by Barbour Publishing on Thursday evening. I remember Shelly from previous conferences. When I first met her, she had eight children and a husband at home. She told me she began writing about 30 years ago and put that dream on hold while she had a family. She picked the stories up again about 10 years ago. Now she has "5 or 6" children at home -- her children, and it probably depends on the day of the week how many the number is. She still prepares the meals in advance her family will eat while she is at conference, which I recall was one of the conditions of her coming to conference.
Seems to me that many stories I heard from writers this conference was that their "overnight" success took 10 years. That gives me a lot of comfort, since I am in my tenth year of writing seriously, of learning the craft, of submitting and getting rejected. Perhaps, like a good wine, writers need to be aged, the craft needs to be honed like an ax on a grindstone, the desire needs to be tested like precious metal in a fire.
I was asked by one editor why I think it has taken me ten years to get to this point, and I said it was because the Lord knew what I needed. Ten years ago, although I was a believer, success would likely have caused me to fly off on my own. I think it comes down to pride, at least for me. And while I still struggle with that, I do believe the battles I've been through and the victories the Lord has prepared for me have tempered the pride to the point where, while I won't be perfect, at least I'll be manageable.
For every writer out there, I know you've all envisioned walking across the stage at an awards ceremony and giving an acceptance speech. So I want you to share what you would say if your name was called as the winner. Here's mine:
"Stories are all about experiences. So thank you to everyone who rejected me in any way, offended me on purpose, hurt me without compunction, loved me without reservation, gave their time without condition, and hugged me when I cried. Thank you, God, for the gift of writing. Thank you, Patrick, for believing in me and supporting me beyond what seemed reasonable to others, and thank you, Jesus, for yanking me back from myself and forcing me to agree with you that you knew what was best."
I'm sure there will be others I'll mention by name, like my wonderful agent Terrie Wolf, my critique group, ACFW.
After all, they give you two minutes, and I'm not planning on wasting any of it!
Donna
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Blog Giveaway Continues
Happy Saturday,
Just a quick reminder about my giveaway.
Just a quick reminder about my giveaway.
ACFW Conference
Dear Readers,
Imagine a cruise without fear of getting seasick. That's what the ACFW conference is like. Luxury hotel, great view, more food than you can eat, and 675 of your closest friends to share this time with you.
And that doesn't even mention the excellent teaching, exciting learning opportunities, editor and agent appointment, and reconnecting from folks you haven't seen since last year.
Yesterday as I came out of the appointment room, a woman was leaving. She mumbled to herself and to everyone around her, "I just got an agent. I just got an agent." I think she was trying to convince herself as much as us. I was so happy for her! I remember conferences where I came out of the appointment room in tears because of a harsh response from an editor who told me my character was boring and nobody would want to read this story. I later learned it wasn't my character or my story that was boring, it was my pitch. It went something like this, when she asked me what my story was about, "Well, it's about this woman who lives in a small town..." and on and on I went about my heroine's backstory. That's NOT what my story was about. I did much better at my next conference, let me tell you.
Today begins the wind-down, although the day is still packed full of praise and worship, teaching, friends, fun, and food. Last night many of us went to historic Grapevine, a small town just up the highway. I took lots of pictures and will try to find a way to download them today and share with you. Tonight is the banquet and awards presentations for the various contests and mentor and editor of the year awards.
Seems like we wait all year for the conference, and before we know it, it's nearly over. But the friendships forged and connection made will last forever.
Donna
Imagine a cruise without fear of getting seasick. That's what the ACFW conference is like. Luxury hotel, great view, more food than you can eat, and 675 of your closest friends to share this time with you.
And that doesn't even mention the excellent teaching, exciting learning opportunities, editor and agent appointment, and reconnecting from folks you haven't seen since last year.
Yesterday as I came out of the appointment room, a woman was leaving. She mumbled to herself and to everyone around her, "I just got an agent. I just got an agent." I think she was trying to convince herself as much as us. I was so happy for her! I remember conferences where I came out of the appointment room in tears because of a harsh response from an editor who told me my character was boring and nobody would want to read this story. I later learned it wasn't my character or my story that was boring, it was my pitch. It went something like this, when she asked me what my story was about, "Well, it's about this woman who lives in a small town..." and on and on I went about my heroine's backstory. That's NOT what my story was about. I did much better at my next conference, let me tell you.
Today begins the wind-down, although the day is still packed full of praise and worship, teaching, friends, fun, and food. Last night many of us went to historic Grapevine, a small town just up the highway. I took lots of pictures and will try to find a way to download them today and share with you. Tonight is the banquet and awards presentations for the various contests and mentor and editor of the year awards.
Seems like we wait all year for the conference, and before we know it, it's nearly over. But the friendships forged and connection made will last forever.
Donna
Thursday, September 20, 2012
ACFW National Conference
Hello Readers,
I am enjoying the ACFW National Conference. I woke early and took a morning swim in the hotel pool. The temperature outside was a balmy 54 degrees with the water even colder. Great way to start the morning. I am meeting writers, editors, agents, and publishing companies.
In between the business of classes, meetings, and social events, I have managed to squeeze in some time to write on my latest project.
I'll keep you posted of the events at the conference.
Please remember my contest that is running this week. Click here for details.
I hopped on over to my online writer pal's site and she is also having a contest on her blog. You can read about it here.
I need to hurry off to my class.
Take care,
Donna
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
HiStory Thru The Ages Give Away
Good Evening Readers,
Monday, September 17, 2012
The History of Canning
Hello Readers,
I love to garden and can. The fresh produce from my garden has been a pleasant experience rich with fresh veggies for salads and other homemade dishes. My tomatoes have done well. I've put up sauces, jellies, jams, and other goods. Yes, it is hot canning in the kitchen but the high quality food is worth it.
There is nothing like a fresh tomato pulled straight from the garden. Mouthwatering deliciousness.
Since I have been canning like crazy I decided to feature several articles on the history of canning.
The first link provides the history of commercial canning brought about by a military need for safer easier food for soldiers. Eventually the factories used tin cans and this article discusses the way the cans were made and how the food was preserved. Click here to read more about commercial canning.
The average homemaker in history preserved food from the family farm or garden by salting, curing, drying, or storing food in a cellar. I remember visiting many a cellar and seeing the curing process on farms growing up. The next link provides the history of home canning by homemakers of yesteryear.
"Carrie Hubbard Davis lived on rural Long Island in 1881, and noted in her diary that her mother had only brought her "2 fruit jars." On the other hand, city women who functioned in the cash economy because of their husbands’ salaries bought both the jars and the food to can in them. It would almost seem that American small town women, whose home economy was based on access to funds, were in the best position to get at both. Their backyard gardens and those of their farming cousins were full of seasonal produce for "putting up," and their economics allowed for the jars. Their diaries refer regularly to the "cans" and "jars" with which they provided for winter. In any case, the jar prices came down and women built up their stock of reusable containers, entrenching home canning in rural settings." Click here to read the rest of the story.
Both articles are interesting reads.
Donna
I love to garden and can. The fresh produce from my garden has been a pleasant experience rich with fresh veggies for salads and other homemade dishes. My tomatoes have done well. I've put up sauces, jellies, jams, and other goods. Yes, it is hot canning in the kitchen but the high quality food is worth it.
Since I have been canning like crazy I decided to feature several articles on the history of canning.
The first link provides the history of commercial canning brought about by a military need for safer easier food for soldiers. Eventually the factories used tin cans and this article discusses the way the cans were made and how the food was preserved. Click here to read more about commercial canning.
The average homemaker in history preserved food from the family farm or garden by salting, curing, drying, or storing food in a cellar. I remember visiting many a cellar and seeing the curing process on farms growing up. The next link provides the history of home canning by homemakers of yesteryear.
"Carrie Hubbard Davis lived on rural Long Island in 1881, and noted in her diary that her mother had only brought her "2 fruit jars." On the other hand, city women who functioned in the cash economy because of their husbands’ salaries bought both the jars and the food to can in them. It would almost seem that American small town women, whose home economy was based on access to funds, were in the best position to get at both. Their backyard gardens and those of their farming cousins were full of seasonal produce for "putting up," and their economics allowed for the jars. Their diaries refer regularly to the "cans" and "jars" with which they provided for winter. In any case, the jar prices came down and women built up their stock of reusable containers, entrenching home canning in rural settings." Click here to read the rest of the story.
Both articles are interesting reads.
Donna
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Horse Drawn Buggys
Hi Readers,
Can you picture a family driving down the dirt road or lane? Perhaps they are dressed in their Sunday finest or maybe they went to town to run their weekly errands.
Buggies were an important mode of traveling between 1815 and 1915 in England, Canada, and the U.S. It was a popular form of traveling amongst the lower and middle classes. During the Great Depression, automobiles were converted to a buggies to be drawn by horses. The price of gas would have been a luxury many could not afford. To read more about the history of buggies click here.
Donna
Can you picture a family driving down the dirt road or lane? Perhaps they are dressed in their Sunday finest or maybe they went to town to run their weekly errands.
Buggies were an important mode of traveling between 1815 and 1915 in England, Canada, and the U.S. It was a popular form of traveling amongst the lower and middle classes. During the Great Depression, automobiles were converted to a buggies to be drawn by horses. The price of gas would have been a luxury many could not afford. To read more about the history of buggies click here.
Donna
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
1911 Most Popular Names Versus 2011's Names
Good Morning Readers,
I was reading the news online this morning and came across an article that I found interesting. As an author and history buff, the post from the Social Security Administration about names from 1911 and 2011 is a fun read.
One way a writer can find names for her characters is to go to the Social Security name list. Perhaps my next novel will be set in 1929. The Social Security keeps a list of the most popular baby names for over a century. It is very helpful to see what names were popular during whatever time period I'm researching.
In 1911 John and Mary were the most popular names. How about 2011?
Click here to read more. Make sure you scroll down and look at the picture of the cute kids in 1911. So adorable. Yes, they could have been some of our parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. Perhaps there was a John or Mary sitting on that step.
Donna
I was reading the news online this morning and came across an article that I found interesting. As an author and history buff, the post from the Social Security Administration about names from 1911 and 2011 is a fun read.
One way a writer can find names for her characters is to go to the Social Security name list. Perhaps my next novel will be set in 1929. The Social Security keeps a list of the most popular baby names for over a century. It is very helpful to see what names were popular during whatever time period I'm researching.
In 1911 John and Mary were the most popular names. How about 2011?
Click here to read more. Make sure you scroll down and look at the picture of the cute kids in 1911. So adorable. Yes, they could have been some of our parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. Perhaps there was a John or Mary sitting on that step.
Donna
Monday, September 10, 2012
Medicine in the 1890's
Hi,
The link for today provides a glimpse at the ads used by the medical community in the 1890's. Customers could order pills and medicinal cures for a price. One of my favorites is the pink pills for paleness.
Click here to view the site. It's a fun trip.
Donna
The link for today provides a glimpse at the ads used by the medical community in the 1890's. Customers could order pills and medicinal cures for a price. One of my favorites is the pink pills for paleness.
Click here to view the site. It's a fun trip.
Donna
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Never Enough Time – - or Is There?
Hello Readers,
Today I'm featured on The Inkwell. The post is about time management.
It seems there is never enough time to do all the things I want to do. With seven days in a week, twenty-four hours in a day, seems like I should have lots of spare time. I don’t suppose anyone else finds the same problem? No, I didn’t think so.
My idea of a perfect week would begin with Sunday. Some awesome praise and worship, a soul-stirring message, and a couple of hours of fellowship. Not more than that. I’m an introvert, and more than two hours and I’d be exhausted. For you extroverts, party on until midnight!
On Monday, I’d like to get all those administrative things like paperwork and laundry done by 10:00 so I’d have the rest of the day to write. Doesn’t happen. Could if I got up earlier.
On Tuesday, Write. That’s the day I go to a write out from 10:00 to noon at a coffee shop with friends. No write out in your area? Start one. I did. I went to the write out for a year before anyone else joined me. No shame in that. I got a lot of writing done.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Donna
Today I'm featured on The Inkwell. The post is about time management.
It seems there is never enough time to do all the things I want to do. With seven days in a week, twenty-four hours in a day, seems like I should have lots of spare time. I don’t suppose anyone else finds the same problem? No, I didn’t think so.
My idea of a perfect week would begin with Sunday. Some awesome praise and worship, a soul-stirring message, and a couple of hours of fellowship. Not more than that. I’m an introvert, and more than two hours and I’d be exhausted. For you extroverts, party on until midnight!
On Monday, I’d like to get all those administrative things like paperwork and laundry done by 10:00 so I’d have the rest of the day to write. Doesn’t happen. Could if I got up earlier.
On Tuesday, Write. That’s the day I go to a write out from 10:00 to noon at a coffee shop with friends. No write out in your area? Start one. I did. I went to the write out for a year before anyone else joined me. No shame in that. I got a lot of writing done.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Donna
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
London in 1904
Oh Readers,
This video clip shows what life was like in London in 1904. The city was bustling with business, fun, and everyday life for its inhabitants.
The young boys pulled up their pant legs and waded in the lake, moms danced with their little ones, and everyone seemed to be going somewhere. I love the fashion styles and the hats. Horse draw wagons were the mode of transportation for commercial goods. Very interesting to watch.
Click here to view more.
Donna
This video clip shows what life was like in London in 1904. The city was bustling with business, fun, and everyday life for its inhabitants.
The young boys pulled up their pant legs and waded in the lake, moms danced with their little ones, and everyone seemed to be going somewhere. I love the fashion styles and the hats. Horse draw wagons were the mode of transportation for commercial goods. Very interesting to watch.
Click here to view more.
Donna
Saturday, September 1, 2012
New York City 1896
Readers,
Today we are going to view a short clip that depicts what life was life in Herald Square in 1896 in New York City.
Notice the street cars and tracks. The cops are out in force making sure things were running smoothly on the streets.
If you are a history writer, take note of the clothing worn, the architecture of the buildings, and the street cars.
Fascinating.
Click here to watch the clip.
Donna
Today we are going to view a short clip that depicts what life was life in Herald Square in 1896 in New York City.
Notice the street cars and tracks. The cops are out in force making sure things were running smoothly on the streets.
If you are a history writer, take note of the clothing worn, the architecture of the buildings, and the street cars.
Fascinating.
Click here to watch the clip.
Donna
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