The Lunch Hour CEO

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!

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....

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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....

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?