Ahhhhh!

For Christmas this year, my family got me a shiatsu massaging cushion for my office chair. Wow. It feels so good I don't want to do anything but sit at my desk all day. I'm thinking this may be the perfect gift for writers who tend to procrastinate. AHHHHH!!!!!

New website

Bethany House (my publisher) just launched their new website. It is awesome! Click here to check it out.

Christmas memories

Happy December 18!
Titletrakk.com is currently listing the favorite Christmas memories of several authors (31, to be exact). You can click here to go read them. Mine is toward the bottom of the page.
What's your favorite Christmas memory?

Waiting for Daybreak

My second book finally has an official title. "Waiting for Daybreak" will release in October 2008.
Woo hoo! Now, if I can just get the final rewrites done, all will be well!
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

Book signing this weekend

I'll be signing books at Borders this weekend. If you're in the Santa Barbara area, I'd love to see some friendly faces, so please drop by. As an added bonus, if you're buying A Promise to Remember as a Christmas gift, I'm giving away cute Christmas themed padded mailers.
Here are the details:
Sunday, December 16 2 PM
Borders, Goleta
7000 Marketplace Drive
Goleta, CA
Phone:805.968.1370
Hope to see you there!

Miracle Monday

Kristy Dykes, a Christian fiction writer, was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks back. She's had surgery to remove much of it, but the prognosis is still quite dim. She goes in for her first radiation treatment today, and thousands of Christians all around the country are banding together to pray for her at that time.
Will you join with us?
A Miracle on Monday
3:30 PM, EST, Dec. 10, 2007
If you want to read more of Kristy's story, you can go to her blog by clicking here.

There's the normal way...

and there's the Cushman way.

While most families are content to simply stand on tiptoes and decorate a six-foot tree in their living rooms... well... let's just say, the Cushman family is not most families.

If it doesn't involve heavy machinery, and at least one person dangling off the end of it risking life and limb to put a star on top, well... it's just not a Cushman Christmas tree.

Unfortunately, my camera batteries died before the real action started, but my sister-in-law got some more. Stay tuned for pix of my nephew Chad hanging from the top of this contraption, as well as my daughter and hubby in the bucket of a bulldozer, putting on ornaments.

Heroes in Action

I may not live in Gotham City or Metropolis, but yesterday I saw some real life super heroes in action.
My sister-in-law, aka VisionGirl, spotted smoke coming from the brush across the canyon. She quickly notified my brother-in-law, aka WaterMan. Faster than a speeding bullet (and without bothering to find a phone booth so he could twirl fast and put on his cape and mask) he jumped into a water truck (it's one of the big construction site water trucks, he's been using it on his orchards and for other projects around their new rural home). Before you could say "who was that masked man?" he was at the scene, spraying the fire with gallons and gallons of water.
Soon after, more caped crusaders arrived in Batmobiles, which were cleverly disguised as fire trucks, and even two helicopters!!
The evil fire was banished within the hour, and its devastation limited to only one acre, thanks to quick and heroic action by all.

Told you so

A couple of weeks ago when my neighbor Lori B. hosted a book party-- remember I told you she made me wear a tiara? You didn't believe me did you?

For the record- she only made me wear the boa during the question and answer session. (Lori has a rather twisted sense of humor, doesn't she?)

Today I have great and glorious plans. I'm going out for lunch! With Krista, a fellow writer! Good food and writing talk. Ahhh!

I'm back

After taking a week off blogging for reasons including (but not limited to) sickness, turkey cooking, and identity theft (trust me, you don't want to know), I'm finally back on the web.
Good news-- I'm featured this month on the Bethany House's book club page. You can see it here.
Happy Tuesday!

One of "those" weeks

I haven't blogged in a bit because it's been a rather hectic week around here. My mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital with a (quite scary) post-surgical blood clot. She lives a couple of hours north of here, so the family has been driving back and forth at all sorts of crazy hours. At this writing, she is still in the hospital, but hopefully coming home today or tomorrow. Everyone please say a prayer for Leah.
Yesterday (Sunday) I came down with the mother of all stomach flu's. I mean, I was flattened. Today, I'm feeling better (not good yet, but considerably better than yesterday). Now I'm just praying no one else in the family gets it. Blah!

Donna Reed would be so disappointed

Tonight, we had some visitors for dinner. I REALLY wanted to make a good impression. I am REALLY not a terribly domestic person. So... on Saturday night I did a trial run of the dinner. It turned out perfect! So... I spent the day today(and made my kids who had the day off school spend the day) cleaning, decorating, etc.
My domestic friends and relatives called me all day long. "Are you okay?" "Do you need any help?" My smug answer, "No thanks, it's all under control."
Remember that dinner that turned out perfect on Saturday? Well, tonight I undercooked the chicken--same recipe, same oven, what gives? Ugh! How can something that turned out so well not 48 hours ago, turn out so, well... raw, when it really matters?
It's times like these when I remember why it is I don't entertain much (unless of course having pizza delivered when the Carobinis come over counts as entertaining :-).
I think now is the perfect time to eat a little chocolate.

Book shindig

Unfortunately, all my photos from last night's book shindig at Lori B 's house turned out really dark :-(. It was a great evening though (in spite of the fact that Lori made me wear a tiara!), with about 40ish women just hanging out and chatting about books, kids, whatever. Here are a few of more visible pix.

THANKS LORI, IT WAS GREAT!!!!!

Feast and famine

My friend and neighbor Lori B. is hosting dozens of women at her home tonight, where we will celebrate A Promise to Remember after its first month on the shelves. Lori has been a tireless promoter of Promise since long before it actually came out, putting in hours worth of phone calls, emails, etc. To cap it all off, she's been cooking for over a week, preparing for tonight's event. A great friend. We are going to FEAST!
My teenage daughter and her youth group, on the other hand, will be participating in the 30 Hour famine tonight. They will go 30 hours without food in order to raise money for WorldVision (they had to deviate from the official nationwide dates due to scheduling, but they didn't let that stop them.) In other words, they are going to FAST!
When all is said and done, I do feel a little guilty-- but I wouldn't want to trade places :-)

Karen Kingsbury and me

I just met Karen Kingsbury! In this picture, we are holding our books that are currently linked on Amazon.
She said I have been on her radar because most of my promotional material says "in the tradition of Karen Kingsbury" *blush*. Anyway, she asked if I'd have my publisher send her a copy, and I said "sure". Cheryl ,the Borders Sales Manager said, "Wait a second, we've got a copy right here." Then Karen Kingsbury, THE Karen Kingsbury, asked me to sign my book for her!!! I managed to remain conscious, but I'm still not certain whose name I signed on the book :-)
She stood there and chatted with Julie Carobini and me for half an hour. What a sweet, humble spirited woman of God she is. (And so is Julie, come to think of it). A nice night all around.

Going to see Karen!

That's right. Karen Kingsbury will be signing books here in Santa Barbara tonight! I'll be there, along with down-the-coast neighbor, Julie Carobini. I'm excited to get a copy of Karen's newest book, Between Sundays, but I'll also be bringing along a few others from my home library to get them signed, too.
Here are the details if you live in the area:
7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 7)
Borders, Goleta
7000 Marketplace Drive
Goleta, CA
Phone:805.968.1370

Final count

Final counts from yesterday
225-- number of trick-or-treaters that came to our door (this is a typical number for us, btw)
3- number of fun size bags of peanut m&m's I consumed
2- number of fun size Almond Joy's I consumed
1- number of fun size Butterfingers I consumed
4- number of medications I have consumed this morning to fight post-candy migraine (head still hurts, may have to break into the narcotics soon)

Blog Hopping

Tiff Stockton interviewed me on her blog this week. If you head on over there and leave a comment, you'll be entered in a drawing for a free copy of A Promise to Remember. So... what are you waiting for? Get on over there! Click here for the link.

Almost cool

Let me say for the record-- I live in Santa Barbara. It's not uncommon for me to see celebrities when I go downtown, out to dinner, whatever... and I really couldn't care less. Famous-shmamous, a person is a person.

But.... Titletrakk is running an interview with me right now, and they have me on their homepage right beside JON FOREMAN... from SWITCHFOOT!!! Get out of town!!!!!Celebrity may not impress me, but COOLNESS does!!

A brief comparison of Switchfoot and me:

Me- Drive my teenage daughter's carpool

Switchfoot- Fill my teenage daughter's iPod

Me- Most members of my family now own a copy of my book

Switchfoot- The Beautiful Letdown went double-platinum



Yep, I'm definitely lacking in the cool department here, but I'm hoping that by hanging out on the same webpage for a few days, a little cool will rub off!

You can see it for yourself here.

Free book anyone?

My friend Julie Carobini (of Chocolate Beach fame) took a break from writing long enough to interview me on her blog today. She is also giving away a copy of A Promise to Remember, so hurry on over there. All you have to do is click on this link, leave a comment, and you'll be entered for a chance to win. Good luck!

Breathing smoke

The closest of the current California fires is still a safe distance from where I live, but the ash in the air is TERRIBLE. There is a coat of brownish/grayish grit on everything I own, in spite of heroic (if I do say so myself) cleaning efforts. The schools have cancelled all outdoor PE activities, due to poor air quality.
That said-- this is nothing compared to what the residents San Diego and Malibu are living through right now. One of my critique partners got evacuated from Carlsbad yesterday (along with about 300,000 of his closest friends and neighbors). All in all, a terrible situation.

On a happier note-- I've been doing some extra reading this month, due to the fact that I'm no longer working under deadline. Last week I finished The Restorer by Sharon Hinck. Terrific book. There is plenty of action and suspense, but also the underlying battle of "that little voice in our head" that tells us we are inadequate, unable, and unfit.
There's nothing better than being thoroughly entertained, and gleaning an extra bit of insight at the same time!

After last weeks festivities, it's nice to get back into the old routine this week. You know-- laundry, housework, ironing. This will feel nice for about one more day, and then I'll be ready for festivities again!

Deena, over at Deenasbooks, has posted a really nice review of A Promise to Remember. You can read it here. Makes me want to hand out cyber hugs and cyber chocolate!

More Pix from Locally Inspired

That's me in the background, standing up in front of the whole group. If this picture had sound, you would hear my knees knocking!!!

This is the great group of friends and family who are listening to my knees knock.

Julie Carobini, me, and Jim Bell with with out totally awesome cake!

The three of us signing books after surviving the speaking part. Whew!

The Best Cake Ever

Tonight was the big book signing event "Locally Inspired: Promises, Chocolate, and Murder". Kate Schwab, the incredible Borders event coordinator, had this cake made for the occasion. Is that the coolest, or what?

It was a blast, and I'm amazed at how many people showed up (over 100 they say). I'll post more pix in the next day or two.

Book signing and discussion

Locally Inspired: Promises, chocolate... and murder!
What: Book signing and discussion with James Scott Bell (author of Presumed Guilty, No Legal Grounds, and Try Dying), Julie Carobini (author of Chocolate Beach), and me (if you're visiting my blog, hopefully you know this already-- author of A Promise to Remember).
Where: Borders
7000 Marketplace Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
When: Friday, October 12 (that's this Friday!!!)
7 pm
If you live in the area, please stop by!!!

Note: Due to a hectic schedule, this will probably be my only post this week.

Here's to the mentors

All you Girl Scout leaders, Sunday School teachers, and coaches out there, who feel as though you are accomplishing absolutely nothing--you have no idea what kind of impact you might be making. Here are a couple of my mentors who probably never had a clue I heard even a word they said.

Mrs. Methvin--aka "Mrs. M". She taught my Sunday night class during my late elementary years. She encouraged me to participate in the Bible drill, and somehow persuaded an 11 year old that it would be fun to be able to find any book of the Bible in under ten seconds, and memorize a bunch of verses! Needless to say, that has been priceless all through my life. She and Mr. M. even had me over to dinner a few times-- she makes a FABULOUS cheesecake. Mmmm!

(That's my Aunt Frances over her shoulder-- isn't she cute?)

Mrs. Cope--aka Daphene. My Sunday School teacher from the time I was in the 8th grade until... college maybe? Every year, my little group persuaded her to promote to the older class with us. Even though she had kids our age, she was still cool! As I mom, I've tried to figure that out. How is a mommy cool to teenagers? I have yet to discover her secret, but I can tell you she still rocks!

Here's to the teachers!

In this very grainy photo, the lady in the green was my 3rd grade teacher-- Mrs. Trout. Every day I brought in a stack of stuff I had written, and every day she smiled at me and said, "Thank you, Katie. I can't wait to read it." As an adult, I know she must have been dying to say "Enough already!" but she never did. The dream of writing really grew this year. But then... she left half-way through the year to marry MY COUSIN! Yay. Now she's Mrs. Richardson, and I get to see her at reunions. (The lady beside her is my cousin Nettie--who drove almost 2 hours to come to this signing. Love ya, Nettie Jane!!!)


This is Mrs. Pulley who took over the rest of the 3rd grade year. I can't remember if I pummeled her with paperwork or not, likely I did. I don't ever remember seeing her angry--given our little group of ragamuffins, that is saying something!







This is Mrs. Benson, my 5th grade teacher. She can only be described as "sneaky". Each day we would leave her class, congratulating ourselves in how we'd managed to spend the whole day doing nothing but interesting projects and playing games. It wasn't until (much) later, that we all realized that she'd actually been teaching us through these methods. Trickery, plain and simple!! I hope my daughters someday have a teacher this sneaky!






Mrs. Thompson-- high school French teacher. She always has a smile on her face (even while trying to shepherd 50 rag-tag teenagers through France and England). I can still hear her voice when she was admonishing my friend Ginger and me (French names Gisele and Lisette respectively). When she was trying to be firm, but really kind of tickled, our names would come out in the true southern way, with about 3 or 4 syllables, "Gi -say-al, Li-sey-ette, quit goofing off!
Great teacher!!






This is Mrs. Joiner-- the high school English teacher I always wanted and never got! She had three of the nicest, coolest (and best looking) kids at the school though--Charles, Willie, and Kristina.

Pix from hometown signing

Today, I'm posting pix of my friends from high school (and before) who came to the Tennessee book signing. I hadn't seen several of them since high school graduation, so it was almost like a mini-reunion.

Rita has been a friend since junior high. I still see her when I come home for a visit-- she cuts my hair. Notice how nice and straight it is for this picture?!?

This is Kim and Kim. We got way back into elementary school. Kim in the white was always the first one picked for all the elementary school teams, Kim in the orange was my roller skating and shopping buddy all through high school. She drove all the way from Spring Hill to be here!

Anita is on the left-- she was the girl in high school that was so nice, and so classy (the true sense of classy, not the snobby / spoiled way) I always wanted to be more like her.Patty is on the right- I've known her for as long as I can remember. I think she has discovered the fountain of youth, because she's even prettier now than she was in high school.That's my Aunt Kathryn behind them-- not sure what she's looking at, but it appears to be very high!
Tomorrow I'll post some more book signing pix!

My roomie, the winner!!

One of my very favorite things about this year's ACFW conference, was watching my friend and roommate Carrie Padgett win the 'Lit category of the Genesis contest. Carrie and I have been friends since meeting at Mount Hermon a couple of years ago, and I've conned her into rooming with me at every writers conference since. She is a truly gifted writer, and I am soooo happy to see it acknowledged!!
Way to go Carrie!!!

I'm back!

After a week of travels, I got home to piles of laundry and a deadline! But, deadline has been met (barely) and my laundry is--well, honestly, most of it's still in piles--but I'm making progress. For the next few days, I'm going to catch up with pix from my trip. Some from the ACFW conference, some from my hometown book signing. Here are a couple from ACFW:

I flew to Dallas with just-down-the-coast a ways friend, Julie Carobini. Of course, I just happened to have a Hershey bar in my bag to help us through the long trip. Eating chocolate with the author of Chocolate Beach was a highlight that simply must be preserved for posterity!

This is Rosanna. She emailed me the week before the conference, because she has read A Promise to Remember and liked it. What's so special about that, you ask? I had never met Rosanna before! She was my first reader that wasn't obligated by blood ties or friendship ties to actually read the thing! She's a writer, too, and had some good interest in her work while at the conference. It was great getting to know her!

I've got one more picture from ACFW, but it deserves an entry all its own, so I'll save it until tomorrow!

There's no place like hometown

I had a blast at the ACFW conference last week (pictures will be posted after I get home).

I flew straight from Dallas to Lawrenceburg, TN, my hometown. Tomorrow I'll be signing books at The Christian Bookstore on the Lawrenceburg square. I'm so thrilled to have my book launch here, because many of the family, friends, and teachers who unknowingly kindled my dream to write, live here. I can't think of a more appropriate place to see the dream take shape. I'm doing a radio interview tomorrow morning at 10 on local WDXE. This makes me a tad nervous, because those of you who know me, know that when I get nervous, I tend to chat incessantly and inanely. Feel free to send an extra prayer or two my way!

First official booksigning

I'll be signing copies of hot-off -the press A Promise to Remember at the ACFW conference in Dallas. You can see the flier by clicking here. I hope to see you there!!
Do you love Christian fiction? Then join us for the ACFW book signing on September 22nd from 1:30-2:30 at the Dallas Addison Quorum Marriott, 14901 Dallas Parkway, Dallas.

Promise in Stores!!!

My family and I found the very first copies of A Promise to Remember in Borders tonight. Woo hoo!!! My darling daughter Melanie was the first to spot it on the shelves--extra ice cream for her tonight!

Gives me the shivers!

Ready to get a little chill down you spine? Watch this trailer for James Scott Bell's newest book.

Don't forget- Jim will be signing hot-of-the-press copies of Try Dying at the Borders in Goleta, CA on Oct 12 at 7 pm. You can pick up a copy of A Promise to Remember and Chocolate Beach while you're there!

I'm still here

The reason I haven't blogged much lately can be summed up in a single word. Deadline! I'm trying to get the manuscript of my second book turned in before I leave for ACFW in a couple of weeks. It looks like I'm going to make it--whew!
Only 26 more days until Oct. 1. But who's counting? Umm... that would be me!

We have... TWO winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered the "Name the Author Event" contest. We presented our favorites to the Borders event planner this week, and ended up combining two entries and then tweaking them some more. We liked Becca's "Border's Inspired", and we like Janneke's "Chocolate, murder, and promises." So ladies, you both get copies of all three books!

Currently the title is: "Borders Inspirational: Promises, chocolate... and murder," with a few small changes still possible.

Speaking of the event, mark your calendars now. October 12, Borders in Goleta, CA, 7 pm. There will be author readings, free samples from the Borders cafe, and of course... CHOCOLATE! Hope to see you there.

My first review!

Jim Hart, the fabulous internet marketing manager of Bethany House, just forwarded me the first ever review of my book. This one left me crying like a baby (a baby who can't believe she's been so blessed). You can read it here. I've never met the reviewer, but I'd love to extend her a great big cyber-hug.

Crying again, have to go.

PS- Don't forget about the "Name the Event" contest, still going strong. (See yesterday's post).

Name the Event contest

On October 12, fellow authors Julie Carobini (Chocolate Beach) and James Scott Bell (Try Dying) will join me, Katie (A Promise to Remember), in Santa Barbara for a book signing / author chat at Borders in Goleta. The event director for Borders has asked us to come up with a "catchy title" for the event. Between the three of us-- we've got nothing. So we're asking for your help. Submit your cathcy title via comment here or at Julie's blog. The person who submits the best title, as determined by the authors, and ultimately the Borders event planner, will receive a signed copy of all three books. Enter now, enter often, tell your friends. Thanks for the help!

A Happy Ending

About an hour ago (72 hours after Popcorn's disappearance) I was talking on the phone to my mother-in-law. I looked out the window, and there stood our turtle on the retaining wall in the back yard. I started screaming "Turtle, turtle, turtle on the back wall." Needless to say, my mother-in-law is now deaf, but my kids are very happy--as is Popcorn the turtle, who has eaten an unbelievable amount of food.

Snowing in CA

Okay, not snow really. Ash. But it's falling like snow here--has been for a couple of days now. My husband spent a couple of hours hosing off the back deck and deck furniture last night, today they're covered in a layer of small gray flakes again. There's a fire just over the mountains. If it's like this here, I can only imagine what the firefighters must be breathing!

In other news- Popcorn the turtle is still on the lam, in spite of drastic search measures. Things are starting to look a bit bleak for the old girl.

T - 47 and a T + 1

T - 47. That's right. Only 47 days left until A Promise to Remember officially hits the shelves. For me, it's still one of those "I'll believe it when I actually see it" sort of things, as this has been a dream for so long. It should actually be less than 47 days, as the book prints on August 28th (13 days, but who's counting?) and will start shipping out soon thereafter. Woo hoo!

T + 1: While cleaning out the turtle tank yesterday, we put our red-eared slider in her outdoor tank (large Rubbermaid container) as usual. Somehow, she managed to climb up and over the walls, and has disappeared into the jungle that is our back yard. We live in southern California, so our back yard is roughly the size of a postage stamp. But... it's all bushes, ferns, and such, where a turtle can easily disappear and never be seen again. She's been missing for almost 24 hours now, in spite of intense searching. We're running the sprinklers often to make certain she doesn't dry out, but hope is starting to fade. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for stopping by my very first blog post!!

Welcome to Katie's New Blog

Watch this space in the coming days for information about the fast approaching release of A Promise To Remember, as well as news about contests, book signings, and more!

The Katie Cushman Web Team