ARCHIVES
Mother's Day Events
The weeks around Mother's Day are always a busy time for speaking events. This year was especially fun as I spoke at a brunch at my home church, and a dinner at my sister's church. Even though our grown children live out of state, I feel very blessed to have so many in my family close by. Above, and at my book table with my youngest daughter, and some friends from church.
Below, my mom, my sister and her daughter, who now lives in England.
Celebrating Sisters and 75th birthdays
Already, 2008 has been a year of fun family celebrations! My sweet sisters and sister-in-law (my brother's wife) had a fun late afternoon lunch at Panera Bread Company in Wichita to celebrate the New Year's Day birthday of my "baby" sister. It's never easy to find a time when we can all get together, but we always have so much fun when we do!
We also had the privilege of celebrating both of my parents' 75th birthdays recently. They run circles around all their kids, and what a blessing they are in all our lives.
Meeting Mary Engelbreit
Prolific graphic artist and author Mary Engelbreit was in Wichita recently, signing copies of her children's books. I waited in line for forty-five minutes to have a copy of her delightful Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose book signed for our two little grandsons (who live in Missouri, just like Mary Engelbreit). Mary also graciously autographed my copy of the December/January 2002 issue of her magazine, Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, in which my essay "The Snowflake Party" appeared in the Traditions column.
Our youngest daughter snapped a photo of the artist signing the boys' book. As we were leaving, Mary said, "Write another story for us!" I just might do that.
I've subscribed to Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion almost since its inception ten years ago, and its arrival in my mailbox each month is always a reason to stop what I'm doing and sit down with a cup of coffee and the newest issue.
Holiday Book Signing with Kim Vogel Sawyer
A surprising number of shoppers braved icy roads and freezing temperatures to come to a book signing at Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton, Kansas on December 8. It was great to see some old friends and meet some new readers. And especially fun to share the day with fellow Kansas writer Kim Vogel Sawyer. Kim and I met several years ago through American Christian Fiction Writers (at that time ACRW - R for romance) and we've enjoyed sharing several book signings - as well as brainstorming retreats and writers conferences - since then. Kim is single-handedly responsible for finding homes (including hers!) for four of our nine kittens this past summer.
Autumn in the Mountains
Ken and I spent a wonderful five days in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Our purpose for going was to help with Yvonne Lehman's fantastic Autumn in the Mountains Novelists Retreat, but we got the bonus of some vacation-like time together. Much needed, since we've both been traveling and away from home and each other too much.
We toured the beautiful Biltmore Estate one day, and hiked the trails at Ridgecrest, the Lifeway conference center where the retreat was held. The program was excellent with keynoters like T. Davis Bunn and Dr. Dennis Hensley. Evenings were reserved for discussion groups, with plenty of time for writing and reflecting.
ACFW Conference in Dallas, September 2007
I'm just back from the annual conference in Dallas and wanted to post some photos of the great time we had. I could write a book about all the conference events, but since I should be working on an actual novel, I'll let these pictures tell the story.
Deb and Tammy Alexander with keynote speaker
James Scott Bell after the gala awards banquet Saturday night.
Newlyweds, Stuart and Tiff Stockton,
ACFW's first "match made in heaven."
Jill Eileen Smith and son Ryan Smith.
Bethany House editor Karen Schurrer and
our conference director, Sydney Zech.
Tamera Alexander and our Verse of the Week
Coordinator Martha Rogers.
Faithful fan Nadine Smith and her daughter Peggy King drove
from Kansas to attend the Saturday afternoon book signing.
Nadine came bearing gifts: hand-crocheted hand towels for
a group of authors she's corresponded with over the years.
Deb with Lori Chally (a fellow Kansan) and Betsy Ann St. Amant,
who shares the "Raney" name via her grandparents.
D'Ann Mateer played me and Gina Holmes played Brandilyn Collins in a hilarious spoof on the board members at the opening session. At right, me and the real D'Ann.
Fun before the conference started with roomie
Tammy Alexander and wacky Brandilyn Collins.
An informal snapshot of the Advisory Board of ACFW.
Left to right, Brandilyn Collins, Rachel Hauck, Gail Martin,
Randy Ingermanson, Deb Raney and Colleen Coble.
I've been in Atlanta for an authors' retreat and the International Christian Retail Show , a wonderful time to connect with other authors, publishers and booksellers, not to mention some wonderful readers of Christian fiction. I'm rooming with one of my favorite authors and a dear friend, Roxanne Henke, and as always it's been fun to catch up with each other's news.
We spent almost three days in retreat with other CBA novelists. Worshipping together, studying the craft (on Friday with the wonderful Donald Maass) and just sharing the joys and pitfalls of this crazy business.
On Saturday night, many of us attended the Christy Awards at the Marriott Marquis. (Above, Creston Mapes, Roxanne Henke and me; and below, novelists, Dr. Harry Kraus, Dr. Mel Hodde (the "Alexander" half of Hannah Alexander), Creston Mapes and Mark Mynheir.
What a fun evening for the industry, with great food and fellowship, and an entertaining and encouraging speech by Lauren Winner. (Below, decked out for the Christy awards: Deborah Raney, Rachel Hauck, Patricia Rushford, Christine Lynxwiler, Susan May Warren and Cindy Woodsmall.)
During the week of ICRS, there are many publisher dinners and meetings with agents, editors, media. All fun (if a bit stressful) events designed to promote Christian books, music and gifts, and thus promote the Good News of Jesus Christ. At left, I'm with fellow Kansas author Kim Vogel Sawyer and my sweet critique partner and friend, Tamera Alexander at the Bethany House/Baker Books dinner at the Georgia Aquarium Sunday night.
Having asthma as a child meant I sometimes had to stay indoors while my brother and sisters were playing on the farm. But my mother turned that into a magical time for me by introducing me to the wonder of books - and of libraries. I've loved books, libraries - and my mother - ever since. This year I've been privileged to present reader programs at several libraries in Kansas, including one in the small town where my mother grew up, Little River Community Library (see photos). It was wonderful to connect with some of my parents' friends, and I had a special surprise when my childhood Sunday School teacher showed up! Iris will always have a special place in my heart for the way she brought the stories of the Bible to life, and tucked God's Word into my mind through Scripture memory. I've also spoken this year at the Newton Public Library, Lyons Public Library (my hometown), the Hesston Public Library (our kids' hometown) and most recently, in our state's capital at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
Sixteen years later. . .
Seventeen years ago we got some shocking news: at 35 and 37, with all three of our kids in school and a whole wide world of possibilities in front of us, my husband and I were about to become parents again! As much as it rocked our world, it didn't take long to get excited about this gift from God's hand. But I confess we worried a little about how OLD we'd be when this baby was a teenager. Well, she's sixteen now, and yes, we're old...but I think in many ways, she's kept us young. (Maybe we should have had a couple more!) At any rate, she is a joy and a blessing, and we wouldn't trade her for the world. She came into my office last night, picked up the camera and took this shot. Then she looked in the viewfinder and gasped. "Oh. My. Gosh. Mom, I look like YOU!" Ya gotta love it! ; )
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Is this cool, or what?
Above, Coach Rusty Allen and his women’s basketball team from Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS, show off copies of Remember to Forget. This team sports two conference championships and three consecutive runs at a national title. According to the Tabor website, the Tabor College women's basketball team plays first for God's glory. The primary goal for the team is to create an atmosphere where each team member is encouraged to grow in her relationship with Christ.
Coach Allen happens to be married to one of my good friends from Club Deb, and he read Remember to Forget on a flight recently and was so touched by the book and it’s message of new life in Christ, that he gave each girl on the team a copy at their end-of-year banquet. Apparently the girls got a laugh out of learning their coach had read a Christian "romance" novel, but I couldn't be more honored with his choice of gift for his players.
H Go back to www.deborahraney.com
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The joy of having sisters
I spent a wonderful day with my two "little" sisters at the home my sister Vicky and her husband just moved into. It was such a fun day with these women who know me like no one else, who share my history, and who have become so much more than "just" sisters to me.
We have nine children between us, and we talked about how different each of our children are for being siblings raised in the same family. But it struck me how true that is of my sisters and me, too. We have very different lives. Our homes are all decorated differently. We went shopping and couldn't agree on clothes and colors. And yet we agree on all the truly important things - loving our husbands, parents and children, the importance of family and faith. And chocolate brownies with ice cream.
While shopping, we saw a little sign that said "Fate made us sisters; Prozac made us friends." Well, thankfully, we don't need Prozac to be friends, but it was just one more reason to laugh together. I'm thanking the Lord today for my sisters. And for our lone brother who won't go shopping with us, but who survived growing up with four sisters just fine, thank you. And I'm thinking, too, how much I still - after almost 28 years - miss our sister Kim who died in a car accident at 21. So grateful there's a joyful reunion ahead in Heaven for us all!
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ACFW Central get-together in Kansas
The Central Zone of American Christian Fiction Writers had a fun meeting at Starbucks in Emporia, Kansas the afternoon of January 27. Over great coffee, six writers from Kansas and Missouri gathered to chat (for three hours!) about the craft and business of writing. It's such an encouragement to visit with other writers and was just the break I needed from a heavy deadline. A bonus was the ride up and back with fellow author Kim Vogel Sawyer, who is always a joy to spend time with.
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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. . .
Kansas finally got a snow worth talking about! Somewhere between 6-8 inches of the fluffy stuff fell Saturday and it was perfect for packing. Our son and his girlfriend were home for a visit and we spent a fun Sunday making snow angels, building a snowman, and tromping in the meadow east of our house - a winter wonderland! Now I'm looking forward to a productive week of writing with God's beautiful handiwork - and a pretty cute snowman! - right outside my window.
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Midwest Authors Retreat in Kansas City
I spent a wonderful weekend with some author friends in Kansas City. We spent hours brainstorming our works in progress, talking shop and just having fun hanging out together - oh, and lots of great food! I don't know how I ever wrote before I had my wonderful authors groups to encourage and challenge me!
H Go back to www.deborahraney.com
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The Raneys in Rainy Seattle
My husband and I and our teenage daughter recently spent a few days in Seattle visiting our oldest son. We had a fantastic time, in spite of the fact that Seattle had record amounts of rain the week we were there. We stayed in a little inn with tons of character (read not a 4-star hotel) and as I often do when I travel, I came home with a great idea for a new book. This one happened to be our son's idea, sparked by some interesting photos we saw in an antique store in Pike Place Market. Our son thinks I need to turn my royalties over to him if this book sells. I'm thinking one little idea is a small price to pay for giving birth to him—all 9 lbs. 13 ozs. of him—thirty years ago!
We had such fun spending time with our oldest and our youngest—fourteen years between them! Our son lives downtown with a view of the Space Needle and he was a great tour guide as we did all the touristy things in Seattle—Pike Place market, Pioneer Square, Elliott Bay Book Co., Seattle Underground, rode the Ducks... But I think one of our favorite discoveries was Top Pot Doughnuts! Yummy! All I can say is it's a good thing we walked several miles each day.
To see a slide show of photos from our trip click here.
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A Journey to Journey in Colorado
I spent a recent October weekend in Greeley, Colorado with my dear friend and critique partner, author Tamera Alexander. Tammy invited me to speak at a women's retreat at Journey Christian Church where she and her family attend. What a warm, welcoming group! The whole retreat was a real blessing to me and it was a wonderful bonus to be a guest in Tammy's home and spend time with her and her family.
A highlight of the weekend was getting to meet Bill and Darla Moxon, and their three beautiful daughters, as well as Darla's mother. The Moxon family spent eight years as missionaries to Haiti and came to my rescue when I was writing Over the Waters. After two cancelled research trips due to unrest in Haiti, I was desperate for some firsthand information for my novel.
Darla not only read the manuscript and shared Haiti's culture with me, she also translated many lines of dialogue into Creole. I truly could not have completed my book without her! It was a joy to finally be able to thank her in person.
Another highlight was the gift of a warm quilt for my writing studio. Suzi Buggeln made the gorgeous quilt that the women of Journey presented to me at the conference. I'm looking forward to a cozy fall and winter at my desk, wrapped in Suzi's unique quilt as I work on my next book, Leaving November, due January 1.
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2006 Christian Bookseller Events in Denver
Early in July, I flew to Denver to attend a writers retreat, along with the Christy Awards (given for excellence in Christian fiction) and the Golden Scroll Awards, which honor editors and publishers in the Christian publishing industry. These events occur annually prior to the International Christian Retail Show. This year was the first time in seven years that I didn't stay for the convention following our retreat.
I've traveled too much this year and have too many projects on my desk, so decided it was a good year to come home early. I'm glad I did. As much as I enjoy these events, it seems I miss my family more each year and it's always a joy to be home again.
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Just Talk About Ellsworth, Kansas 1948
Most of the novels I write are set in small towns in Kansas or elsewhere in the Midwest. My all-time favorite country group, Rascal Flatts, has written some poignant songs that have become my own personal soundtracks while I write. Rascal Flatts has a new CD, and one of the songs on the CD is about Ellsworth, Kansas, the small town my husband was born and raised in. As newlyweds, Ken and I lived in Ellsworth for eight years in the house he grew up in. Three of our four children were born in the old Ellsworth hospital. Ken's mom and his grandparents (who celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in May!) still live there, so that little town has a very special place in our hearts.
Ellsworth, along with many other little towns here in the heartland, inspired the warm, friendly fictional small towns of my novels - Coyote, Clayburn, Bristol. Ellsworth is a great place to live and this song is a wonderful tribute to the town and its people. You can hear Rascal Flatts' Ellsworth by clicking here.
H Go back to www.deborahraney.com
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Called to Write Conference
A few members of American Christian Fiction
Writers gathered for a photo at the Called to
Write conference in Girard, Kansas. Left t0
right: Deborah Raney, JoAnn Swearingen,
Crystal Ratzlaff, Deborah Vogts, Deborah
Dykeman, Mary Allen, Susan Mires, Rose
McCauley, Jeff Feuquay.
April 13-14, 2007 it was my privilege to teach at the Called to Write Christian writers conference in Girard, Kansas. This was my first time at this wonderful conference and I was very impressed with how well organized it was. There were about sixty in attendance and the theme of the conference was woven throughout. I came away inspired and energized, and reminded again of my calling.
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Tag, you're it!
Susan Meissner tagged me this afternoon to play Eight Random Things. Here are eight random things about me.
EIGHT RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME:
1. I grew up on a farm, but I'm allergic to wheat and hay.
2. With five kids under eight, my parents spoke Pig Latin as their secret language...until I became fluent around the age of ten.
3. I once had a gray cat, Dixie, who perched on my shoulder while I rode my bicycle all over our farm.
4. I gave birth to four kids in 3 decades. One in the 70s, two in the 80s and one in the 90s.
5. I witnessed a murder the day before I got my first book contract offer.
6. In high school I sang alto in the Lionaires, a select vocal group. I also won several top awards as a senior novice on the debate team.
7. I love to fly, and now do so six or seven times a year, but I was in my thirties before I had my first airplane ride.
8. Each of my four kids weighed over 9 pounds when they were born. The first was 9 lbs, 13 ozs. And I did it all without drugs!
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Biscuit's Babies
Biscuit, the sweet stray calico who adopted the Raney family a year ago, presented us with four adorable kittens late in March. We enjoyed every minute of the nine weeks we got to have them here, and the kittens are all settled in with their new families. But surprise, surprise! Several days before Biscuit's vet appointment to be "fixed," we started to suspect that she would bless us with another batch of kittens.
Biscuit with her first litter March 11.
.
Batch number 2 was born July 11 and we moved Biscuit and her five little ones into the basement where we could make sure this was the last litter. When they were seven weeks old, Batch 2 moved out to the back deck. And now, one by one, they've gone to new homes, thanks to my author friend Kim Vogel Sawyer. Kim calls herself a kitty broker. And it's an apt title, since she adopted Maizie herself, placed Snickers with her parents, and found a home together for two others.
After a lot of begging and pleading (and a few tears), my daughter and I convinced the master of the house that in spite of lyrics to the contrary, three cats in the yard really does make for a very, very, very fine house. Now it's over. Our summer of the kittens. Our 11-cat yard is down to three cats, and it's quiet - a little too quiet. But I will always look back with wistfulness on the summer of 2007 and remember it fondly as the summer of the kittens. In a perfect world, all nine kittens could have lived all nine lives right here in our backyard. But for now, I'm happy we got to keep one. And fluffy little Sundae seems quite content to call our yard home.
Prolific graphic artist and author Mary Engelbreit was in Wichita recently, signing copies of her children's books. I waited in line for forty-five minutes to have a copy of her delightful Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose book signed for our two little grandsons (who live in Missouri, just like Mary Engelbreit). Mary also graciously autographed my copy of the December/January 2002 issue of her magazine, Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, in which my essay "The Snowflake Party" appeared in the Traditions column.
Our youngest daughter snapped a photo of the artist signing the boys' book. As we were leaving, Mary said, "Write another story for us!" I just might do that.I've subscribed to Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion almost since its inception ten years ago, and its arrival in my mailbox each month is always a reason to stop what I'm doing and sit down with a cup of coffee and the newest issue.
Holiday Book Signing with Kim Vogel Sawyer
A surprising number of shoppers braved icy roads and freezing temperatures to come to a book signing at Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton, Kansas on December 8. It was great to see some old friends and meet some new readers. And especially fun to share the day with fellow Kansas writer Kim Vogel Sawyer. Kim and I met several years ago through American Christian Fiction Writers (at that time ACRW - R for romance) and we've enjoyed sharing several book signings - as well as brainstorming retreats and writers conferences - since then. Kim is single-handedly responsible for finding homes (including hers!) for four of our nine kittens this past summer.Autumn in the Mountains
Ken and I spent a wonderful five days in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Our purpose for going was to help with Yvonne Lehman's fantastic Autumn in the Mountains Novelists Retreat, but we got the bonus of some vacation-like time together. Much needed, since we've both been traveling and away from home and each other too much.We toured the beautiful Biltmore Estate one day, and hiked the trails at Ridgecrest, the Lifeway conference center where the retreat was held. The program was excellent with keynoters like T. Davis Bunn and Dr. Dennis Hensley. Evenings were reserved for discussion groups, with plenty of time for writing and reflecting.
ACFW Conference in Dallas, September 2007
I'm just back from the annual conference in Dallas and wanted to post some photos of the great time we had. I could write a book about all the conference events, but since I should be working on an actual novel, I'll let these pictures tell the story.
Deb and Tammy Alexander with keynote speakerJames Scott Bell after the gala awards banquet Saturday night.
Newlyweds, Stuart and Tiff Stockton,ACFW's first "match made in heaven."
Jill Eileen Smith and son Ryan Smith.
Bethany House editor Karen Schurrer andour conference director, Sydney Zech.
Tamera Alexander and our Verse of the WeekCoordinator Martha Rogers.
Left to right: Tamera Alexander, Deborah Raney,
Meredith Efken, Jill Eileen Smith, Maureen Lang.
Meredith Efken, Jill Eileen Smith, Maureen Lang.
Faithful fan Nadine Smith and her daughter Peggy King drovefrom Kansas to attend the Saturday afternoon book signing.
Nadine came bearing gifts: hand-crocheted hand towels for
a group of authors she's corresponded with over the years.
Deb with Lori Chally (a fellow Kansan) and Betsy Ann St. Amant,who shares the "Raney" name via her grandparents.
D'Ann Mateer played me and Gina Holmes played Brandilyn Collins in a hilarious spoof on the board members at the opening session. At right, me and the real D'Ann.
Fun before the conference started with roomieTammy Alexander and wacky Brandilyn Collins.
An informal snapshot of the Advisory Board of ACFW.Left to right, Brandilyn Collins, Rachel Hauck, Gail Martin,
Randy Ingermanson, Deb Raney and Colleen Coble.
I've been in Atlanta for an authors' retreat and the International Christian Retail Show , a wonderful time to connect with other authors, publishers and booksellers, not to mention some wonderful readers of Christian fiction. I'm rooming with one of my favorite authors and a dear friend, Roxanne Henke, and as always it's been fun to catch up with each other's news.We spent almost three days in retreat with other CBA novelists. Worshipping together, studying the craft (on Friday with the wonderful Donald Maass) and just sharing the joys and pitfalls of this crazy business.
On Saturday night, many of us attended the Christy Awards at the Marriott Marquis. (Above, Creston Mapes, Roxanne Henke and me; and below, novelists, Dr. Harry Kraus, Dr. Mel Hodde (the "Alexander" half of Hannah Alexander), Creston Mapes and Mark Mynheir.
What a fun evening for the industry, with great food and fellowship, and an entertaining and encouraging speech by Lauren Winner. (Below, decked out for the Christy awards: Deborah Raney, Rachel Hauck, Patricia Rushford, Christine Lynxwiler, Susan May Warren and Cindy Woodsmall.)
During the week of ICRS, there are many publisher dinners and meetings with agents, editors, media. All fun (if a bit stressful) events designed to promote Christian books, music and gifts, and thus promote the Good News of Jesus Christ. At left, I'm with fellow Kansas author Kim Vogel Sawyer and my sweet critique partner and friend, Tamera Alexander at the Bethany House/Baker Books dinner at the Georgia Aquarium Sunday night.I love libraries!
Having asthma as a child meant I sometimes had to stay indoors while my brother and sisters were playing on the farm. But my mother turned that into a magical time for me by introducing me to the wonder of books - and of libraries. I've loved books, libraries - and my mother - ever since. This year I've been privileged to present reader programs at several libraries in Kansas, including one in the small town where my mother grew up, Little River Community Library (see photos). It was wonderful to connect with some of my parents' friends, and I had a special surprise when my childhood Sunday School teacher showed up! Iris will always have a special place in my heart for the way she brought the stories of the Bible to life, and tucked God's Word into my mind through Scripture memory. I've also spoken this year at the Newton Public Library, Lyons Public Library (my hometown), the Hesston Public Library (our kids' hometown) and most recently, in our state's capital at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
Seventeen years ago we got some shocking news: at 35 and 37, with all three of our kids in school and a whole wide world of possibilities in front of us, my husband and I were about to become parents again! As much as it rocked our world, it didn't take long to get excited about this gift from God's hand. But I confess we worried a little about how OLD we'd be when this baby was a teenager. Well, she's sixteen now, and yes, we're old...but I think in many ways, she's kept us young. (Maybe we should have had a couple more!) At any rate, she is a joy and a blessing, and we wouldn't trade her for the world. She came into my office last night, picked up the camera and took this shot. Then she looked in the viewfinder and gasped. "Oh. My. Gosh. Mom, I look like YOU!" Ya gotta love it! ; )
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Is this cool, or what?
Coach Allen happens to be married to one of my good friends from Club Deb, and he read Remember to Forget on a flight recently and was so touched by the book and it’s message of new life in Christ, that he gave each girl on the team a copy at their end-of-year banquet. Apparently the girls got a laugh out of learning their coach had read a Christian "romance" novel, but I couldn't be more honored with his choice of gift for his players.
H Go back to www.deborahraney.com
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The joy of having sisters
I spent a wonderful day with my two "little" sisters at the home my sister Vicky and her husband just moved into. It was such a fun day with these women who know me like no one else, who share my history, and who have become so much more than "just" sisters to me.
We have nine children between us, and we talked about how different each of our children are for being siblings raised in the same family. But it struck me how true that is of my sisters and me, too. We have very different lives. Our homes are all decorated differently. We went shopping and couldn't agree on clothes and colors. And yet we agree on all the truly important things - loving our husbands, parents and children, the importance of family and faith. And chocolate brownies with ice cream.
While shopping, we saw a little sign that said "Fate made us sisters; Prozac made us friends." Well, thankfully, we don't need Prozac to be friends, but it was just one more reason to laugh together. I'm thanking the Lord today for my sisters. And for our lone brother who won't go shopping with us, but who survived growing up with four sisters just fine, thank you. And I'm thinking, too, how much I still - after almost 28 years - miss our sister Kim who died in a car accident at 21. So grateful there's a joyful reunion ahead in Heaven for us all!
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ACFW Central get-together in Kansas
The Central Zone of American Christian Fiction Writers had a fun meeting at Starbucks in Emporia, Kansas the afternoon of January 27. Over great coffee, six writers from Kansas and Missouri gathered to chat (for three hours!) about the craft and business of writing. It's such an encouragement to visit with other writers and was just the break I needed from a heavy deadline. A bonus was the ride up and back with fellow author Kim Vogel Sawyer, who is always a joy to spend time with.
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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. . .
Kansas finally got a snow worth talking about! Somewhere between 6-8 inches of the fluffy stuff fell Saturday and it was perfect for packing. Our son and his girlfriend were home for a visit and we spent a fun Sunday making snow angels, building a snowman, and tromping in the meadow east of our house - a winter wonderland! Now I'm looking forward to a productive week of writing with God's beautiful handiwork - and a pretty cute snowman! - right outside my window.
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Midwest Authors Retreat in Kansas City
I spent a wonderful weekend with some author friends in Kansas City. We spent hours brainstorming our works in progress, talking shop and just having fun hanging out together - oh, and lots of great food! I don't know how I ever wrote before I had my wonderful authors groups to encourage and challenge me!
H Go back to www.deborahraney.com
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The Raneys in Rainy Seattle
My husband and I and our teenage daughter recently spent a few days in Seattle visiting our oldest son. We had a fantastic time, in spite of the fact that Seattle had record amounts of rain the week we were there. We stayed in a little inn with tons of character (read not a 4-star hotel) and as I often do when I travel, I came home with a great idea for a new book. This one happened to be our son's idea, sparked by some interesting photos we saw in an antique store in Pike Place Market. Our son thinks I need to turn my royalties over to him if this book sells. I'm thinking one little idea is a small price to pay for giving birth to him—all 9 lbs. 13 ozs. of him—thirty years ago!
We had such fun spending time with our oldest and our youngest—fourteen years between them! Our son lives downtown with a view of the Space Needle and he was a great tour guide as we did all the touristy things in Seattle—Pike Place market, Pioneer Square, Elliott Bay Book Co., Seattle Underground, rode the Ducks... But I think one of our favorite discoveries was Top Pot Doughnuts! Yummy! All I can say is it's a good thing we walked several miles each day.
To see a slide show of photos from our trip click here.
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A Journey to Journey in Colorado
I spent a recent October weekend in Greeley, Colorado with my dear friend and critique partner, author Tamera Alexander. Tammy invited me to speak at a women's retreat at Journey Christian Church where she and her family attend. What a warm, welcoming group! The whole retreat was a real blessing to me and it was a wonderful bonus to be a guest in Tammy's home and spend time with her and her family.
A highlight of the weekend was getting to meet Bill and Darla Moxon, and their three beautiful daughters, as well as Darla's mother. The Moxon family spent eight years as missionaries to Haiti and came to my rescue when I was writing Over the Waters. After two cancelled research trips due to unrest in Haiti, I was desperate for some firsthand information for my novel.
Darla not only read the manuscript and shared Haiti's culture with me, she also translated many lines of dialogue into Creole. I truly could not have completed my book without her! It was a joy to finally be able to thank her in person.
Another highlight was the gift of a warm quilt for my writing studio. Suzi Buggeln made the gorgeous quilt that the women of Journey presented to me at the conference. I'm looking forward to a cozy fall and winter at my desk, wrapped in Suzi's unique quilt as I work on my next book, Leaving November, due January 1.
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2006 Christian Bookseller Events in Denver
Early in July, I flew to Denver to attend a writers retreat, along with the Christy Awards (given for excellence in Christian fiction) and the Golden Scroll Awards, which honor editors and publishers in the Christian publishing industry. These events occur annually prior to the International Christian Retail Show. This year was the first time in seven years that I didn't stay for the convention following our retreat.
I've traveled too much this year and have too many projects on my desk, so decided it was a good year to come home early. I'm glad I did. As much as I enjoy these events, it seems I miss my family more each year and it's always a joy to be home again.
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Just Talk About Ellsworth, Kansas 1948
Most of the novels I write are set in small towns in Kansas or elsewhere in the Midwest. My all-time favorite country group, Rascal Flatts, has written some poignant songs that have become my own personal soundtracks while I write. Rascal Flatts has a new CD, and one of the songs on the CD is about Ellsworth, Kansas, the small town my husband was born and raised in. As newlyweds, Ken and I lived in Ellsworth for eight years in the house he grew up in. Three of our four children were born in the old Ellsworth hospital. Ken's mom and his grandparents (who celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in May!) still live there, so that little town has a very special place in our hearts.
Ellsworth, along with many other little towns here in the heartland, inspired the warm, friendly fictional small towns of my novels - Coyote, Clayburn, Bristol. Ellsworth is a great place to live and this song is a wonderful tribute to the town and its people. You can hear Rascal Flatts' Ellsworth by clicking here.
H Go back to www.deborahraney.com
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Called to Write Conference
A few members of American Christian Fiction
Writers gathered for a photo at the Called to
Write conference in Girard, Kansas. Left t0
right: Deborah Raney, JoAnn Swearingen,
Crystal Ratzlaff, Deborah Vogts, Deborah
Dykeman, Mary Allen, Susan Mires, Rose
McCauley, Jeff Feuquay.
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Tag, you're it!
Susan Meissner tagged me this afternoon to play Eight Random Things. Here are eight random things about me.EIGHT RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME:
1. I grew up on a farm, but I'm allergic to wheat and hay.
2. With five kids under eight, my parents spoke Pig Latin as their secret language...until I became fluent around the age of ten.
3. I once had a gray cat, Dixie, who perched on my shoulder while I rode my bicycle all over our farm.
4. I gave birth to four kids in 3 decades. One in the 70s, two in the 80s and one in the 90s.
5. I witnessed a murder the day before I got my first book contract offer.
6. In high school I sang alto in the Lionaires, a select vocal group. I also won several top awards as a senior novice on the debate team.
7. I love to fly, and now do so six or seven times a year, but I was in my thirties before I had my first airplane ride.
8. Each of my four kids weighed over 9 pounds when they were born. The first was 9 lbs, 13 ozs. And I did it all without drugs!
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Biscuit's Babies
Biscuit, the sweet stray calico who adopted the Raney family a year ago, presented us with four adorable kittens late in March. We enjoyed every minute of the nine weeks we got to have them here, and the kittens are all settled in with their new families. But surprise, surprise! Several days before Biscuit's vet appointment to be "fixed," we started to suspect that she would bless us with another batch of kittens.
Biscuit with her first litter March 11.
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Batch number 2 was born July 11 and we moved Biscuit and her five little ones into the basement where we could make sure this was the last litter. When they were seven weeks old, Batch 2 moved out to the back deck. And now, one by one, they've gone to new homes, thanks to my author friend Kim Vogel Sawyer. Kim calls herself a kitty broker. And it's an apt title, since she adopted Maizie herself, placed Snickers with her parents, and found a home together for two others.
After a lot of begging and pleading (and a few tears), my daughter and I convinced the master of the house that in spite of lyrics to the contrary, three cats in the yard really does make for a very, very, very fine house. Now it's over. Our summer of the kittens. Our 11-cat yard is down to three cats, and it's quiet - a little too quiet. But I will always look back with wistfulness on the summer of 2007 and remember it fondly as the summer of the kittens. In a perfect world, all nine kittens could have lived all nine lives right here in our backyard. But for now, I'm happy we got to keep one. And fluffy little Sundae seems quite content to call our yard home.
