| What's a question without an answer? An Oreo cookie without creamy filling. An Oreo cookie without milk. Hmm. Well, maybe not that deadly serious. |
June 1st, 2005
Q: You're going to make this difficult,
aren't you. Tell the people what you're
doing right now.
A: I'm sitting in my recliner watching
the sun set over the Pacific. Something
like this. →
Q: Are you still going to be able to
answer questions?
A: Sure. Unless it gets really awesome
and I have to run out with my camera.
Q: You're going to make this difficult,
aren't you. Tell the people what you're
doing right now.
A: I'm sitting in my recliner watching
the sun set over the Pacific. Something
like this. →
Q: Are you still going to be able to
answer questions?
A: Sure. Unless it gets really awesome
and I have to run out with my camera.
Q: Do you want to wait until later to do this?
A: No. I'll try to restrain myself. I have enough sunset pictures anyway. If you're interested in seeing
some, you can go to my blog and check out the gallery.
Q: Maybe later. Let's do this first.
A: Okay. Ask away. No, wait! Let me tell the people who you are first.
Q: This isn't about me.
A: All of this is about you. And Erin.
Q: Okay, fine. If you feel it's absolutely necessary.
A: Everyone, I'd like you to meet Chris. Christina McIntyre. One of my best friends ever. Are you
blushing?
Q: You probably should tell the people I'm not real. That I'm only imaginary.
A: They know.
Q: Oh.
A: Besides, we like imaginary friends. Especially ones with such interesting stories to tell.
Q: Should we get on with this?
A: Why? Are you in a hurry to get home?
Q: No, not really. Although I'm sure by now Maddie and Alisabeth have torn our place apart and
have moved on to Rinny's.
A: Jason doesn't keep order when you're gone?
Q: Order? With our bunch?
A: Oh. Yeah. I see what you mean. Hey everyone? Just so you know? Mia, Alisabeth, and Zander are
Scott and Erin's bunch. Madison and Jase Jr. keep Chris and Jason Sr. busy.
Q: They make me tired.
A: You know I'm laughing with you.
Q: But I'm not laughing.
A: Sorry. Maybe we should get on with this.
Q: Fine.
A: Then you can get back home.
Q: Oh, by the way, Mia wanted me to tell you she liked her birthday present. And she wants you to
come live with us at Kimberley. She said she'd clean out her closet so you can sleep in there.
A: She did, huh? Sweet kid. I still can't believe she's nine.
Q: I told her you'd come and live forever with us in Kimberley Square after you finish your work.
But you still have a lot of work to do.
A: Slave driver. And don't forget I need you and Erin to help me come up with the next four stories in
the series. We have to run them by Karen first before she'll agree to keep us going.
Q: I know. I haven't forgot. We'll be here. We're always here when you need us.
A: Well, it is your story.
Q: All right. Let's get on with this. Questions for you. Okay. So. First, why should people even care
about you? Who are you?
A: Okay, I mean, like, don't hold back, Chris. Let's get right to it. : ) But that's an excellent question.
Wish I could come up with an excellent answer.
Q: Just go ahead and tell them the truth. Tell 'em you're a nobody. It's okay.
A: Well, that would be the truth, huh. You know me pretty well.
Q: Yeah, I know you're a nobody, but I still think you're pretty cool.
A: Aww. Thanks.
Q: Second question.
A: We're moving right along here.
Q: I know you're a Christian, yet you don't go to church. Would you care to explain why?
A: Um, well . . .
Q: You don't have to. It's really nobody's business but yours and God's.
A: Yeah, I know, but it's an important question. And the truth is, I can't explain it. All I know for sure
is that the God of the Bible is my Creator and Master and Lord. His Son, Jesus, died a horrible death
to save me from my sins and eternal separation from Him and His Father. Because of what Jesus did
for me, I can know His Father as my own. And He is my own. Almighty God is my Father. That I
know without the faintest trace of doubt.
Q: That's cool, but you still didn't answer the question.
A: Um . . . I guess not.
Q: That's okay. But if you don't go to church, where do you turn for spiritual guidance?
A: Well, you know, there are these things called the Holy Bible and the Holy Spirit of God . . .
Q: Yes, silly. I know. But besides Them. Is there a pastor or teacher you trust?
A: No. I'll try to restrain myself. I have enough sunset pictures anyway. If you're interested in seeing
some, you can go to my blog and check out the gallery.
Q: Maybe later. Let's do this first.
A: Okay. Ask away. No, wait! Let me tell the people who you are first.
Q: This isn't about me.
A: All of this is about you. And Erin.
Q: Okay, fine. If you feel it's absolutely necessary.
A: Everyone, I'd like you to meet Chris. Christina McIntyre. One of my best friends ever. Are you
blushing?
Q: You probably should tell the people I'm not real. That I'm only imaginary.
A: They know.
Q: Oh.
A: Besides, we like imaginary friends. Especially ones with such interesting stories to tell.
Q: Should we get on with this?
A: Why? Are you in a hurry to get home?
Q: No, not really. Although I'm sure by now Maddie and Alisabeth have torn our place apart and
have moved on to Rinny's.
A: Jason doesn't keep order when you're gone?
Q: Order? With our bunch?
A: Oh. Yeah. I see what you mean. Hey everyone? Just so you know? Mia, Alisabeth, and Zander are
Scott and Erin's bunch. Madison and Jase Jr. keep Chris and Jason Sr. busy.
Q: They make me tired.
A: You know I'm laughing with you.
Q: But I'm not laughing.
A: Sorry. Maybe we should get on with this.
Q: Fine.
A: Then you can get back home.
Q: Oh, by the way, Mia wanted me to tell you she liked her birthday present. And she wants you to
come live with us at Kimberley. She said she'd clean out her closet so you can sleep in there.
A: She did, huh? Sweet kid. I still can't believe she's nine.
Q: I told her you'd come and live forever with us in Kimberley Square after you finish your work.
But you still have a lot of work to do.
A: Slave driver. And don't forget I need you and Erin to help me come up with the next four stories in
the series. We have to run them by Karen first before she'll agree to keep us going.
Q: I know. I haven't forgot. We'll be here. We're always here when you need us.
A: Well, it is your story.
Q: All right. Let's get on with this. Questions for you. Okay. So. First, why should people even care
about you? Who are you?
A: Okay, I mean, like, don't hold back, Chris. Let's get right to it. : ) But that's an excellent question.
Wish I could come up with an excellent answer.
Q: Just go ahead and tell them the truth. Tell 'em you're a nobody. It's okay.
A: Well, that would be the truth, huh. You know me pretty well.
Q: Yeah, I know you're a nobody, but I still think you're pretty cool.
A: Aww. Thanks.
Q: Second question.
A: We're moving right along here.
Q: I know you're a Christian, yet you don't go to church. Would you care to explain why?
A: Um, well . . .
Q: You don't have to. It's really nobody's business but yours and God's.
A: Yeah, I know, but it's an important question. And the truth is, I can't explain it. All I know for sure
is that the God of the Bible is my Creator and Master and Lord. His Son, Jesus, died a horrible death
to save me from my sins and eternal separation from Him and His Father. Because of what Jesus did
for me, I can know His Father as my own. And He is my own. Almighty God is my Father. That I
know without the faintest trace of doubt.
Q: That's cool, but you still didn't answer the question.
A: Um . . . I guess not.
Q: That's okay. But if you don't go to church, where do you turn for spiritual guidance?
A: Well, you know, there are these things called the Holy Bible and the Holy Spirit of God . . .
Q: Yes, silly. I know. But besides Them. Is there a pastor or teacher you trust?
A: Well, yeah. One, especially. He just so happens to be a suspender-wearing grandpa preacher who
only preaches about who God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit really were, are, and always will
be. He teaches about Their very natures. It's the foundation stone of all faith. Of my faith. In recent
years, I've torn down everything that years of "churchdom" had built upon that foundation. I'm down
to bare stone now, and it's wonderful.
Q: Very cool. But you're forgetting one thing.
A: What's that?
Q: Who that suspender-wearing grandpa preacher is.
A: Oh yeah. Gayle Erwin. Extraordinaire.
Q: Is that him over there in the picture?
A: He's much better looking in real life.
Q: Well, I should hope so. And his name's Gayle, huh?
A: He says it means, "Big Wind." Well, he can be windy in my world any day.
Q: Do you think he'd mind if you told everyone where to find his Website?
A: I'm sure he wouldn't. He's at www.servant.org. I'll even link his picture up there if one should
want to click on that.
Q: Well, look at you being all helpful.
A: This is my site, you know. I can make it happen!
only preaches about who God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit really were, are, and always will
be. He teaches about Their very natures. It's the foundation stone of all faith. Of my faith. In recent
years, I've torn down everything that years of "churchdom" had built upon that foundation. I'm down
to bare stone now, and it's wonderful.
Q: Very cool. But you're forgetting one thing.
A: What's that?
Q: Who that suspender-wearing grandpa preacher is.
A: Oh yeah. Gayle Erwin. Extraordinaire.
Q: Is that him over there in the picture?
A: He's much better looking in real life.
Q: Well, I should hope so. And his name's Gayle, huh?
A: He says it means, "Big Wind." Well, he can be windy in my world any day.
Q: Do you think he'd mind if you told everyone where to find his Website?
A: I'm sure he wouldn't. He's at www.servant.org. I'll even link his picture up there if one should
want to click on that.
Q: Well, look at you being all helpful.
A: This is my site, you know. I can make it happen!
Q: So, tell us about how you became a novelist.
A: You have a lot of nerve asking me that question. And I see you grinning. They can't see you
grinning, but I can see you grinning.
Q: What? You make it sound like a bad thing!
A: No, I'm delighted you and Erin invaded my life and turned it upside down! Just don't forget
Stacie and Melissa came around before you guys did. And Jessie and Drew even before them.
Q: Poor Jessie and Drew. I never did get to meet them. Whatever became of them?
A: Smoke and ash.
Q: Do you miss them?
A: You and Erin keep me too busy to even miss Stace and Mel.
Q: Nah. You miss them.
A: Yeah, I do. I'd love to come up with a way to get us all back together again. Maybe someday I'll
come up with something and run it by Karen.
Q: That'd be so cool. I loved hanging out with those two. But, so, anyway, let's get back to it. I
mean, why were you so willing to let us invade your life? Did you always want to be a novelist?
A: Let? I let you invade my life? You're grinning again. Try not to enjoy this so much.
Q: Just answer the question. If you don't start answering questions, you'll have to rename this page.
A: Okay, okay. What was the question?
Q: Let me ask it this way. Why were Rinny and I so able to invade your life? Did you always want
to write novels? Did you write when you were a child? Did you read all the classics? Make up
stories about trees and butterflies? Did you study creative writing in college? Have you always
longed for the day when you'd see your book in print?
A: No.
Q: No? To all of it? Hmm. So . . . when did you first know you wanted to become a novelist?
A: Middle of July, 1996.
Q: When Jessie and Drew showed up.
A: Yep. But I put their story away.
Q: And Stacie and Melissa showed up.
A: Yep.
Q: And then . . .
A: Yep. You and Erin showed up almost immediately after that. For three years, having the four of
you around was . . . fun.
Q: But they went away.
A: You and Erin did too.
Q: Don't remind me. I was wondering if we'd sit on your shelf forever.
A: Me too. But God had His plans.
Q: You pulled us back out in October 2003.
A: Had to dust you off. You were pretty dusty.
Q: Why? I mean, not, why were we dusty; I certainly understand that. But why did you pull us back
out after all that time? What got you "back in the game"? So to speak.
A: The Southern Oregon Christian Writers One-Day Conference in Trail, Oregon. September 27th,
2003. Or should I say, the ride home from the Southern Oregon Christian Writers One-Day
Conference in Trail, Oregon.
Q: Long drive?
A: Over six hours. At the conference I realized no one would take my brand-new editorial services
business seriously unless I either went back to college and obtained a Ph.D. in editing Christian
novels or unless I became a published Christian novelist. The keynote speaker at the conference said
quite clearly that if God gave someone a story to write, and He wanted to see it published, He would
make the process happen according to His timing and perfect will. Okay, maybe she didn't actually
say those words exactly, but she said them just the same.
Q: Who was that keynote speaker?
A: Karen Ball from Zondervan Publishers.
Q: Ahh. So, then what happened?
A: On the ride home from the conference, I realized I would not be going back to college and getting
my Ph.D. any time soon, and unless I became a published author soon, my wee business would
flounder. So, with two novels already on my shelf and a wealth of new knowledge about editing
them in my head, I knew what I had to do. I had to make Erin married and pregnant. You can stop
laughing now. That didn't come out right, but you know what I mean.
Q: I was wondering how that came about!
A: Would have been really nice if you two had just told me that from the beginning. I mean, with
Erin being married, that created a whole new set of problems. The main one being—
Q: Wait! Don't tell me.
A: Yeah. You guessed it. Erin's husband, Scott Mathis.
Q: Ahh, the good doc. What a pill. But a good pill. A sweet pill.
A: Yeah, I know. He sure made things interesting for you there for a while.
Q: Nah. I survived. But I guess we shouldn't give too much away, huh.
A: No, guess not.
Q: But give everyone the quick and dirty lowdown. Just so they know what we're talking about here.
A: Okay. Here goes. With your help and blessing, your story, Tender Heart of a Warrior, poured
out of my brainpan in 1997. I hand-wrote it, then spent two weeks typing it into my brother's
computer, then submitted it for three years to almost every publishing house listed in the Christian
Writer's Market Guide. On March 25th, 2000, I took everything that had anything to do with my
writing to the fire ring at East Devil's Lake State Park and burned it. I only saved the hard copies of
Tender Heart and Trapped On Deception, the first novel I wrote in 1996. All the rest of it went up
in flames. In 2003, when I started my editorial services business, I figured I'd pull Tender Heart off
the shelf and practice on it. It became A Good Day to Die. Then came April 2nd, 2004. The Mount
Hermon Christian Writers Conference. That one and the same Karen Ball from Zondervan
Publishers. Two months after the conference, I signed a three-book contract. And A Good Day to Die
became Wounded Healer.
Q: And you became . . . a published novelist.
A: Well, not really. Not yet. I won't technically be a published novelist until next month. July 1st,
2005, Wounded Healer officially becomes "published."
Q: I have to tell you . . . I can't wait.
A: Me neither.
Q: But I still can't believe you burned everything.
A: I'm glad you let me. You and Erin were so sad that day. Stace and Melis were too. But it was the
right thing to do.
Q: I'd like to meet Kate O'Malley one of these days.
A: Now, she's not the only reason everything had to go up in flames.
Q: But one of the main reasons.
A: When we get to heaven, you'll meet her. And you'll like her. Her and the rest of the O'Malleys.
We'll all hang out with Dee Henderson for a while. Until it's time to hang out with Francine Rivers.
Q: Very cool. Do you think Anna Pigeon will be there? Talk about a lady with some incredible
stories to tell.
A: You know? I don't know. But I sure hope so. Nevada Barr is someone I certainly wouldn't mind
hanging around with for a few thousand years.
Q: And Sydney Bristow. Do you think she'll be there?
A: I'm going to pretend I don't know who you're talking about. And stop grinning at me like that.
A: You have a lot of nerve asking me that question. And I see you grinning. They can't see you
grinning, but I can see you grinning.
Q: What? You make it sound like a bad thing!
A: No, I'm delighted you and Erin invaded my life and turned it upside down! Just don't forget
Stacie and Melissa came around before you guys did. And Jessie and Drew even before them.
Q: Poor Jessie and Drew. I never did get to meet them. Whatever became of them?
A: Smoke and ash.
Q: Do you miss them?
A: You and Erin keep me too busy to even miss Stace and Mel.
Q: Nah. You miss them.
A: Yeah, I do. I'd love to come up with a way to get us all back together again. Maybe someday I'll
come up with something and run it by Karen.
Q: That'd be so cool. I loved hanging out with those two. But, so, anyway, let's get back to it. I
mean, why were you so willing to let us invade your life? Did you always want to be a novelist?
A: Let? I let you invade my life? You're grinning again. Try not to enjoy this so much.
Q: Just answer the question. If you don't start answering questions, you'll have to rename this page.
A: Okay, okay. What was the question?
Q: Let me ask it this way. Why were Rinny and I so able to invade your life? Did you always want
to write novels? Did you write when you were a child? Did you read all the classics? Make up
stories about trees and butterflies? Did you study creative writing in college? Have you always
longed for the day when you'd see your book in print?
A: No.
Q: No? To all of it? Hmm. So . . . when did you first know you wanted to become a novelist?
A: Middle of July, 1996.
Q: When Jessie and Drew showed up.
A: Yep. But I put their story away.
Q: And Stacie and Melissa showed up.
A: Yep.
Q: And then . . .
A: Yep. You and Erin showed up almost immediately after that. For three years, having the four of
you around was . . . fun.
Q: But they went away.
A: You and Erin did too.
Q: Don't remind me. I was wondering if we'd sit on your shelf forever.
A: Me too. But God had His plans.
Q: You pulled us back out in October 2003.
A: Had to dust you off. You were pretty dusty.
Q: Why? I mean, not, why were we dusty; I certainly understand that. But why did you pull us back
out after all that time? What got you "back in the game"? So to speak.
A: The Southern Oregon Christian Writers One-Day Conference in Trail, Oregon. September 27th,
2003. Or should I say, the ride home from the Southern Oregon Christian Writers One-Day
Conference in Trail, Oregon.
Q: Long drive?
A: Over six hours. At the conference I realized no one would take my brand-new editorial services
business seriously unless I either went back to college and obtained a Ph.D. in editing Christian
novels or unless I became a published Christian novelist. The keynote speaker at the conference said
quite clearly that if God gave someone a story to write, and He wanted to see it published, He would
make the process happen according to His timing and perfect will. Okay, maybe she didn't actually
say those words exactly, but she said them just the same.
Q: Who was that keynote speaker?
A: Karen Ball from Zondervan Publishers.
Q: Ahh. So, then what happened?
A: On the ride home from the conference, I realized I would not be going back to college and getting
my Ph.D. any time soon, and unless I became a published author soon, my wee business would
flounder. So, with two novels already on my shelf and a wealth of new knowledge about editing
them in my head, I knew what I had to do. I had to make Erin married and pregnant. You can stop
laughing now. That didn't come out right, but you know what I mean.
Q: I was wondering how that came about!
A: Would have been really nice if you two had just told me that from the beginning. I mean, with
Erin being married, that created a whole new set of problems. The main one being—
Q: Wait! Don't tell me.
A: Yeah. You guessed it. Erin's husband, Scott Mathis.
Q: Ahh, the good doc. What a pill. But a good pill. A sweet pill.
A: Yeah, I know. He sure made things interesting for you there for a while.
Q: Nah. I survived. But I guess we shouldn't give too much away, huh.
A: No, guess not.
Q: But give everyone the quick and dirty lowdown. Just so they know what we're talking about here.
A: Okay. Here goes. With your help and blessing, your story, Tender Heart of a Warrior, poured
out of my brainpan in 1997. I hand-wrote it, then spent two weeks typing it into my brother's
computer, then submitted it for three years to almost every publishing house listed in the Christian
Writer's Market Guide. On March 25th, 2000, I took everything that had anything to do with my
writing to the fire ring at East Devil's Lake State Park and burned it. I only saved the hard copies of
Tender Heart and Trapped On Deception, the first novel I wrote in 1996. All the rest of it went up
in flames. In 2003, when I started my editorial services business, I figured I'd pull Tender Heart off
the shelf and practice on it. It became A Good Day to Die. Then came April 2nd, 2004. The Mount
Hermon Christian Writers Conference. That one and the same Karen Ball from Zondervan
Publishers. Two months after the conference, I signed a three-book contract. And A Good Day to Die
became Wounded Healer.
Q: And you became . . . a published novelist.
A: Well, not really. Not yet. I won't technically be a published novelist until next month. July 1st,
2005, Wounded Healer officially becomes "published."
Q: I have to tell you . . . I can't wait.
A: Me neither.
Q: But I still can't believe you burned everything.
A: I'm glad you let me. You and Erin were so sad that day. Stace and Melis were too. But it was the
right thing to do.
Q: I'd like to meet Kate O'Malley one of these days.
A: Now, she's not the only reason everything had to go up in flames.
Q: But one of the main reasons.
A: When we get to heaven, you'll meet her. And you'll like her. Her and the rest of the O'Malleys.
We'll all hang out with Dee Henderson for a while. Until it's time to hang out with Francine Rivers.
Q: Very cool. Do you think Anna Pigeon will be there? Talk about a lady with some incredible
stories to tell.
A: You know? I don't know. But I sure hope so. Nevada Barr is someone I certainly wouldn't mind
hanging around with for a few thousand years.
Q: And Sydney Bristow. Do you think she'll be there?
A: I'm going to pretend I don't know who you're talking about. And stop grinning at me like that.
Q: Me? Grinning? But hey. Back to our subject, and speaking of a lady with stories to tell, I bet
you've got everything pretty much spelled out in your blog, huh. Your entire adventures in novel
writing. And your adventures at Mount Hermon.
A: Yep. It's all there. And it's not fiction, that's for sure.
Q: And what's the easiest way to get there?
A: Just click the purple stuff over there. Once you get there, be prepared. The adventure offers four
pages of reading fun.
Q: Will you guarantee that it'll be fun?
A: Well, it was fun when I wrote it. And lived it. Maybe we should get back to the other questions.
you've got everything pretty much spelled out in your blog, huh. Your entire adventures in novel
writing. And your adventures at Mount Hermon.
A: Yep. It's all there. And it's not fiction, that's for sure.
Q: And what's the easiest way to get there?
A: Just click the purple stuff over there. Once you get there, be prepared. The adventure offers four
pages of reading fun.
Q: Will you guarantee that it'll be fun?
A: Well, it was fun when I wrote it. And lived it. Maybe we should get back to the other questions.
Q: Do you think anyone is still reading and listening to us?
A: If they are, I feel sorry for them.
Q: Hey, some people like to read. Just because you don't like to read, don't feel sorry for those who
do.
A: Hey, I like to read! That's what started all this in the first place!
Q: Started all what?
A: YOU! Showing up on my doorstep in that big box with that big bow on it!
Q: You're calling me a gift?
A: You and Erin. Two of the sweetest and most perfect gifts I've ever received.
Q: Aww. And you know where perfect gifts come from, don't you?
A: Silly girl. You better believe I do.
Q: Okay, anyway, so, you like to read, but I just happen to know you've never read any of the
classics. Not even Tom Sawyer or Little Women or Gone With the Wind. I mean, you haven't even
read the Chronicles of Narnia!
A: Stop it! I'm ashamed to admit it! But it's on my list, okay? And on my shelf. I bought it last year.
The complete series in one book. So check back with me next year and I'll tell you if I've read it yet.
Q: What else is on your list?
A: Well, Francine Rivers's Voice in the Wind Series is definitely on my list. And whatever the next
book by Dee Henderson is, whenever that comes out. And all of Brandilyn Collins's Seatbelt
Suspense. And Colleen Coble's mysteries. And Rene Gutteridge's stuff. Gayle Roper is working on a
miltary-suspense series. Can't wait for that to come out. Oh, and, of course, whatever Julee
Schwarzburg and Karen Ball create next. They've got a book releasing next month too.
Q: Do you read anything other than Christian fiction?
A: You're gonna laugh. I read one—count 'em, one—general market author. I'll give you three
guesses to guess who it is, and the first two don't count.
Q: I only need one guess. Nevada Barr.
A: You're good, girl! Yep, I love her Anna Pigeon Mysteries. Nevada basically is Anna, so the
characterization is incredible.
Q: Better than . . . ?
A: Don't go there. And don't give me that look.
Q: You know, no one will ever label you a literary scholar.
A: So, yes, moving right along . . .
Q: Well, if you don't read that much, then what music do you listen to? Though I can guess, why
don't you tell everyone what's on your CD changer right now?
A: Margaret Becker.
Q: Yes, of course. But come on, break it down for us.
A: Well, there's Falling Forward, Grace, Faithfully Yours, Steps of Faith, and my first of three
compilation CDs of her worship songs.
Q: And how long have these five CDs been in your CD changer?
A: Weeks. She's really all I listen to, except for Out of the Grey, Lisa Bevill, Amy Grant, and . . .
well, that's about it.
Q: Not a music scholar, either, huh?
A: Margaret's stuff is pure prayer-poetry set to soul-sweet melody. What more do I need?
Q: Well now, you know I can't argue with that. After listening to her at your house, I'm hooked.
She's my favorite too.
A: I know. I've created . . . a monster.
Q: I'll ignore that. So, if you don't read, and you don't explore the world's musical boundaries, just
what do you do? What is your favorite thing in the whole world to do?
A: If I answer that question, I'll reveal just how boring my life is.
Q: That's okay. I think they've already figured that out.
A: Why are you whispering?
Q: Just answer the question.
A: Well, I love beachcombing on a sand dollar beach. And playing with
my dog, Mario. That's him, by the way, in his Oregon Duck sweatshirt.
Q: He is too cute!
A: Yeah, and he knows it. I made up a Mario photo gallery on my blog.
Q: I know. I already checked it out. You need to market those photos, girl. Make up a calendar or
something. You'd get rich.
A: Yeah, at least I'd make enough to keep him in Milk Bones for a while.
Q: So, other than where Mario is, where is your favorite place in the world?
A: Right here. Sitting in my recliner in my little place with my little ocean view.
Q: Little, being the key word. Okay. Other than with Mario and here. Where else?
A: If they are, I feel sorry for them.
Q: Hey, some people like to read. Just because you don't like to read, don't feel sorry for those who
do.
A: Hey, I like to read! That's what started all this in the first place!
Q: Started all what?
A: YOU! Showing up on my doorstep in that big box with that big bow on it!
Q: You're calling me a gift?
A: You and Erin. Two of the sweetest and most perfect gifts I've ever received.
Q: Aww. And you know where perfect gifts come from, don't you?
A: Silly girl. You better believe I do.
Q: Okay, anyway, so, you like to read, but I just happen to know you've never read any of the
classics. Not even Tom Sawyer or Little Women or Gone With the Wind. I mean, you haven't even
read the Chronicles of Narnia!
A: Stop it! I'm ashamed to admit it! But it's on my list, okay? And on my shelf. I bought it last year.
The complete series in one book. So check back with me next year and I'll tell you if I've read it yet.
Q: What else is on your list?
A: Well, Francine Rivers's Voice in the Wind Series is definitely on my list. And whatever the next
book by Dee Henderson is, whenever that comes out. And all of Brandilyn Collins's Seatbelt
Suspense. And Colleen Coble's mysteries. And Rene Gutteridge's stuff. Gayle Roper is working on a
miltary-suspense series. Can't wait for that to come out. Oh, and, of course, whatever Julee
Schwarzburg and Karen Ball create next. They've got a book releasing next month too.
Q: Do you read anything other than Christian fiction?
A: You're gonna laugh. I read one—count 'em, one—general market author. I'll give you three
guesses to guess who it is, and the first two don't count.
Q: I only need one guess. Nevada Barr.
A: You're good, girl! Yep, I love her Anna Pigeon Mysteries. Nevada basically is Anna, so the
characterization is incredible.
Q: Better than . . . ?
A: Don't go there. And don't give me that look.
Q: You know, no one will ever label you a literary scholar.
A: So, yes, moving right along . . .
Q: Well, if you don't read that much, then what music do you listen to? Though I can guess, why
don't you tell everyone what's on your CD changer right now?
A: Margaret Becker.
Q: Yes, of course. But come on, break it down for us.
A: Well, there's Falling Forward, Grace, Faithfully Yours, Steps of Faith, and my first of three
compilation CDs of her worship songs.
Q: And how long have these five CDs been in your CD changer?
A: Weeks. She's really all I listen to, except for Out of the Grey, Lisa Bevill, Amy Grant, and . . .
well, that's about it.
Q: Not a music scholar, either, huh?
A: Margaret's stuff is pure prayer-poetry set to soul-sweet melody. What more do I need?
Q: Well now, you know I can't argue with that. After listening to her at your house, I'm hooked.
She's my favorite too.
A: I know. I've created . . . a monster.
Q: I'll ignore that. So, if you don't read, and you don't explore the world's musical boundaries, just
what do you do? What is your favorite thing in the whole world to do?
A: If I answer that question, I'll reveal just how boring my life is.
Q: That's okay. I think they've already figured that out.
A: Why are you whispering?
Q: Just answer the question.
A: Well, I love beachcombing on a sand dollar beach. And playing with
my dog, Mario. That's him, by the way, in his Oregon Duck sweatshirt.
Q: He is too cute!
A: Yeah, and he knows it. I made up a Mario photo gallery on my blog.
Q: I know. I already checked it out. You need to market those photos, girl. Make up a calendar or
something. You'd get rich.
A: Yeah, at least I'd make enough to keep him in Milk Bones for a while.
Q: So, other than where Mario is, where is your favorite place in the world?
A: Right here. Sitting in my recliner in my little place with my little ocean view.
Q: Little, being the key word. Okay. Other than with Mario and here. Where else?
A: Heceta Head lighthouse. Ten miles
north of one of my hometowns: Florence,
Oregon. Go Siuslaw Vikings!
Q: Hey, I've been through there. But
you've got more than one hometown?
A: I grew up in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania,
and did quite a bit of growing up in
Anchorage, Alaska. Go Seawolves!
Q: Do you have any regrets in your life?
north of one of my hometowns: Florence,
Oregon. Go Siuslaw Vikings!
Q: Hey, I've been through there. But
you've got more than one hometown?
A: I grew up in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania,
and did quite a bit of growing up in
Anchorage, Alaska. Go Seawolves!
Q: Do you have any regrets in your life?
A: You know? No. Not really. I try not to live with wouldas or couldas or shouldas. But there is
one thing. I was this close to playing basketball at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I could have
racked up the assists passing the ball in to Audra Urie at the strong forward spot. Or padded Wendy
Sturgis's offensive rebounding stats with all my misses. But I was too lazy to work out that summer
and squandered my chance. I'll always regret that.
Q: But could you play defense?
A: As pitifully as you play it, I'm surprised you'd even ask.
Q: So, what's the craziest thing you've ever done?
A: Nice rebound there. Well, I once worked at a fish plant in Sand Point, Alaska, on the Aleutian
Island chain.
Q: No way.
A: Yep. You would not believe how beautiful cod fillets are on a light table. We put 'em on a light
table so the worms would show up. Little curly worms that we had to pull out with tweezers.
Q: Um . . . okay.
A: We got most of 'em. You look a bit green all of a sudden. What did you eat for breakfast this
morning?
Q: Hey. I'm the one asking the questions. What did you have?
A: Cheerios. Not the real Cheerios, though, the generic ones. Oatie Hoops. Something like that.
Yesterday I had Raisin Bran, the generic kind, which really was Raisins with Very Little Bran,
considering there must have been twelve scoops of raisins and not just two like the name-brand. So,
anyway, today I picked out a bunch of raisins from my Raisins with Very Little Bran and put them in
my Oatie Hoops. And do you want to know the funny thing about eating raisins with Oatie Hoops?
Q: Oh, my, yes. Please share.
A: Well, the funny thing is that, of course, all the Oatie Hoops float, and all the raisins sink to the
bottom, so you're cruising along eating your Oatie Hoops with raisins and you finally think you're
done, but then there's still twelve raisins left at the bottom of the bowl. Isn't that crazy?
Q: And I think we are done here.
A: No more questions?
Q: I think we about covered everything.
A: Well, if you say so.
Q: But I'm sure if anyone else has a question for you, you'll answer it here if they'll send it to you.
A: Most positively. This is my Website, you know.
Q: Oh, yes. That is true. After what you just said, no one else will ever want to claim it.
A: Hey, I heard that! Wait a minute! Don't leave! I think it should be my turn to ask you some
questions. Come back here! Where are you going? Chris?
one thing. I was this close to playing basketball at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I could have
racked up the assists passing the ball in to Audra Urie at the strong forward spot. Or padded Wendy
Sturgis's offensive rebounding stats with all my misses. But I was too lazy to work out that summer
and squandered my chance. I'll always regret that.
Q: But could you play defense?
A: As pitifully as you play it, I'm surprised you'd even ask.
Q: So, what's the craziest thing you've ever done?
A: Nice rebound there. Well, I once worked at a fish plant in Sand Point, Alaska, on the Aleutian
Island chain.
Q: No way.
A: Yep. You would not believe how beautiful cod fillets are on a light table. We put 'em on a light
table so the worms would show up. Little curly worms that we had to pull out with tweezers.
Q: Um . . . okay.
A: We got most of 'em. You look a bit green all of a sudden. What did you eat for breakfast this
morning?
Q: Hey. I'm the one asking the questions. What did you have?
A: Cheerios. Not the real Cheerios, though, the generic ones. Oatie Hoops. Something like that.
Yesterday I had Raisin Bran, the generic kind, which really was Raisins with Very Little Bran,
considering there must have been twelve scoops of raisins and not just two like the name-brand. So,
anyway, today I picked out a bunch of raisins from my Raisins with Very Little Bran and put them in
my Oatie Hoops. And do you want to know the funny thing about eating raisins with Oatie Hoops?
Q: Oh, my, yes. Please share.
A: Well, the funny thing is that, of course, all the Oatie Hoops float, and all the raisins sink to the
bottom, so you're cruising along eating your Oatie Hoops with raisins and you finally think you're
done, but then there's still twelve raisins left at the bottom of the bowl. Isn't that crazy?
Q: And I think we are done here.
A: No more questions?
Q: I think we about covered everything.
A: Well, if you say so.
Q: But I'm sure if anyone else has a question for you, you'll answer it here if they'll send it to you.
A: Most positively. This is my Website, you know.
Q: Oh, yes. That is true. After what you just said, no one else will ever want to claim it.
A: Hey, I heard that! Wait a minute! Don't leave! I think it should be my turn to ask you some
questions. Come back here! Where are you going? Chris?
questions for me
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| 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. |
| James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. |
| Acts 17:28 For in Him we live and move and have our being. |
| Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen. |
| Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. |
| Exodus 34:6-7 And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." |
| Numbers 6:24-25 The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. |