How I Met Robert Whitlow

The List By Robert Whitlow / Thomas Nelson / W As a struggling young attorney fresh out of law school, Renny Jacobson is pining for the day he can afford the luxuries of the partners in his Charlotte firm. And with news of his father's death and a secret inheritance, Renny's life is sure to change forever. But the clandestine society that provides the inheritance soon threatens to change him in more ways than one. Renny's life--and the life of the woman he loves--depend on supernatural deliverance from the curse of The List.

I heard an interview last week on Family Radio 90.5FM by Jim Stevens with Robert Whitlow (go to www.familyradio.to for an audio of the interview). Having read all six of Whitlow's novels, and being a book reviewer, I was pleased to know that a movie was being made of The List. The film is in pre-production, even now as I'm typing, not far from my town of Wilmington, NC.

I e-mailed Mr. Whitlow to express my congratulations to him and inquired about additional filming. So far, they've filmed a lot at Orton Plantation. He e-mailed me back and said they would be at Fort Jackson today doing some open filming of a Civil War battle re-enactment being held there. So I pack up my coat and umbrella and headed down there today.

After an hour or two of meandering the rolling hills of the Fort grounds, I finally spied a group gathered in the old ruins of an Anglican church there, and stepped in to find Mr. Whitlow and his entourage, and Gary Wheeler, producer of the film having a meeting of sorts about the movie. Then they had a wonderful prayer time, submitting every detail to the Father's control.

After the crowd disbursed, I got one of the group to call over Mr. Whitlow for me so I could shake his hand. He was so kind, and remembered my e-mail, too. I'm quite an introvert, so I didn't inundate him with questions, but at least I did meet him. I plan on tagging along next week with a friend of mine who does hair and makeup for productions here in Wilmington while she's on the set of The List. If this happens, I'll be sure to add an update.

Look for the movie (limited release) the end of this year or early 2007.
Also, visit Mr. Whitlow's cool website, and buy one of his fantastic legal thrillers!

(Photos-Above: Robert and friends talk just outside the Anglican church ruins - he's got on a yellow cap. Below: Crew filming the battle re-enactment.)

Web of Lies

Woohoo! Here it is, suspense lovers. The long-awaited fourth book in the Hidden Faces series. Never having met before, Chelsea Adams and Annie Kingston finally get together to solve not one, but two mysteries that plague them.

Chelsea has a disturbing vision of hostages within an eerie room full of spiders. Annie accidentally stumbles across a murder at a convenience store. Can these events be related? And if so, how? The two nationally acclaimed ladies get together, using their expertise to catch a killer and save innocent victims.

“Nothing left to do for me but pray.” Annie’s thoughts echo in my mind, reminding me that God often allows things in our lives to coerce our dependence on Him. Obedience to God’s guidance and reliance on Him in prayer is sometimes our only recourse. This theme reigns supreme throughout the book.

Never has Brandilyn Collins disappointed me with a novel, and this one is no exception. The buildup of suspense in the second half of the book and the twists and turns near the end thrilled me. I love to shiver and bite my nails while reading. My only wish is that the beginning of the book plunged me into a free fall as the rest of it did. But that’s just me – no fault of the author. I realize I’m not normal. Most readers need to breathe.

Bad tooth or bad book?

Thursday I had a root canal on one of my bicuspids. Let me express my abhorrence for this procedure - those of you who share this experience no doubt will agree. The pain was minimal during the procedure (extreme discomfort not withstanding), but afterwards...

The endodontist said, "You shouldn't have any pain at all after this. It wil go away."

Yeah, right.

The next day, it was all I could do to remain sane. I called him, paged him, etc. All he said was, "Go get the antibiotic refilled and call me tomorrow if it's worse." Humph! Who does he think he is?

I can pleasantly report that the crisis is over now. Apparently, the drugs worked, and I reside back in the land of the living.

However, this fiasco made me think about reading. (Things usually do.) If I had to compare the pain of a root canal to the pain of reading an awfully written novel, which would be worse? I should start a poll. I mean, think about it. How many of us can actually even get through two chapters of tripe and drivel before we slam the book down on the ground and stomp on it, while reciting a tirading diatribe about stinky published authors? I daresay, few of us.

So, the next time you're at the dentist, be thankful you haven't been forced to read a horrible book. It's a torture I personally never want to go through. Give me good novels, or give me death!

The Best of Evil (An Aramis Black Mystery)

Woohoo!
Eric Wilson, one of my favorite authors, is releasing a new book in September. I can't wait!
Stay tuned for more info and the soon-to-come picture of the cover.

SHOWDOWN

How do I write a review of a book whose author I rave about on a constant basis? How is anyone to believe this novel is spectacular when I say it about everything he writes? You’ll just have to take my word for it. Or the plethora of other reviewers who know a hit when they read one.

Talk about right up my alley. No 7-10 split here. This baby is a strike. Period. Good and evil take their places in a battle for the small town of Paradise, Colorado. It's just a normal town, or so it seems on the surface. But when self-proclaimed “preacher” Marsuvees Black appears in his trenchcoat and boots, life will never be the same for these unsuspecting townspeople.

The monastery on the mountain overlooking Paradise, where a group of orphans participate in an experiment examining the effects of faith on natural laws, holds its own secrets. Will they find the power of love or something else?

Revealing any more plot content may ruin the story, and I dare not stand guilty of that. If I could accurately compare this to any other work, I would. But I can’t. All I can say is that Dekker never fails to weave an extremely redemptive tale while stupefying the reader with his shocking picture of humanity. This novel provokes thought, entertains, and enlightens all at the same time. I’ll wager you’ll agree.

Friends and False Fingernails

I learned an important lesson today: don't believe every glowing recommendation a trusted friend gives you.

God created me with weak fingernails. Okay, I used to bite them, but only because they had already cracked or peeled. I put polish on them, take Vitamin E, but nothing seems to work. Over Christmas vacation I saw an old friend (not old age-wise, but one I hadn't seen in years) who had great-looking french manicured glue-on nails. I complimented her on them, and she raved about how inexpensive and easy they were.

Dummy me. I just had to try them for myself. Do you know how many different sizes and types of nails come in one package? 10 sizes in high arch, regular, or flat. It took me an hour to read the little numbers on the back of each nail and then figure out what size each of my fingers were. So much for easy. And I could've made 20 times the money theses things cost me if I had been teaching piano lessons for that hour. Then I had to glue them on. Have you ever tried to do anything with long nails when you're not used to it? By the time I got to my second hand, I had dropped several nails with glue already on them. One fell in the trash and I had to dig for it. After they were all on, I realized I had glued the skin of my finger to one of them.

My husband wanted me to program the VCR before I left for church, so I did. But it was so hard to push the buttons on the remote. And my cell phone? Let's not go there.

So, I finally traipsed off to church with beautiful nails. During choir practice, one of them popped off (not enough of that toxic glue, I guess). When I got home, I started filing one of my thumb nails down. You guessed it - that one popped off as well. By this time, I've had it with these stupid, lovely nails. I can't function. So I read the directions to find out what makes them come off. Acetone. Do I have any in the house? No.

So here I am, clicking away at my keyboard with 6 long nails (the other two I was able to pop off on purpose), taking at least twice as long to type this as I normally would. Of course, I wouldn't be typing it at all if this fiasco hadn't happened. A writer can be thankful for a pithy anecdote.

But I digress. I type. Everyday. A lot. What was I thinking? I can't have long nails, no matter how fantastic they look. Tomorrow I shall go straight to the store, buy some acetone, and soak these puppies off. Such sacrifices I have to make to be a writer. And I never ever again will listen to friends' recommendations. Unless it's a recommendation to read Christian fiction. I can never go wrong there, can I?

On the Run

On the Run, Ivy Malone Mystery Series #3 By Lorena McCourtney / Baker

She may be just an LOL (Little Old Lady), but Ivy Malone’s mutant curiosity gene can plunge her into a mess of trouble. The gray-headed widow from Missouri continues to hit the road in her motor home, running from criminals who are out to get her. During her travels, she comes across a tattered lady in Oklahoma who needs help. When Ivy and young Abilene team up and go job hunting, they find more than they bargained for.

The emu-farming/survivalist Northcutts won’t be giving the duo jobs. They’re dead. And Ivy must find out why, even though the evidence points to suicide. Could the Northcutts have secret enemies such as Ute, a previous employee? Or did Frank, their son, have a bone to pick with them? And what is Abilene’s story? Can she successfully flee from her own demons?

Join Ivy in her zaniest mystery yet and get a glimpse of the joys of paintball, the delicate intricacies of emu sitting, and best of all – a reminder of God’s loving plan for each of us.

Lorena McCourtney has outdone herself with this little gem. What a hoot! I often forget that Ivy Malone is a fictional character. She is one LOL I would love to meet. Her perspective on life is quite refreshing, even if she does suffer from chronic inquisitiveness.

You’ll want to check out the first two books in this series, Invisible and In Plain Sight.

Deep Thoughts

I think if we're honest, we all want to change the world, or at least our corner of the world. We want to make a difference to someone, anyone, proving that our existence isn't in vain. To show the glory of our Lord, the One to whom we've pledged our lives.

Sometimes we don't think that all the little things we do during the day add up to much in the big scheme of things. I've come to believe this to be wrong. We may not have the best job or the best family life etc. etc. But we have a HUGE Savior. And the attitude in which we work, play and serve is all-important. There are a lot of things we can't change. Period. However, one thing we can change is our attitude. Find joy in the small things. Give praise to the One who gave you life, no matter what your activity is. Someone is watching and is formulating their view of God and Christians by your life.

So determine to be a good example. You'll be an example, good or bad. Lead the way to the ultimate Love and Power of the universe. Be thankful for your life and use it the best you can. This is your purpose. Know that it brings a smile to your Father's face.

Dark Star, by Creston Mapes

Dark Star, Rock Star Chronicles Series #1 By Creston Mapes / Multnomah Publishers Inc.

You must read this book!
I am, for all intents and purposes, speechless.
This debut novel is PHENOMENAL. I am not exaggerating. The characters are real. The plot engaging. The theme inspiring. I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats. Please go buy this book for yourself, and any musician in your life. Heck, buy it for a musician you don't know. I promise you will not be disappointed.

And if you're like me, Creston Mapes will rise to the top of your top ten favorite authors list faster than you can say, "Rock on!"

My Latest Read

Last Light, Restoration Series #1 By Terri Blackstock / Zondervan Corp.

Truthfully, I wasn't sure about this book from the beginning. It starts with a plane losing power and crashing on the runway. Soon it's learned that the whole airport, even the city has lost not only power, but has most likely fallen under the power of an EMP - electromagnetic pulse. Cars stall on the freeway, nothing electronic works. Deni and her father have narrowly escaped catastrophe and must find a way to get home.

From here, the novel goes downhill a little. Heard of sagging middles? Perhaps I'm being too harsh, for I applaud the characterizations and treatment of theme throughout. The last few chapters were exciting, more along the lines of what I expected. I'm definitely intrigued enough to pick up the second book in the Restoration series, Night Light, coming July 2006.

An Advantageous Resource

If you're like me, you wait impatiently and jump every time the doorbell rings when you're waiting for your latest package to arrive from Amazon. Excitement abounded when I opened my latest procurement: Plot and Structure, by James Scott Bell.

I haven't finished reading it yet, so I can't really review it. However, I feel confident enough to recommend it to any fiction writer. I believe myself to be more competent from soaking up so much knowledge. Hopefully, that will translate into my latest manuscript.

New website at Teddekker.com!

Starting September 30th, T3d's website gained a significant facelift. More info, fun stuff, and a new, faster message board.
So come join the Circle, where like-minded Dekkerheads get together in a community of fun and faith. You never know what's going to happen.

Breaking news:
The filming of the movie Thr3e starts October 12th in Poland!

Stay tuned for more info...
~KC

Hurricane Katrina

First of all, my prayers are with all of the victims of this tremendous tragedy, especially with those who I know have lost loved ones in one of the ravaged Southern cities.

My children have taken money from their piggy banks to contribute to our church's effort for the homeless. Please consider doing so as well if you are able. Our young ones can learn generosity, and this is a perfect opportunity for them to do so.

After pondering the last week, I must come back to the fact that God is still on His sovereign throne. He is in control. This has not escaped His watchful eye. He knows. He cares. He desires that all will be drawn to Him. Often it takes hardship for this to happen.

The prophet Habakkuk lived through the ordeal of his nation being taken into captivity by the Babylonians. At the outset of Habakkuk, he cries out to the Lord:
"How long, O Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, 'Violence!'
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence ar before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted." (Hab. 1:1-4, NIV)

Sound hopeless? This lament came even before his country was attacked. But God had an answer. Basically: This will get worse before it gets better.
"Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe,
even if you were told." (Hab. 1:5NIV)

God sent an evil nation to conquer Judah and take them to a foreign land. But God promised that the wicked would be held responsible for their actions, even though God Himself raised them up for this task. In the end, they would not survive. Eventually, God's people would come back to their homes.

(A personal note: Please don't misunderstand. In no way am I equating the judgment of God with our recent catastrophe. I only make the point that when bad things happen, God still knows what He's doing.)

Back to Habakkuk. Upon hearing God's revelation about the future of his country, Habakkuk says to God:
"Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy." (Hab. 3:2, NIV)

In his fear and trembling, Habakkuk continued to trust in the God he knew performed miraculous works, and Who would continue to perform them. At the end of the book come some of the most profound words I have ever read. Habakkuk's situation had not changed, but his perspective had. He questioned, but accepted God's answers. May this also be our prayer:
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The soveregn Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights." (Hab. 3:17-19, NIV)

Unspoken, by Angela Hunt

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12:7-10

A PETA advocate I'm not. However, I have modified my views on animals since reading this provocative novel about gorillas. Remember Dian Fossey's Gorillas in the Mist? Or Koko the gorilla, trained by Penny Patterson? Sema, the gorilla in this work of fiction, exhibits many of the same behaviors as Koko did in real life. Only Hunt goes farther - you'll have to read it to see what I mean. Bravo, Angela Hunt. I will never see animals in the same way again.

See my reviews of this at www.dancingword.net and www.infuzemag.com.

The Martyr's Song

Ted has done it again. The man is truly inspired. Yes, this novel comprises only 128 pages, but it successfully encompasses the germ of all of his writing. Heaven. The afterlife. The laughter. Our hope. Faith that gives, that dies. All wrapped up in a small package, but one that is hardly neat and tidy.

If you read one of Dekker's books, it must be this one. But it won't be the only one. You won't be able to stop. I promise.

Update on New York

Greetings!
I'm baaaack. Wanted to rave about Hugh Panaro - the Phantom. Fantabulous! (yes, I just made up that word).
The special effects were awe-inspiring, and MOST of the singing was grand (Sandra Joseph was flat half the time, but the lady who played Carlotta blew me away).

My favorite scene was the roof scene. So romantic. I also adored how the candelabras came up out of the floor and the boat drove itself in the catacombs scene.

I had only 3 days to ride the subway and walk practically everywhere, and it was so worth it. We are planning to return in a few years. Words can't really describe the trip. I took 145 pics of NY and will post just a few for everyone to enjoy.

I recommend highly a trip to NY - just make sure you do planning in advance.

TTFN!

Start spreadin' the news...

...I'm leavin' today. Actually, I'm not leaving until August 18th, my anniversary. But I AM going to New York City, baby. To see Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre. Am I a teensy bit excited?

YOU BETCHA!

Being a singer, I have always wanted to see a Broadway show in New York, and thanks to my loving husband of 15 years, my dream is coming true next week. I've heard that the guy playing the phantom in this show is out of this world, and I'm going to fall out of my chair or something when he starts singing. So yeah.

'Til then, I'm listening to the songs and watching the movie again to get myself in the mood. Anyone out there who's been to NY is welcome to leave me a comment to share some tips with me. I'm going to cram as much sightseeing into three days as I humanly can.

So, friends, I'll report back after listening to the "music of the night" and let you know how fantastical it was.

Infuze Magazine

Have YOU heard of www.infuzemag.com? It's a potpourri of entertainment news, reviews, and other morsels from Robin Parrish. This is a quality e-zine with readership that transcends boundaries of faith and has achieved a high standard of excellence.

I'm thrilled and humbled that one of my book reviews has been accepted and will probably be published in the next issue. Hopefully, the staff will allow me to continue to talk about what I love - fiction!

What am I reading right now?

8-9-05

The Trouble with Tulip, by Mindy Starns Clark - Chick lit? Yes. My genre? No. But I'm branching out, and this is a mystery/suspense. So I'm good. I've heard good things about this author and look forward to picking this one apart - in a good way.


Death Watch, by Jack Cavenaugh and Jerry Kuiper - The last thing I read by Cavenaugh was a historical series set in Nazi Germany. This will be totally different - contemporary suspense. People receive death notices and then are murdered. Interesting. Stay tuned. I've only just begun to read.
-------
June '05

Self-Incrimination, by Randy Singer - This whole book is written in present tense, which really throws me off for about half the book. But I guess it's okay - he does it well. He also does the female protagonist's thoughts and feelings justice; they are very realistic. I still think I need to read another novel of his before deciding if he's one of my favorites.

Double Vision, by Randall Ingermanson - a witty genius, it's true. This physicist can truly turn out a novel with harrowing plot twists and still be realistic and funny, too. Good read.

Brandilyn Collins - Dead of Night, a novel of suspense
So far, it is very well written. She is creative with her words and phrases - wish I could be that creative. However, it isn't as exciting or nail-biting as the first two in the Hidden Faces Series. But the end remains to be seen. Maybe she'll knock my socks off yet.

House

No, I'm not talking about MY house.
I'm talking about the soon-to-be-released (well, sorta soon - next year) grab ya fiction from co-authors Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti! Woo hoo! That should get the blood pumping for you thriller fanatics out there. It's just too bad we have to wait so long.

So until then...happy reading, and may your creative juices flow freely from your gray matter to your fingertips.