Scattered Thoughts from the Lunch Hour CEO

REVIEW: Beacon of Love

2010-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

(As part of being a CEO of a Christian Publishing House, I find it important to keep an eye on what's current in the market. Occasionally I will receive a free book to review from another publisher or author. Today I take a look at one of those.)

What good is a man in a seafaring community who is afraid of the ocean?

In Beacon of Love, whispers and ridicule plague Sam Hathaway from the moment he returns to Capernaum Island in spring of 1815. He’s a war veteran. A doctor. A man worthy of respect in all regards…save one.

Judith Morrison has spent her lifetime in the lighthouse, helping her father tend the lamps through the worst of storms. She remembers the night Sam lost his father violently at sea…and has no qualms in rekindling the romance that had budded with Sam so long ago. Her father, on the other hand, disagrees.

What is the worth of a man? As the worst hurricane in the history of the small settlement bears down on the tiny island, Sam must find his courage while Judith fights all odds to save the men at sea. Together they learn to trust God and each other through trials that will leave the reader reeling in sympathy.

This exciting book is a must read for anyone who loves adventure, romance, and a look back into another time. I honestly couldn’t put this book down…and cant wait to read Darlene Franklin’s other books. What an exciting treasure of Christian fiction she is!

The Lunch Hour CEO

2009-12-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

My name is Kristine and I'm a CEO.

(waits for chorus of voices with somewhat chanted reply of 'hello, Kristine.')

OK, maybe I don't look like a CEO. As a matter of fact, I resemble a girl with long blond hair staring at a computer screen in the accounting department of Ranch Foods Direct (which has the BEST meat ever...no, not a paid advertisement. This girl is a carnivore!)

What most people don't realize is that I'm also the owner of a small publishing company in Colorado Springs known as Written World Communications.

Well, you might not recognize the name yet because we're a small company. Boasting only 8 employees, all of which are volunteers, we're focussed on building a business that will put into print five new magazines and four book imprints over the next few years. No, we don't do vanity publishing. We're one of those traditional, royalty paying enterprises.

If you think it's easy starting up a company on a shoestring, it's not. Hence the "Lunch Hour CEO." Yes, I'm starting a business by carefully utilizing the thirty minutes alloted to me for lunch. And a few scattered hours on the weekends. Can it be done? Well, we're about to find out.

So...stay tuned. This ride is at the very least going to be interesting. Probably more than a little crazy as well. But oh, are we going to have FUN!

QUESTION: What's the furthest you've gone to realize a dream?

Happy Birthday, Terry Burns!

2009-08-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Some people you just can't figure out what to get for their birthday.

Have you ever had someone in your life that was so special, who had done so much for you, that you simply couldn't find a way to express just how awesome they are? The words, "Happy Birthday" just don't seem to suffice, nor does cake or balloons or any of those other accouterments that celebrate the passing of a year.

Terry Burns is that kind of person to me. A year ago he took a nobody girl like me under his wing and gave her a chance to test her wings in the publishing industry. Thanks to him, I've discovered a passion that only now is being realized as I build my own publishing house. Thanks to him, I've met some of the most awesome people in the industry. And thanks to him, I've learned more about agenting than I ever thought I would.

In the last few months I've had to step down as Terry Burns' assistant while I deal with things in my personal life. But he has still continued to support me for which I am eternally grateful. Terry has shown himself to not only be one sharp agent over at Hartline Literary Agency, but also a true Christian in every sense of the word. And a genuine gentleman cowboy to boot!

So, for today I wanted to ask a favor from everyone I know. The best present I can think to give Terry Burns is quite simply...YOU. And in return for this favor, I'm willing to give a couple extra presents out myself.

Today I'm asking that you wish Terry Burns a Happy Birthday. Do it as creatively and wonderfully as you can dream up. I'll even make it easy. A few ways you can find the great Terry Burns?

- Start at his website and read his blog
- Chase him down over at Shoutlife!
- Tweet him!
- Give him a shout on Facebook!

And when you're done give me a heads up what you did. I'll throw all your comments into a hat (sorry, not a cowboy hat, but more a fedora...ok it's all I have) and I'll pull out three randomly. Those three individuals will each receive from me, one book by Terry Burns (your choice which! Did you know he just won an award for Beyond the Smoke?)

Won't you join me in wishing Terry a Happy Birthday?

Hey We All Know I'm About 17 At Heart....

2009-07-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

WORD OF PROMISE NEXT GENERATION NEW TESTAMENT MP3
Thomas Nelson

Never doubt for a second that there are youth in Hollywood who are interested in God and the Bible. Without a doubt, the enthusiasm from the teens who play the parts of the various people of New Testament comes through loud and clear.

I was expecting a reading of the Scriptures, but the sound effects, the music, and the undeniable acting ability of each individual who takes part in this magnificent rendition of the New Testament makes this a real gem, and a joy to listen to. My kids stopped what they were doing to listen in.

I recognized several of the voices, but wasn’t distracted in the least by the other roles the actors have played that I’m more familiar with. This was a lot of fun and something that I want to pursue the Old Testament in this audio version as well. Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for bringing my family closer to the Bible in an unexpected and exciting way!

I give this my highest recommendation and can’t wait to try the version for adults!

Review: Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida

2009-06-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Treasure seeking is for tourists.

After years of watching other people dream, Amanda Burns has come to the conclusion that some things just aren’t for her. Her life is as stable as it can get with a mother who’s just a bit eccentric and a younger sister who is more than a little flakey. Certain that keeping an eye on those around her is the closest she’d going to get to excitement, she’s completely at sea when handsome Jerry Simpson walks into her bicycle shop.

The thing is Jerry has come to the same conclusions. His parents need him. There’s no time for relationships, and even if there were, what woman would tie herself down to a man who is primary caregiver for a pair of adults that have more energy and mischief than someone half their ages? Much as Amanda intrigues, he’s positive that treasure isn’t meant for him.

Sometimes you can’t see what’s right in front of your face. In this fun and enthusiastic tale by Debby Mayne you meet the most delightful cast of scheming characters. You can’t help but cheer for them as they push this couple off balance just enough to wind up in each other’s arms. But all the meddling in the world won’t be enough. It takes God to reveal the ultimate treasure to be found in His divine plan.

Another great offering from the “Love Finds You” series from Summerside Press, you’ll find in this book the perfect vacation read. I can’t recommend it enough!

"The Noticer" by Andy Andrews

2009-04-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Perspective.

Jones spoke the word several times, dropping it casually in conversation with those who were lost, hurting, and confused. How could a single word of three syllables make such an impact on old and young alike?

The answer is in “The Noticer.” Through the use of what has to be the most powerful storytelling I’ve ever run across, Andy Andrews brings a new way of looking at life, love, and the world in general. It’s impossible not to be affected by this poignant book.

Everything, after all, is a matter of perspective.

Into every life comes a time when we’ve lost our way. Whether finances, romance, relationships, or anything else has gotten us down the answer comes back the same. The challenges we face need only a different perspective to see us through them. When you’re in the midst of the battle, it’s near impossible to find that alone.

Who noticed you when you were at your lowest point? Who gave you back your perspective, and in so doing gave you back your life?

This is the question you’ll be left with when you finish this book. But more than an opportunity to thank someone for noticing, this slim volume will inspire you to start noticing things yourself.

Are you ready for this? After reading this book I know I certainly am. I can’t recommend more that you pick up a copy of “The Noticer.” You’re not going to just change your life…you going to change the world.

...Outside the Comfort Zone

2009-04-15T22:43:00.001-07:00

Each Step
Originally uploaded by ~FreeBirD®~

I'm doing something entirely new today.

Do you know that whether you realize it or not, you probably do at least one new thing every day that you haven't before? Probably a lot more though I don't have statistics to back it.

Think about it. That detour around the construction zone, the stop to buy milk at the corner gas station you've never wandering into before...all these tiny little events that shape your day are actually you moving in a new direction. And that's exciting because life would get terribly dull if every day was precisely the same as the one before it.

I'm wandering into unexplored territory for me today. I've volunteered to judge at a community event - the 2009 NCFCA Region III Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament in Colorado Springs. Think you can remember all that? This is something I have never so much as WATCHED much less judged, though I'm told that's OK. The judges will be trained tomorrow morning.

Why am I doing this? Quite honestly because I felt God nudging me to do it. And if there's anything I've learned it's to listen to those nudges. The question is why does God want me there, at this time, doing this?

That, my friends is the fun part. The discovery. The pushing of the boundaries that we set by our routine and predictable lives.

I'm looking forward to this, even if it's a bit scary. And besides, it's not like I'm doing this alone.

OK I can't resist the temptation to take this one out of context just a touch:

But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. John 8:16.

Well, we can at least pray that my decisions are right...

What have you done that's outside of your comfort zone lately?

Opportunity Abounds!

2009-03-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today starts one more hat to add to the many I wear in the world of Writing. Today I was informed that I was approved as a reviewer for Thomas Nelson.

I do dearly love each and every opportunity that comes my way though I’ve been questioned more than once now, “Just WHAT do you think you’re doing?” But as they say, if you want something done, ask someone who’s busy.

The lovely part of this program is that, while I don’t get paid, I do get free products to review. And this becomes one more stepping stone on my way to…well, wherever that God is planning on taking me. So be sure to watch this space. I’m looking forward to this… I hope you are too.

And want to hear the most amazing part? The first product they're sending me is one that I've nearly bought for myself about a dozen times now. And each time I've felt my hand stayed as I've reached for my wallet and the quiet whisper of "Wait." So I am especially amazed and in complete awe of God's hand in this whole thing.

What opportunities has God brought your way lately?

Book Review: Love Find You in Last Chance California

2009-02-28T22:52:00.001-08:00

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAST CHANCE CALIFORNIA
By Miralee Ferrell

What can a woman alone do with a horse rance in 1877? If you’re Alexia Travers you carry on business as usual…well as much as you can. But when the hands are leaving because they don’t cotton to a woman boss, no matter how well versed she is in the ways of running a ranch, you’re in trouble. Even more so when one accident and problem after another plagues the young woman in the wake of her father’s death. Mortgages, horse stealing, missing gold all add up to quite a sum of trouble.

Enter Justin Phillips and his young son, Toby. Before Alex’s father died he’s sent for the young cowboy without exactly explaining a few important things. Mostly, why he thought there was trouble on the ranch, and that Alex wasn’t the man’s son, but in fact his feisty daughter. Burdened with the need to keep his identity secret, Justin finds himself suspect instead of savior. Though the bigger danger seems to be he’s losing his heart…and his head….to his pretty boss, Alex.

Can this unlikely couple find a solution to this snarled mess in time? Or will not just the ranch be lost…but their last chance at true happiness as well?

An exciting read, this story takes you back in time so vividly you feel like you’re there on the trail looking for horse thieves with them. The message that God is with them through the good and the bad is woven subtly throughout the story, reminding us the importance of trusting the one who guides are days. A highly recommended read!

The RENEWAL by Terri Kraus

2009-02-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

Can something be so broken that even God can’t restore it?

Leslie Ruskin is starting over. She’s left a bad situation and only wants to leave the past behind. Her purchase of the historic Midlands Building is what she hopes to be the key to a new life for her and her five-year-old daughter. To do that though, she needs help. And that comes in the form of another stranger in town, Jack Kenyon.

Jack’s also starting over…and has just as many demons from his past as Leslie does. Together they work to restore the old building. But the past has a way of rearing it’s ugly head as Leslie’s ex-husband suddenly shows up, bringing with him fear and uncertainty. And Jack’s own struggles with depression and alcoholism threaten to destroy everything he’s worked to build.

THE RENEWAL is a compelling story of love and forgiveness. The characters are so quirky and fun you can’t help but wish you could sit down to coffee with them. The storyline is intense and will keep you reading long after you should have gone to bed and leaves you well satisfied when the last page is turned.

But more than that, this book ministered to me in a way I didn’t expect. Leslie’s problems with panic attacks mirror my own, as does her difficult past. Here’s a book that gave me hope and encouragement and strengthened my own walk with God. For those reasons alone, I can’t recommend this book enough. Well done, Terri!

It's all right here....

2009-02-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

I SO don’t want to be here.

Ever stopped to think how that one little thought can influence your health?

This week I’ve seen this more than once. In my kids, in my friends, in myself. Over and over I’ve seen the pattern play out.

“I don’t want to go to school” translates into a stomachache and a couple times now since we’ve moved into an instance of becoming sick in the bathroom at school and needing to come home…and then feeling fine again when the stress (i.e. school) was past.

I have friends right now incredibly stressed…some with the economy and recent layoffs…some with work…some with personal issues. But how did the conversations start with almost each of these people? “I just don’t feel well today….”

Even in myself. I find myself worrying about money, about the amount of work I have to do, about how I’m going to get that work done when my youngest is hanging off my arm (home with an ear infection). How has that translated out in terms of health? Fibro flares, vertigo and massive ringing of ears from Meniere’s.

So it seems to me that to strike at the heart of this problem…to treat more than just the symptoms…the heart needs to change. Negative thinking hurts…then positive thinking can only help. Turn not wanting to be where you are into finding reasons to stay.

I’m not saying to turn into Pollyanna. But frequently what is perceived is a negative can actually BE a positive. What did Edison say when his light bulb failed over and over again? “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

So the fact that my husband is without work still can become an opportunity to explore a new career field. That lack of money can trigger creativity in making things stretch. And that place you didn’t want to be can be thought of as that place where God wants you most to be right now.

Hokey? Maybe…but for the sake of my health I’m willing to give positive thinking a try. How about you?

Guilty Pleasures

2008-10-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

The topic came up over at Ethos for Watercooler Wednesday a few weeks ago about YouTube Guilty Pleasures. I have to admit that the topic is an interesting one but there is no way at all I can confine myself to just one. Let's face it, I'm an eclectic kinda gal so the things I love have to reflect that. I know that this is a bit past the date but you know what? I'm going to do it anyway!

So, for today, I have a handful of Guilty Pleasures:

#3 This one requires a few things, namely a love of Firefly, a passing understanding of the Simpsons (if you remember the episode this is from, bonus!) and a strange sense of humor.

#2 This one is the absolute favorite of my entire family. All five of the kids sing along in Japanese, how cool is that? There is something in this song that touches me deeply, which it surprising for the closing credits of an anime (one called Clannad). Watch and see for yourself!

#1 This one always makes me smile, mostly because it looks like so much fun to do and also because it's one of my favorite songs by Rich Mullins. What's not to love?

I have...have you?

2008-08-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me why but today seems like a good day for a list. Thanks to Brian Stampfl for this idea. Rules are simple, steal this list and put in bold anything you personally have done. When you get to the bottom, add something of your own just to keep this interesting. Have fun!

As a side note, after going through this list, I think it's time to put some things on my to do list. How about you? What item do you most WANT to do?

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s nappy
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten tipsy on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse of both the sun and moon
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted a river
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept 30 hours in a 48 hour time frame
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read “The Iliad”
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
151. Taken a ride in the Goodyear Blimp
152. Written a novel

Speak up!

2008-08-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

Speak up.
Originally uploaded by Aaron Michael Brown

Wow!

I set a goal. A simple one. Send three writers to a Writer's Conference.

2 weeks.
$2000
$2 at a time.

I certainly didn't expect to get interviewed on the radio!

I'm so excited! This small idea is taking hold. We have a quarter of what we need. I can't begin to thank everyone enough for the generosity and support that they've shown. Wow!

How about you? Care to join in? It's only $2....

Potato Salad Paradox

2008-06-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

Mutti's Potato Salad
Originally uploaded by Denni Schnapp

As I child I hated Potato Salad. Don't ask me why. Might have been the texture, the smell..could barely stand to touch the stuff. But for some reason, when it came around at family picnics, I still would put a little spoonful on my plate and gobble it down anyway.

Now, 30 years later, my tastes have changed. I really love potato salad...

...sometimes.

I don't understand it but at some picnics now I"m the first person heading back for seconds on potato salad (especially if it's homemade and has something crunchy in it to make it interesting...but I digress). Other times though, it's all I can do to manage that polite spoonful.

Interestingly enough I've encountered a lot of potato salad people lately which makes me wonder exactly what gives.

I would guess it has something to do with how unique the potato salad person is. They're not your everyday sort of friend. They're the one that serves that certain purpose in your life, that add a little zip and interest to the day. I love them to pieces!

At the same time, being around potato salad people, at least for me, becomes exhausting. Sometimes you just have to reach for the chips. And that's ok too.

Makes you think a little, doesn't it?

Who are the potato salad people in your life?

Taking that Next Step

2008-05-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I accomplished what I set out to do. For those of you not following my Surviving Sainthood blog I drove to my mother's house, a trip of 340 miles one way. This might now seem overly special or noteworthy until you realize one thing about me.

I stopped driving entirely for three years and only in the last six months had I started driving again.

Back when just getting to the store a half mile away was a big deal, driving to my mother's house seemed about as reasonable as a trip to the moon (which, if you believe my husband when he gets on a conspiracy theory frame of mind, never happened to ANYONE...)

The key was babysteps. Starting small. Trips to the store or library. Expanding upon it. Re-learning the intricacies of the expressway. Toughing it out through those white-knuckled moments when I thought the smartest thing to do would be to pull off the road, curl in a fetal position under the dashboard with my thumb in my mouth and wait for help to arrive.

My point is, eventually I did it. I made the trip, not only there but all the way home again a few days later. So what's in store now? Well...

*smiles*

I found a new challenge. I think I would like to someday be able to run a half-marathon. I've been inspired by Michael Hyatt's blog the last month and the more I read the more I think I would like to run. The more I look forward to not just having a strong mind able to tackle impossible drives, but a body that's strong as well.

Maybe this seems like a little goal to the athletically minded. For those of you who don't know me...well I have fibromyalgia. So to someone who spends some days curled in bed, hurting too much to make the trip down the stairs...I might as well be going to the moon.

One step at a time.

...a Different Drummer?

2008-04-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's Watercooler Wednesday and I am surrounded by music. I live and breathe it. From the moment I wake up I hear it in my head, from my computer speakers, or on the car radio. I play it on the piano, the violin, the harp. I tap out rhythms on the kitchen counter and have been told I sing in my sleep. (I can't help but wonder....in tune?)

Today I moved to a slightly different beat. I woke up with a rhythmic thumping in my heart, in my head. A peek at YouTube named what I heard. The Bodhran.

I live less than twenty miles from the most amazing place...a little store and workshop called Hobgoblin's Stoney End, home of the Stoney End harps The place where my Daelyn (lap harp) was birthed. In the front corner of the store were two towers, racks reaching to the ceiling of round drums. Bodhrans.

I should have known better. I was only going to look today. Find out how much they cost. What they sounded like. Ah but once my fingers touched the stretched skin over the wooden frames I was hooked. And for once, due to some great sales of CDs and books over at Half.com I could afford to make dreams come true. Well this dream at least as a Bodhran is an inexpensive instrument.

So here I sit at my desk, the wooden tipper lying next to my keyboard, the most beautiful Bodrhan in the world leaning against my leg. I'm sure it will take a little time to learn but oh, how much fun to discover this new outlet for my creativity.

Let the music begin!