GREETINGS!
Welcome back...or, if you're visiting for the first time, welcome! Summer is slipping by, and it promises to disappear quickly with a very hectic August schedule. I've spent July frantically penning words, deter-mined to complete my current manuscript before I leave on vacation with my husband and parents the 5th of August (we're celebrating Mom and Daddy's 50th anniversary in Alaska!). I'm excited because I have roughly 25K words remaining, and it will be done! This story has been a lot of fun---featuring Russian Mennonites emigrating to Kansas and carrying with them seeds of the Turkey Red wheat that helped the central plains earn the nickname "Breadbasket of the Nation." Although it is fictitious, it could very well be my own family history, so that makes it particularly meaningful. I am looking forward to introducing readers to Eli, Lillian, Reinhardt, and all the rest. But that's all I'll say on that...for now!
PERSONAL PRAISES
Look at little Cole's smile! Our newest grandbaby grows more handsome by the day.
(No, I am NOT biased. *ahem*) I took all of the grandsons from 4-year-old Connor down
to 9-week-old Cole to a little water park here in town. My mom purchased the boys new
"Joe Cool jams," and they were all so excited to play in the water. 15-month-old Jacob
proved surprisingly daring, and even though he slipped and fell at least three times, he
just bounced up and ran into the fray again. (Click on any of the pics for a close-up.)
By the time I update my newsletter in September, I will be Gramma again. Daughter Kristian
anticipates the arrival of her first daughter---my first granddaughter!---around the first of
September. I will be far from Kansas at that time, and I've asked Kristian to please wait until my return to deliver, but the stinker isn't making any promises. Can you imagine??? Honestly...
That covers the human babies in my household...now let's discuss the furry ones. >^..^< My youngest daughter, who is an animal nut, rescued a calico cat from the dumpsters behind her work place. She brought it home with the intention of finding it its own family to love (i.e.---somewhere other than our house), but before the new owners could retrieve her, the kitty gave birth to seven kittens! Much to our heartache, the two tiniest babies didn't make it past the second day, but the remaining five kittens seem to be doing well, and Frances (the name Kamryn bestowed upon the cat) is an attentive, protective mother. When the babies are big enough, I imagine there will be some boo-hooing involved (mostly by me! I am getting tooooo attached), but Mama and offspring will find their way to new homes...or hubby might boot me out the door! lol
PUBLISHING PRAISES
Wow, the last weeks have been busy! I've had some very fun booksigning opportunities with other
Book Store in McPherson, Kansas. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and most people must
have been out enjoying it because it was pretty quiet in the store, but we had a fabulous time of fellowship. Then a week later, I drove to Springfield, Missouri, where the Christian Publishers
Outlet sponsored a multi-author event. I got to catch up with several writers I haven't seen in quite
a while, which I thoroughly enjoyed. After the signing we delivered gift bags overflowing with books and goodies to the other booksellers in town. And we did it in a pouring down rainstorm! (Did you know that people are even appreciative of soggy Krispy Kreme doughnuts? lol!)
A big part of my job includes research, and I've enjoyed several short jaunts recently for the purpose of research. I've been to a century-old mill in Lindsborg, Kansas, which was originally powered by water but then "upgraded" to steam after floods created much havoc. Several old rock outbuildings on a farmstead outside of Salina, Kansas, gave me a great idea of how homesteaders used what was available when constructing shelters. Daddy and I tromped through overgrown trees and bushes, braving mosquitos and wasps (Daddy lost one battle there...) to explore a farmhouse between Inman and Buhler, Kansas. The chicken coop behind the house proved interesting to me, as did the wood used in both house and barn.
I could not believe how well-constructed those building were! Finally, hubby humored me by driving to a "ghost town" called Dubuque to see a wonderful rock church and explore the cemetery. I don't know why, but walking around in cemeteries, looking at the names and dates carved on headstones, always gets my creative juices flowing. Who knows how these experiences will be used, but I guarantee they will show up in a story somewhere!
I'm now counting down the days for the release of Where the Heart Leads! This is the sequel to Waiting for Summer's Return, but it stands alone for those of you who haven't read the first book (and if you haven't...what are you waiting for? <g>). August 25th, I leave for a two-book tour in the New England states, traveling with Tracie Peterson, Judy Miller, and Cathy Marie Hake. (The schedule is posted below ---I will update it as additional appearances are verified.) I have never visited that part of the country, and since half of the new book is set in Boston, I'm really interested in seeing if the pictures in my head from research match the reality.
Then, at the close of the book tour, I will fly directly to Canada where I'll speak at the Living Books Fall Kick-Off in Saskatchewan. Since Canada is also a new experience, I'm excited about the opportunity. I'll just have to remember to pack my passport or they won't let me into the country!
I think I shared that Bygones had been contracted for a German version. Recently I've learned that two more books will be printed in different languages. My Heart Remembers will be reprinted by a Norwegian publisher; and the newest title, Where the Heart Leads, has been contracted for a Dutch reprint. I love that the books will go to a whole new audience! I just wish I could read the versions myself... I'm curious how they will translate.
Some happy, unexpected news came via a telephone call from the ACFW 2008 Book of the Year coordinator. Both Where Willows Grow and Bygones finaled in this contest in the Historical and Women's Fiction categories, respectively. I am well aware of the calibre of writing of other contenders, so it is very humbling just to be listed with the other fine authors. Winners will be announced at the awards banquet in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in late September. I'll keep you posted. :o)
JUST FOR FUN!
I promised a copy of Megan DiMaria's Searching for Spice to a guestbook signer between May 15 and June 14. The winner is DOROTHY McKLVEEN! Dorothy, please contact me so we can arrange shipment of your book.
And for Guestbook signers between June 15 and Sept. 14, your name will go into a drawing to win Coldwater Revival, a novel by Nancy Jo Jenkins. This touching coming-of-age story will win you with its winsome voice and exquisite details. Good luck!
RECOMMENDED READING
I am embarrassed to admit my reading time recently has been spent reading manuscripts for possible endorsement rather than published works that I can recommend. BUT I've had the chance to "sneak advance peeks" at some wonderful fiction. As soon as the books are available to the general market, I will share them with you.
To make up for the lack of book recommendation, here's a recipe that's a big hit at the potluck dinners and family gatherings of summer. Even people who don't like broccoli or raisins individually seem to enjoy them when they are combined in this salad. Hubby says it's the bacon that redeems it. :o)
1 head broccoli, chopped into small florets
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 c. raisins
8-10 slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled (I use the ready-cooked bacon slices and zap them in the
microwave...time saver and less mess!)
1 c. mayonnaise
1/3-1/2 c. sugar
2-3 T. vinegar (OR you can just use 1-2 c. cole slaw dressing in place of the mayo, sugar and vinegar)
Directions
1) Place broccoli, onions, raisins, and crumbled bacon in a bowl.
2) In another bowl mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar until sugar is dissolved. Pour over broccoli and mix
well.
3) Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
DEVOTIONAL--"Over and Above"
Have you ever had God meet a need even before you knew it existed? Recently a friend of mine shared how a very rough weekend had left her emotionally battered, heartsore, and feeling completely cast aside. Monday morning, still aching, she trudged to her mailbox and found two envelopes, both addressed to her, and not from bill-collectors. Each contained a short note confirming her importance in the life of the sender. Neither of the card-senders knew of her rough weekend, and both cards were mailed prior to the weekend. But God knew what kind of weekend she was going to have, so He prompted two other people to send a note of appreciation and encouragement...before she knew she'd need it.
I get a lump in my throat when I hear stories like that. We know God meets our physical needs--He has promised that we are more important than the birds or the flowers of the field, and He will feed and clothe us. But He goes beyond the physical to our emotional needs, too. I love the verse in Ephesians (3:20) that says, "...him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." HE IS ABLE to meet our needs AND beyond. That doesn't mean He grants us everything we request--He knows what is best for us--but He is ABLE to give it all.
Circumstances can weigh us down and leave us floundering for answers. There is one answer to every question, every problem, every heartache, and that answer is JESUS. How can any circumstance change who we are to Him? He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Trust Him with all of your life's needs---He will not leave you wanting.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with me! May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him!
~Kim Vogel Sawyer
2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan. 18, 2008 BOOKSIGNING: Newton, KS WalMart 9-11 AM; Hutchinson, KS WalMart 1-3 PM
Feb. 10, 2008 SPEAKING: Zoar M.B. Church, Inman, KS
Feb. 24, 2008SPEAKING: Ebenezer UMC, Lyons, KS
Mar. 15, 2008CELEBRATION of 10th Book Release, Hutchinson, KS
Mar. 18, 2008RADIO INTERVIEW: KREJ 101.7 FM, 8:30 AM
Mar. 19, 2008SPEAKING: P.E.O. Group, Hutchinson, KS
Apr. 3, 2008 SPEAKING: 1st Southern Baptist Church, Hutchinson, KS
Apr. 11-12, 2008 RETREAT: Horizon United Methodist Center, Arkansas City, KS
Apr. 25, 2008 SIGNING: Curves, Hutchinson, KS 12:30-5:30 PM
May 6, 2008 SPEAKING: Baptist Church, Durham, KS 6:30 PM
May 10, 2008 SPEAKING: Ebenfeld M.B. Church, Hillsboro, KS 6:30 PM
May 12, 2008 SPEAKING: Reno County FCE, Hutchinson, KS 9:00 AM
May 17, 2008Daughter's high school graduation
June 7, 2008 SPEAKING: Noland Road Baptist Church, Independence, MO
June 14, 2008BOOKSIGNING: Body & Soul, McPherson, KS 1-3:00 PM
June 21, 2008 SIGNING: CPO, Springfield, MO
June 27, 2008CHARACTERIZATION WORKSHOP: Perfect Peace Christian Lifestyle Store
2020 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS 6-8:00 PM
July 2008 Intense month of writing
July 26, 2008 SIGNING: Rock Good Bookstore, Hays, KS 1:30-3:30 PM
Aug. 6-16, 2008 Family Vacation
Aug. 25-Sept. 5 “Reliving the Romance of History Tour” (subject to additions)
Tue., Aug. 26 -- 6-8:00 PM Benders Parable Bookstore, 8550 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY
Wed., Aug. 27 -- 7-9:00 PM Alpha/Omega Christian Bookstore, 1601 Pennfield Rd., Rochester, NY
Fri., Aug. 29 -- 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Boldt Castle, Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY
2-3:00 PM Corbin’s River Heritage, 534 Riverside Dr., Clayton, NY
7-8:30 PM DeWitt Library, Shopping Town Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse, NY
Sat, Aug. 30 -- 3-5:00 PM Arrowhead Christian Bookstore, One Harry L Dr., Johnson City, NY
Sun., Aug. 31 -- 2-5:00 PM Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society, Scranton, PA
Tues., Sept. 2 -- 6:30-8:00 PM Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wed., Sept. 3 -- 6:30-8:00 PM Hackman’s Bible Bookstore, 1341 Mickley Rd., Whitehall, PA
Thurs., Sept. 4 -- 12-1:30 PM Majesty Bible & Books, 412 B W. Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT
6:30-8:00 PM Morning Star Christian Bookstore, 1200 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick, RI
Sept. 6, 2008AUTHOR APPEARANCE: Living Books Fall Kick-Off, Saskatchewan, Canada
Sept. 11, 2008 SPEAKING: United Methodist Church, Hillsboro, KS
Sept. 13, 2008 SPEAKING: Manhattan Pubic Library, Manhattan, KS
Sept. 18-21, 2008 TEACHING: ACFW Conference, Minneapolis, MN
Oct. 18, 2008SPEAKING: First Methodist Church, Hutchinson, KS
Nov. 13, 2008SPEAKING: First Mennonite Church, Pretty Prairie, KS
Dec. 6, 2008 SPEAKING: Eden Mennonite Church, McPherson, KS
2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 3-4, 2009SPEAKING: Called to Write Conference, Girard, KS
