Basil Beats Bugs

Here's a super little tip for the holiday weekend. If you're planning on buying herbs to plant this season, be sure to add Basil (a member of the Mint family) to the list.

In addition to smelling divine, Basil has antimicrobial qualities that kill bacteria and viruses on contact in the mouth.

If you only have dried Basil, try sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon inside a quesadilla, or adding to sautéed spinach. However, dried Basil doesn't have the same flavor as fresh.

If using fresh leaves, chop them and add to pan just before serving to preserve quality.

Basil doesn't keep well in the refrigerator, but will stay fresh for a while on a windowsill if cut stems are placed in water. Or keep a pot growing in the kitchen. You can also layer basil between sheets of waxed paper and freeze. The leaves will turn dark, but aroma and flavor are retained. Another idea is to fill ice cube trays with chopped basil, and then cover with water and freeze. Great for soups and stews.

Basil goes especially well with tomatoes. You can also chop it fine and stir into mayonnaise for a tangy fish sauce.

This warm scented herb is used in medicine for digestive and anti-gas problems, and is also recommended for anxiety, stomach cramps, headaches, vomiting, and constipation among other things. You can also make a tea from a handful of Basil leaves and use the liquid to relieve sore gums by swishing it in the mouth. I've also heard that if a Basil leaf is tucked into the mouth over an ulcer and kept there for as long as possible, it will ease the pain.

More ideas. Try adding a handful of leaves to the bath water for a refreshing soak; burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes; and hang a bunch of Basil in the kitchen to get rid of flies.

A great little herb. Pity more people don't know about it. Share the secret :-)

Season of Sacrifice Virtual Book Tour

Today I'm posting an interview with well known author of historical fiction, Tristi Pinkston.

Anne: Tristi, you've been on virtual book tour since the beginning of the month. How has the experience been for you so far?

Tristi: I'm having a wonderful time. The reviews have been positive, the hosts have been friendly and thoughtful, and I have something to look forward to every day.

Anne: Your new book, "Season of Sacrifice," is based on the lives of your great-great-grandfather and his wife. Many people think their family history would make a great book, and yet often their books are not successful. Why do you feel your book is different? What makes your family history story interesting enough to sell?

Tristi: My book appeals to a wide audience because the subject matter ties into some things we're all familiar with -- the colonization of Utah and the practice of polygamy. As an LDS people, this is our past, and we have it in common. The amazing thing about my story is that I made very little of it up. I didn't need to look for additional drama to make it salable -- it was already there. The conflicts -- man against nature, man against self -- were present in the tale. When we write family history stories, we've got to make sure that they're interesting to others outside the family. "Season of Sacrifice" is a hugely emotional book that can appeal to everyone.

Anne: You've mentioned on your blog and in other interviews that you're concerned with the way the media keeps confusing the LDS Church and the FLDS Church. Can you tell us a little more about that?

Tristi: Unfortunately, there exists confusion between the two churches and there has been some backlash against the LDS Church as the authorities have investigated the Texas compound and the activities taking place there. On my blog, I spoke about the differences between the two churches. The LDS Church is not in any way affiliated with the FLDS Church. We did practice polygamy in the past, but we have not done so as a church since 1890. Members found practicing it today lose their church memberships. It's as simple as that. (Check out Tristi's blog on this subject.)

Anne: You didn't publish your book traditionally. Why is that, and where can we find it?

Tristi: I write for the LDS market, and at this time, the publishers aren't accepting books that contain polygamy. I self-published "Season of Sacrifice," badly wanting to get the story out there. I want my readers to know of the strength and faith shown by these intrepid pioneers. They deserve to be honored.

Right now, the only place to find the book is on my website at www.tristipinkston.com.

Tristi: Thank you for hosting me on your blog, Anne.

Anne: It's been a pleasure. Having read Season of Sacrifice and loved it, I want as many people as possible to know about it. It's not the usual pioneer story we're used to reading. Getting to know your family this way, and witnessing their trials, has been an eye opener I won't forget. Hats off to them all--and to you, Tristi, for sharing with the world.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Temple of the Week (3)

This week, the Caracas, Venezuela Temple is featured. The photograph was taken by Jesus Ferrer. If anyone has an interesting fact or story to share about this Temple, please feel free to comment.

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Neck Pain Gone

According to a former Prevention Magazine associate editor,

"Three strength-building sessions per week can reduce neck pain by a whopping 80% in less than 3 months, according to Denmark's National Research Centre for the Working Environment, which studied 42 women ages 36 to 52. Researchers believe that strength-training--they used the 3 moves below--may help generate new muscle in place of injured tissue. (For each, keep knees slightly bent. Using 2- to 5-pound dumbbells, do 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps, 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days.)"

The excellent advice below can be found in Prevention Magazine. (Take note all writers who sit and type day in day out!)

1. SHOULDER SHRUGS
Hold arms at sides, palms facing in. Keeping arms straight, pull shoulders up to ears, pause for a second, and lower.

2. REVERSE FLIES
Bend forward so chest faces floor, arms hanging down, palms in. With elbows slightly bent, squeeze shoulder blades and raise arms to sides, parallel to floor; pause, then lower.

3. UPRIGHT ROW
Start with palms in front of thighs and facing legs. Bend elbows out to sides, and pull weights up to about collarbone level. Pause, then lower.

Canned Cake

Here's a cool tip I found this week. I never heard about canning cake before, so the idea made me smile. I guess comfort foods are good to keep in store for lean days, along with the basics.

Items needed:

Wide mouth canning jars
Shortening
Knox gelatin
Any bread, cake, brownie, muffin, or cookie mix
Ingredients for the mix, minus eggs.

Grease inside wide mouth jars. Make cake mixes as directed, except in place of eggs, mix in 1 teaspoon of Knox gelatin with 3 tablespoons of cold water, and 2 tablespoons of hot water.

Pour batter half way up each jar. Place jars on cookie sheet and bake as directed. Once cakes are done, screw on lids and let cool. The jars will seal as they cool.

These cakes stay good for up to 1 year. What could be simpler?

What to do in an Earthquake

Here's a short, interactive, and fun quiz to see how much you know about dealing with an earthquake. Go to Earthquake Quiz

I only got 70% right so have some brushing up to do.

Internalizing this information might one day save lives. So turn on the sound, click on the link, and away you go.

Please share this with friends and family. Makes a great Family Home Evening activity.

Let me know how you all score.

Outstanding Free Temple Screen Saver

I received the following generous offer in my email the other day and received permission from photographer, David Terry to add it to my blog. These pictures are exceptional--and free! I highly recommend them and have them as my screen saver. The photos displayed here are two of two hundred and twenty.

From David:

Spring is here! And so it is time to update my Temple Square screen saver to include spring images.

This year I'm distributing both a screen saver and individual images. While the screen saver is specific to Windows, the individual images can be used as Desktop Backgrounds by any system (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc).

To download the screen saver, do the following:
1) Go to my web site:

2) At the top left corner, click on the link that says "Click here to download a free high resolution screen saver."

3) When you do that, you will be taken to a new screen. Click on the icon in the center of the screen (looks like a piece of paper with a question mark on it, the title underneath is abbreviated "Spring on Temple Square"). This will download the screen saver. I recommend downloading it to your desktop to make it easy to find when done.

4) When the download finishes, find the screen saver on your desktop. Right click on it and select Install to install the screen saver. Or click Test to manually run it. Note: do not delete the file from your desktop or the screen saver will cease to function.

Now, I need to warn you. This file is huge! It is going to take a long time to download! Why so big?
1) There are 220 images in the screen saver!
2) They are high quality 1600x1200 resolution images.

To appreciate how many images are in the screen saver, at 4 seconds per image, it can take up to 15 minutes of continuous running of the screen saver before it repeats!!! The plan is to let you see something different nearly every time the screen saver runs!

PRETTY UP YOUR DESKTOP - Use a Temple Square image as your background!

To request individual images:
If you see an image on my web site, or one in the screen saver, that you'd like to use as your desktop background, just send an email to david@dterryphotography.com and I'll send you a desktop-sized copy of that image. I'd like to limit this to just a couple of images per person per month.

I encourage you to pretty up your desktop by using beautiful images from Temple Square. And yes, both the screen saver and these desktop sized images are free. No strings attached (other than to limit how many I'll give you at once).

On the screen saver, the file name is at the bottom. Also, while the screen saver is running, the left and right arrow keys let you go back and forth in the images.

Please pass this message along to friends and family wherever they may be. I'd love to share the pictures with anyone who has an interest in viewing beautiful Temple Square images.

If you like the screen saver, I wouldn't mind hearing from you. Email comments to: david@dterryphotography.com (and if someone passed this message along to you, please tell me where you're from!)

Thank you!
David Terry

Marnie Pehrson's Inspirational Writing

Marnie Pehrson started her home business back in 1990 as a computer trainer and consultant. In 1994 she wrote her first book, How to Run a Computer Training Business and began marketing it on AOL and Compuserve. By 1996, she and a friend (Alanna Webb) opened the first online mall. In 1998 Marnie combined her love for writing with her knack for marketing to create IdeaMarketers.com which has become the longest running article directory on the Web. SheLovesGod.com came along in 2000 and Marnie launched her inspirational writing career through this site.

In 2004, Granite Publishing and Distribution began distributing several of Marnie's inspirational titles including Lord, Are You Sure? Her author friend Marcia Lynn McClure encouraged her to branch into fiction. After pitching the idea for The Patriot Wore Petticoats to Granite, they suggested she run with it. The novel is based on the true story of Marnie's 4^th Great Grandmother, Dicey Langston, a Revolutionary War heroine.

Once Marnie dipped her toe into fiction, she never wanted to leave. Other Southern novels followed including Waltzing with the Light, Rebecca's Reveries, Beyond the Waterfall, Angel and the Enemy, In Love We Trust and two titles in the Granite LoveNotes series, Hannah's Heart and Savannah Nights.

Marnie, who was born and raised in the Chattanooga Tennessee area, is an avid enthusiast of family history. She integrates elements of the places, people and events of her Southern family and heritage into her historical fiction novels. Marnie's life is steeped in Southern history from the little town of Daisy that she grew up in (the setting for Waltzing with the Light) to the 24 acres bordering the famous Chickamauga Battlefield upon which her family resides. The Chickamauga Battlefield inspired Rebecca's Reveries, In Love We Trust and Marnie's BarnesAndNoble.com best-seller Angel and the Enemy (December 2006).

Marnie hopes to hit the national market hard with her current work-in-progress, An Uncertain Justice. It’s a fact-based historical fiction novel about the last legal hanging in the state of Georgia. The hero of the story is Marnie's grandfather who must come to grips with his mentor's murder. It's a story about saints and sinners, forgiveness, and of course a twist of romance.

Marnie’s motivational book, You’re Here for a Reason: Discover & Live
Your Purpose, shares lessons about experiencing the true joy that can only be found in a close relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ. She says, “We must grow so close that our life purpose is in sync with what He created us to do. Just as an eagle is happiest when it’s soaring through the air and a horse is happiest when it’s galloping across a field, you are happiest when living the life you were born to!”

Her message is: Don’t let anything stand in your way. Not worry, not fear, not the adversary and, especially, not your own limiting beliefs about yourself!

You could open to any page, read for only ten minutes, and come away changed. A delightful and profound handbook for life--filled with wisdom, humor, compassion, and just plain good advice. Don't even consider living the rest of your life until you've read this book!
Kerry Blair, author of "Counting Blessings" www.KerryBlair.com

Visit all Marnie’s projects at www.pwgroup.com and read experts from her books at www.MarniePehrson.com.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Temple of the Week (2)

This week's photograph is the Bern, Switzerland Temple, taken by Holli Muhlestein. This is one of my favorites, as it looks a lot like the London Temple where I was married.

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Do-It-Yourself Laundry Soap

This tip is for anyone who wants great laundry soap that works better than store bought, and doesn't leave residue in clothes. All this at less than $2.00 for 160 wash loads. AND it's phosphate free!

This recipe, found on The Dollar Stretcher, has several variations, but the one my friends are trying, reads as follows:

1 bar Fels Naptha, grated (laundry bar sold at Reams and other stores, or can use Ivory instead)
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 cup Washing Soda (NOT baking soda. Arm & Hammer make washing soda and it's in the laundry section of supermarkets)

Melt the grated soap in 6 qt pan with about 3 pints water over medium heat. Stir until soap dissolves. Add borax and washing soda. Stir until thickened. Add more warm water nearly to top of pot. When mixed, pour into a bucket (4-5 gallon) of warm water. Mix well. When cool, it gets thick. Stir every now and then as it tends to separate.

For laundry, use half a cup per load.

There is no lye or anything dangerous. The product is low sudsing and can therefore be used with cold water for most of your laundry--another money saver.


Thanks to JJM at Morgue File.com for the blue washing photo.

SUPER SPRING SALE! Please, No Zits! Great Price!

It's spring, and time for exciting events--and a great opportunity for stocking up on birthday and Christmas gifts for teens.

From today until Monday May 5th, Please, No Zits! & Other Short Stories is on SALE for $6.99 a copy. Please Click here for further information.

Please email xtrafam@yahoo.com for reduced price on bulk orders.

Temple of the Week

I love looking at Temple photographs, and have decided to begin a new topic on my blog as from today.

Each week, I'll post a different picture of an LDS Temple taken by photographers (with their permission) from around the world. If anyone has a photo they'd like to share, let me know and I'll include it to the list.

If readers want to add comments with interesting information about each Temple, please do so for the benefit of all.

Today's Temple is the one in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the photo was taken by Ashley Caroline Mitton.

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

5-11 Year Olds, Hilarious Free Book

Matthew Buckley, author of side-splitting children's books, Chickens in the Headlights, and Bullies in the Headlights, is going live online with a new book. And it's FREE!

Matthew says, "I tried for a year to start another book, but it just wasn't coming. A month ago I was lying in bed, and the idea for a mid grade reader came to me. In about an hour I had the story worked out in my mind. I couldn't help but giggle into my pillow, and take notes so I wouldn't forget it while I slept.

"I finished the book and have decided to deliver it as a podcast. I'm going to read the book and post it a chapter at a time."

The first chapter is online at The Super Trio, and Matthew would love this link to get passed on to anyone who might be interested. The book will appeal to 5-11 year olds (and the young at heart).

The Super Trio is completely free. Matthew is not asking for donations, or wanting people to pay for 'the rest of the book'. He adds, "I plan on finding an agent, and getting the book published, but for now I'm giving it away."

Well known author, Tamra Norton, whose latest book, Make Me a Home, is now available, says, "If you haven't heard the first two chapters of Matthew's The Super Trio, stop what you're doing RIGHT NOW and take a listen. My three youngest kiddos and I were rolling on the floor as we listened to Chapter Two, it was so funny. Even my sixth grader was busting a gut. For that matter, even I was busting a gut! Funny, funny stuff. Great job, Matthew! If you have kids in elementary school, they HAVE to hear this!"

Return to the Neighborhood.

Old Veggies

I found the following interesting information on a health website I often visit at Dr. Weil.com. I copied and pasted the original so readers can get all the facts.

Hang On To Old Veggies!

Next time you contemplate tossing out those limp greens or softening grapes, consider: Belgian scientists report that the fruits and vegetables they studied don’t lose any antioxidant capacity in the days after purchase, even until the time that they begin to spoil.

The researchers purchased various fresh produce from a Belgian market and measured its starting antioxidant content. Then they stored it at room temperature or refrigerated it at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. They checked the antioxidant levels of both the groups until spoilage occurred.

In the days following purchase, the fruits and vegetables did not lose any phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid or flavanols - this is the trio of chemical types associated with antioxidant content. And in some cases, the total count of phenolic compounds actually increased prior to spoilage. The study appeared in the Oct. 17, 2007 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

I really like Dr. Weil's site, as it contains recipes using wholefoods, and straight forward health advice for all ages. He also shares a vitamin questionnaire, which leads to personalized supplement suggestions--a good idea for those who don't know what they need.

The Ardanea Pendant Artwork

After receiving excellent advice on both this blog, and Jeanne McKinney's website, about which concept artwork to use for The Ardanea Pendant, the color wash poster is now complete.

We listened, discussed, mixed and matched, and here is the result from the talented hands of artist, Eric Boden. Hope you like the results. Let us know!

Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys Hits Australia

Author Janet Kay Jensen’s new book is causing quite a stir in Australia. Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys was front page feature story in Brisbane Australia's Australia.TO 24.7 News.

This is Janet’s first novel, although she has co-authored other non-fiction books. She says, “Oddly enough, Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys has received little notice in Utah. I sent emails to all the papers with no response. But I persisted, and found reviewers in Canada, and NJ among other states, and now Australia. The great thing is they ‘get’ the story. That is so important to me, to spread a little truth about our religion and culture in my book.”

The book’s title is proving a hook for both LDS and non-LDS readers alike. Janet comments, “It’s actually the title of a clever old folksong I’ve heard since childhood. Depending on the occasion, ‘Mormon’ can become ‘Kansas’ or ‘Idaho,’ or wherever. At a recent bookstore signing, one man commented, ‘Now, that’s one heck of an eye-catching title.’ He had glanced at the poster and stopped in his tracks to look at the book.”

The folksong goes like this,

Gather round, girls, and listen to my noise, Don’t you marry the Mormon boys; If you do your fortune it will be, Johnnycake and babies is all you’ll see.

Janet continues, “Usually, people react to the title with a smile or a chuckle, because the rhythm and wording of the phrase also hint at the humor within the story. In fact, chapter one begins with native Utahn Andy McBride singing the song to his dog, Eliza R. Snow (named after a famous Utah poet). I think it sets the mood and gives us a hint of who Andy is as he’s driving to his new medical practice in the beautiful Smoky mountain region of rural Appalachia.”

When Janet began writing the book in 2000, a Mormon wasn’t running for president, Big Love wasn’t airing on HBO, and a fundamentalist polygamous leader wasn’t on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. A friend told Janet she had good timing with all this heightened national interest, but the release date of Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys was not intentional on her part.

Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys is a light read with some interesting insights into two ways of life with which most of us are not familiar. Janet says she has learned a lot in the seven-year journey to getting this book published. She adds, “Besides my writing style and editing improving, I also found that nobody wanted to publish a book about polygamy—until Cedar Fort’s Bonneville Books took it on board.”

The story involves Mormon bachelor Andy McBride, who falls for fellow medical student Louisa Martin—a product of polygamy, a way of life Andy cannot embrace and Louisa cannot escape.

Set in the striking red mountains of southern Utah, cosmopolitan Salt Lake City, the rural Smoky Mountain region of Kentucky and the beautiful, forest and lake-studded country of Finland, Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys deals with engaging characters from two opposing lifestyles with honesty and humor. Can a man and a woman from two antagonistic cultures (mainstream Mormon vs. fundamentalist polygamist) overcome the daunting barriers that would deny them a life together? What sacrifices will each have to make in order to be together? What impact will their choices have on family, friends, and even whole communities?

Janet says, “The book has several messages. First, Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or LDS) aren’t polygamists, and polygamists aren’t Mormons. That’s a distinction many people don’t understand, and media reports are often inaccurate, so I think that is an important clarification. Other themes I explore are tolerance, acceptance, and willingness to accept others as they are. Life is richer when we can expand our ability to embrace diversity.”

Two reviews, chosen from many, read as follows:

In this compelling story, the clash of religious cultures creates conflict between two characters the reader cares about. The writing is clear and often gorgeous. I was fascinated by American subcultures the author seems to know so well, and I think many readers will be. A great love story—and more. I search for this kind of book and would snap it up.
—Catherine deCuir, Berkeley, California, author of Peace Prompts: A Guided Journal

A thoroughly captivating story with unusual characters. Janet Kay Jensen shows us that truth and love can triumph over anything life might throw our way.
—Rachel Ann Nunes, bestselling LDS author

Awards
Finalist, Best New Writing: The Eric Hoffer Award
Finalist, USA Best Books 2007 (religious fiction)
Finalist, Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year (religious fiction)
Semi-Finalist, Reader Views Critics Awards(religion/spirituality)
Whitney Award Nominee for LDS authors
Honorable Mention, Marilyn Brown Unpublished Novel Award
Third Place – Fiction Excerpt, Association for Mormon Letters 2005
Second Place, Full-Length Book 2006, League of Utah Writers
Finalist, Religious Fiction, USA Book News Best Books 2007
Semifinalist, Religion/Spirituality, ReaderViews 2007 Literary Awards
Finalist, Religious Fiction, ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award (winners TBA Book Expo America May 29, 2008)
Finalist: Aunt Tuesday, a screenplay based on a scene from Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys, 2008 LDS Film Festival Seven-page Screenplay competition.
Whitney Award for LDS writers, nominee 2008
Honorable Mention, Marilyn Brown LDS Novel Award, 2007
Finalist, Commercial Fiction-Best New Writing: The Eric Hoffer Award for Independent Books, a platform for and the champion of the Independent Voice.

Janet Kay Jensen is currently looking for an agent and hoping her latest novel will help get her foot in the door.

Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys, 324 pages, paperback, was released November 1, 2007 by Bonneville Books, Cedar Fort, Inc. It is available at area bookstores; by telephone at 1-800-sky-book, amazon.com; or online at www.cedarfort.com.

Janet has a webpage, http://www.janetjensen.com, and a blog: http://www.janetkayjensen.blogspot.com. She loves to hear from readers.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Go Zits!!

I can't be the author of a book called Please, No Zits!, and not post at least one tip on the subject :-)

Not that my YA book has much to do with zits (apart from one of the sixteen short stories), but with a title like that I'm bound to have zit experience--right? Of course! Same as the rest of humanity--or most of them. Zits can be a part of life for young and old.

I've discovered a way to make them go away fast--often in twenty-four hours--although it can take a couple of days. And with no scarring.

Here's the secret. Buy a bottle of Tea Tree Oil from a natural food store (must be pure aromatherapy oil), and don't let the word 'oil' fool you into thinking greasy. This is different to any other type of oil.

Take a Q Tip and dip one end in the Tea Tree Oil. Hold the soaked tip end against the zit as soon as it begins to poke through the skin. Use a little pressure, and gently twist the stick against the zit. Leave to dry. Do this twice daily--or more often if needed. Discard Q Tip.

Avoid getting any Tea Tree in your eyes (not a fun experience).

Farworld Blog Tour--Free Books!

J. Scott Savage is giving away free advanced copies of his new fantasy book at Find Your Magic.

He says, "My publisher, Shadow Mountain, is providing me with 400 advanced reader copy of the first book in the Farworld series, Farworld—Water. The books will be used for a blog tour running from July 1 to August 31. (The book should hit the shelves the first week of September. It appears the official release date is September 5th.) I will send the first 200 bloggers who sign up to take part in the tour an ARC, and will also drop ship a second copy to them as part of any type of contest they would like to run."

In a later post, he says, "Thanks to everyone who has signed up for the Farworld Blog tour. The turnout has been great but we still have more slots available. If you have an active blog and would like to take part in the tour, click here. . . . Come take part. We'd love to have you."

Free "Kick in the Pants" for Writers

If you ever thought that famous national authors, David Wolverton and David Farland were two different people, you were wrong. They are the same. David uses his real surname, Wolverton, for his science fiction books, and the pseudonym, David Farland, for his fantasy works.

I came across this talented and bighearted man through his free service to any writer wishing to improve his/her skills by receiving Dave’s daily (most of the time) Kick in the Pants email. For free, I might add. How often is anything so good ever free?

An LDStorymaker email shared information about this excellent opportunity. Finding enough time to read the absorbing daily details became a challenge I simply had to meet because I didn’t want to miss a thing.

Here’s the generous invitation Dave puts at the end of each issue of Kick in the Pants:

“Please feel free to share this email with friends. If you would like to be added to this list, just email dwolvert@xmission.com and say, "Kick me!"

I say go for it writers of any genre, and see what everyone’s raving about.

David Wolverton is also recognized for his creative writing classes--at Brigham Young University where he taught fantasy and science fiction for three years--and at dozens of seminars around the country. He was the coordinating judge for the Writer's of The Future Contest, and taught the annual writing workshops for five years. Beyond that, he worked as an editor in a number of venues, including at BYU as an undergraduate, helping professors get their writing up to publishable standards.

David’s expertise comes after years of study and practical writing experience. In 1987, he won the Writers of the Future, L. Ron Hubbard Gold Award with On My Way to Paradise. In 1991, he became a judge for the same award, and in 1999 co-authored A Very Strange Trip with L. Ron Hubbard himself. Other award nominations include the Nebula Award in the Best Novellette category for his short story After a Lean Winter; and the Hugo Award.

Science fiction fans know the name David Wolverton best as the author of Star Wars novels, in particular, the acclaimed Courtship of Princess Leia, which became a New York Time bestselling novel.

Among many other works by this talented author, is the famous Runelords series. This is where Wolverton becomes Farland. These books are high on my must-read list.

• The Sum of All Men (1998)
• Brotherhood of the Wolf (1999)
• Wizardborn (2001)
• The Lair of Bones (2003)
• Sons of the Oak (2006)
• Worldbinder (2007)
• The Wyrmling Horde (out Sept. 2008)
Renowned Sci-Fi author, Orson Scott Card, says, “[Farland] explores the very nature of virtue and finds disturbing contradictions at the heart of every moral question . . . When I reached the end of The Runelords, and saw grace arise from a devastating battlefield where too many great hearts lay dead, Farland had earned the tears that came to my eyes. It was not sentiment but epiphany.”

David and his wife and family live in Utah where he enjoys fishing, raising dogs, and participating in the Scouting program--when not deep into his writing commitments.

Currently, David’s Kick in the Pants emails cover Character Conflicts. Earlier this week he explained Writing a Million Dollar Outline. Other hints and tips include such fascinating things as Writing in Your Sleep.

Intrigued? Why not check out Kick in the Pants for yourselves, then return and report back? Oh, and remember to share the good news with others :-)

Return to the Neighborhood.

Further Clarification on FLDS

I found the following video clip featuring Church spokesman, Michael Otterson, which clears up any possible confusion between the FLDS Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If the clip doesn't play to the end, click on stop, then pull the little arrow further along the bar and release. The end is powerful.

Michael Otterson is also author of an excellent new book on genealogy--The Essential Latter-day Saint Guide to Finding Your Family on the Internet.

Children

In the aftermath of the heart-rending situation for members of the FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter-day Saint) Church in Texas, I've been considering the sad impact on the children (and families) involved, and praying they can be enlightened, and can overcome whatever has happened to them.

First, let me make it absolutely clear that the FLDS Church is NOT connected with the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nicknamed Mormons). FLDS temples are NOT the same as LDS temples. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serve to bring families closer to God.

Abuse of children in any way is as far removed from the LDS Church teachings as anyone can get. Prophets and apostles today and yesterday, proclaim such behavior an abhorrent sin.

The LDS Church teaches all to treat children with respect, chastising when necessary, but making sure the chastisement is followed by an increase of unconditional love and understanding. Children are innocent and pure until taught otherwise. Their future is molded by every interaction with adults around them.

I found an excellent site called Families Forever.com, which gives plenty of help for today's family. I especially liked their article about disciplining children, the beginning of which is quoted below.

"Sometimes, it seems as if anything goes in today’s world, including misbehavior. But while some parents let their children do as they will, regardless of what effect it has on the child and others, some go too far in the opposite direction. What do Mormons believe? Punishment should never be the main point in raising a child. Controlling a child’s behavior minutely should never be a main point in raising a child. Every child is going to do things that parents don’t like and that parents don’t approve of. And very young (or very teenage) children may do these things often, at that. Parents will not be able to slap down every instance of misbehavior—and shouldn’t. There are ways to discipline that don’t involve striking fear into the little “miscreant”—child’s—heart.

"Research has presented us with three styles of disciplining children . . . " (Click HERE for full story)

I promise the rest of the article is well worth reading. There is no author mentioned, but my thanks to whoever is responsible. The site is a resource to help families and all those hoping to have a fuller, happier life. It is owned by the More Good Foundation, who gave permission to use the above quote.

My thanks to Meg Donahue for her beautiful photo of the Idaho Temple, and to Emily Roesly for her lovely child-by-the-sea picture, both posted on Morguefile.com.