The Swimsuit Club-On Hold!

I will get back to this novel and finish it. Jason and Sharona
are insisting upon it! But the reason the blog posts have stopped for now is because my publisher is interested in a different work from me right now. It's called, The House in Grosvenor Square," and is the sequel to Before the Season Ends, my first regency (Jane Austen era) novel.

If you think only contemporary characters have all the fun, think again! This book is a blast-I'm having such fun with it, and you will, too.
For updates on it, check out my website and sign up for my mailing list. In addition to great Regency content, you'll hear about all my writing-related news--including the return of the Swimsuit Club!

Blessings,

Linore

What is Beauty?

I've raised this question before, but writer Susan May Warren got me thinking in a recent post of hers in which she discusses how to create a memorable heroine for a novel. She says it is important to make your heroine beautiful--but what, after all, is beauty? Here's an excerpt of her post:

"Beauty – what is it? An informal Warren family poll elicits very different responses:

16 year old boy: Someone who is smart.
13 year old boy: A girl who can run fast. (not sure why)
11 year old boy: Nice hair.
15 year old girl: Someone who is unique.
Married old guy: Softness. Someone who is happy and cheerful.

What makes beauty? I think we can all agree that the bible points out that beauty comes from inside, and I agree. A crabby person, regardless of how beautiful, gives off a sheen of ugly. But a lovely person who exudes kindness can be very pretty.

When we’re creating a heroine, especially in a romance, but even in a suspense, she has to possess her own beauty. This is the other Secret Ingredient to a Strong Heroine. All heroines will have something about them that makes them pretty to the hero. They could be genuinely pretty – and then, only get prettier as the hero gets to know them. Or, they could be plain, and turn gorgeous as their inner nature is revealed. The key is, the hero has to see it, and appreciate it.

For example, let’s talk about one of my favorite actresses – Jodie Foster. Love her. She’s an amazing actress. However, I wouldn’t peg her as beautiful. One of my favorite movies of hers is Maverick, where she stars as a gambler against Mel Gibson. She’s a scamp, (and he likewise), doing what she has to get to into the big poker tournament (even stealing Mel’s money!). But the more she tricks Mel, and teases him, the more she turns irresistible to him. Her scoundrel ways is what draws him to her, and they make a perfect team.

What makes your heroine beautiful? And it’s not something physical – in fact, if she’s not physically beautiful, you have more to work with. You can draw out her other features, and then as the hero begins to see her in a new light, she’ll become gorgeous to him."

Just a few more thoughts on the ethereal quality that constitutes true beauty, as opposed to the material, physical emphasis of the world and the media. If you're not a writer, keep this in mind for yourself: It's not just what's on the outside that matters. Really! If you're not yet married, ask yourself how a guy who cares about you will behave; how will he treat you? If he cares for you, the real you, and not just the "outside" you--or just himself--would he ask you to do things you don't really want to? Would he pressure you, threaten you, or, God forbid, force you to do a physical act you don't wish to?

The answer is, a big, resounding, "NO."
And don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Susan May Warren is the author of "Book Therapy", a blog for writers.
Join her list by writing to: booktherapy@susanmaywarren.com

Anti-Ageing Run Amok

Today's post isn't directly related to the issues of the Club, granted; but I still had to include it here because it INdirectly affects each and every woman (and even men, but to a lesser degree) in Western culture.

Have you noticed that the trend to reverse aging is growing into a national obsession? It's often touted as a form of women's healthcare, but when it comes to cosmetic surgery to look younger, that just ain't healthcare, folks! That kind of "care" has a lot more to do with a woman's insecurities and self-perceived shortcomings--all which translate somewhere in the brain into being unlovable--and nothing at all to do with real health.

As usual, I'm going to say that the only healthy foundation for loving who we are has to come from loving who made us! Keeping in mind that we are given value by the God of the universe, no matter our age or appearance, can help us to avoid the pitfall of buying into today's youth culture. But, before I say more, why not click the TITLE of this post and go to a great article by Andrea Mann called, "Stop the Anti-Ageing Madness!" She's got more than a few things right.
Give it a quick look. (Click the TITLE of this post to go to the article.)

Join the Club!

Have you been keeping up with the girls in the Swimsuit Club? Why not "join the club" today by subscribing to this blog? You'll be kept informed of what's going on with Sharona, Angela, Frannie, Becky and Lisa, and there's always hunky Jason to read about, too.
While the Club is quiet right now (since the author is busy on another book, alas), it's a great time to join, since you can begin by catching up with past blog posts--do it by reading just one or two a day. Often there are links to take you elsewhere, a place that is of interest to one of the girls and will be to you, too. Why? Because their lives are like yours: full of womanish growing pains, surrounded by a sin-laden, oversexed culture, and with the same deep desires, longings, and love-seeking attitudes that fuel life. Ever feel that you're alone in this sojourn, looking for love but not finding what you need? You're not alone. Like I said--join the club.

Talk to Your Daughter Before the Beauty Industry Does

There are some issues that arise in the Swimsuit Club that strike a chord in my heart. I really feel for Frannie, Jeanine, Sharona, Angela and Becky. In their own way, each of these modern girls is dealing with an identity crisis--or is it simply a beauty crisis? Or is it both? If you've been following the blog and getting to know them, you won't be surprised that each had a marked difference in how they reacted to a video I'm posting today. It looks at our modern culture's idea of beauty from a startling perspective, and raises the question: What about you? Got some talking you need to do with a young girl in your life? Got some talking you need to do with yourself?

Now, take a moment and view the video by clicking on the HEADLINE of this post. (Where it says, "Talk to your Daughter Before the Beauty Industry Does.") You'll see what I'm talking about. Then, get talking!

Here's your opening statement/questions:
What is real beauty?
And, What is it about you that is beautiful and unchanging, and can never be taken away or made ugly?

For many women, these questions don't have good answers. Can you answer them for yourself?

Here's my stab at it: I submit that what is most beautiful and real for each and every one of us can't be seen at all: it's what's on the inside that counts. Not in some wishy-washy way, but in a very real sense that our true being is a spirit, made in God's image, made to last eternally! Wow, now that's beautiful! If you can really get that: that God made you on purpose, who you are, what you are, and wants a relationship with you--forever!!--just try to catch a glimpse of how beautiful that is. How beautiful you are; Then, and only then, can you answer the questions from a right perspective.

This doesn't mean that outward appearances don't matter: in a material world, they do. But I pray that you never, ever let them matter most.

Want to help write the book?

If you know anything about me, then you won't be surprised when I say that contemporary romance isn't my usual genre. I do write romance, but my other book-length fiction is Regency romance; in other words, adventurous fun and romance during the era of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice..

I'm hard at work on my sequel to Before the Season Ends, my award-winning first book, which is why I'm inviting you to chime in now--while I take a break from finishing The Swimsuit Club,--to say what you'd like to see in the book. Read the posts on this blog, and get a feel for the characters. Then, let me know if there's an issue I haven't addressed that you think would be a good fit for the book. When I get back to work on this book, I'll take your ideas into consideration, and if I choose to add an element or character trait suggested by a reader--like you!--I'll award the person who thought it up with a free copy of the book when it's published, and a mention in my acknowledgements. If you haven 't already, you'll see your name in print!

What am I looking for? Sharona's got trust issues; Angela's got a techno-wizard of a kitchen, but no one around to put a ring on her finger. Frannie is a borderline anorexic(or not so borderline; you'll find out in the book). See the trend, here? Every lady in the club, as well as the fellows in the story, have a certain problem they really need help with. Tell me a problem you'd like to see addressed; and even which character should have to deal with the issue, if you know. Just leave your suggestions in the comment box. If you'd like to email me, tell me that in the comment box, and I'll get in touch with you. (Sorry--Tasteless SPAM forces me to cloak my email).

SO--get those ideas rolling in!

It's a Guy Thing

Jason's gym is different from most for the simple reason that he advertises his faith by placing large signs around the walls with verses from the Bible. Most guys don't mind that they are reminded about the mighty men of King David; or of things like, "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength." This sort of Bible promise is positive and reinforces their determination to develop their muscles and take care of their bodies. But there are a few verses Jason added that make some guys not want to come back. What are they?

Nothing new. Nothing revolutionary. Nothing extraordinary.

At least, they shouldn't be.

Apparently, to some men they are challenging enough to be too challenging.

Things like,
"You shall not look at a woman to lust after her."
Or, "Do not desire your neighbor's wife for yourself."
And, "If your eye offends you, tear it out and cast it from you. Better to enter into life maimed, than to be cast into hell with both eyes."

Why does Jason put up such difficult verses?
Because they remind him that he is called to live an above-average life. It takes commitment and effort to live obediently to God's calling. And reminders are important.

Or maybe it's just because he read somewhere that 20-25% of all internet searches are for porn sites, and he feels that part of his calling is to help other men with whatever they struggle with.* It's one of the things I like most about Jason; because when he helps men with their issues, he is helping all of us.

*according to Nov.6 WordTracker Report on KeyWords

Play Games, Anyone?

There used to be a saying that, "You can tell a lot about a person by looking at the books they own." When I peruse my own bookshelves I can see this certainly applies.
Today, even more than books, I think a movie or video game collection reveals something about character. Want to sneak a peek at some of the favorites on Sharona's or Frannie's shelves? Or how about Jason's?

Frannie gets absorbed in hypnotic 3-D worlds like "Myst" and "Riven." She's got every edition of the former (Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelation, Myst V: End of Ages, Masterpiece Edition, etc. etc.!) Uru, and more. By getting her head surrounded by sound and wrapped up on the screen, she "forgets" the silent aching way deep inside that's making her unable to eat. And lots of times she won't even hear when her mother knocks on her door or calls her. (On a good day, she remembered to lock her door, earlier.)

Sharona does not, as a rule, play video games. She makes up for it by getting lost online for hours at a time, though. When she's not researching a topic for a book, she's getting side-tracked on sites for writers, email with colleagues and friends, and numerous chat groups such as, "prayer and share," "the Jane Austen list," "daily devotions" and "Fitness Guru." Her only news source is an online digest from a Christian newsgroup that recaps major headlines and directs grassroots lobbying efforts--which she participates in often. She edits and critiques for her online writers' group, as the others in the group do for her. But TV? or Video games?
Sharona would say, "Who's got time for that?"

Well, Frannie does.
Anybody else in the Club?
Stay tuned, and find out next time!

What's It All About?

Here's a reminder for those new to the club: What's this all about?

It's about Sharona, Angela, Jeanine, Becky and Lisa. It's about Jason and Patrick. People who are passionate about life--they also happen to be Christians with a passion for God. What happens when life in the 21st century makes it harder than ever to live true to one's calling?

The Swimsuit Club, for one thing!
The unfolding of their lives, loves, and secrets, problems and promises. And through it all, they just want to live out their Christian calling in a world filled with forces pushing them in all the wrong directions.

Frannie's way to cope is compromising her health; Beautiful Sharona, a former model, is determined to remain pure until her wedding-- but is purity possible when a girl's in love? Angela is divorced from a wife-beating husband, and hasn't dated anyone since their split. Hunky Jason, a deacon at church and the hottest guy in town, hasn't shown an interest in women since--well, has he ever? What's he hiding, anyway?

Jeanine's got weight issues, Becky's worrying about her future--(is Ian, her soon-to-be-husband, hinting that he wants out of their relationship?)-- And, oh my goodness, now Lisa--the teenage "bikini queen" of Restonville--wants to join the Club. She's after something and the others know it (and it isn't just chit-chat).

Enter your email in the box above (right) and stay tuned for more.

Hey, Beautiful--Get Real!

What is beauty, really? Frannie, with her ovaline face, fine-boned features and pouty lips is a looker, to be sure. But she is razor sharp with her comments, while Becky, lanky and sun-kissed and easygoing, is not a pin-up girl, but a pleasure to hang with. Both of them look to Sharona as the undisputed "beauty" of the Club, yet even Sharona doesn't match her own modeling photos! What's going on?

Think about this: Have you ever met a person with the satiny smooth skin of a magazine model? How often do you see people who are as beautiful as the pages and pages of models in magazines--not to mention films?

If you're thinking, "Not very often, if at all," you're about to find out why. They don't exist.
That's right, they don't exist! Not the way you see them on the printed page, anyway.

Yes, you get a Sophia Loren now and then, an exceptionally beautiful woman here or there, with the glam skin and all. But most women--and get this, most models--are perfectly....well, normal. They get acne, bad hair days, sallow skin, and every other malady that can afflict a woman's appearance. Their foreheads are too short or long, and their eyes aren't always spaced just right.

I came across a wonderful little video that perfectly encapsulates the reason why accepting the modeling industry's idea of what is "beautiful" can be so damaging to girls. To their credit, Dove (the soap and and beauty products manufacturer) is sponsoring the video, which shows an amazing transformation of an ordinary girl into a billboard model beauty. You've got to see it to believe it. Click the link below.

Campaign for real beauty.

A "Campaign for Real Beauty" sounds like something all women need to get on a soapbox for. (Pardon the pun) Good going, Dove!
Go on, click the link and watch!

(Look around the site--there are some neat ecards you can send to let the women in your life know they're beautiful--just the way they are. Just the way God made them.)

Angela's Ashes?

Angela Petroni (Sharona's longtime best gal pal) is the least problem-laden member of "The Swimsuit Club." As the locally well-known "Gardening Gourmand" the only ashes she generates are from the much-used grill on her back deck. She has a part-time career she loves, teaching her craft to people who want to learn it in classes once or twice a week. Since the classes are held in Jason's pool complex, she's become good friends with Jason, and is also the reason the Club doesn't have to pay dues and can use competition lanes.

Angela is a traditional nurturing woman, but never a doormat or mousy! She cares *so* much about the lives of the people she loves that her own just seems to run smoothly left to itself. And her idea of a bad day would be having no one to cook for, or share her food with. In that spirit (of sharing food) and in honor of Angela, (a really hip chick) here is a recipe I recently came across which blends ease of preparation with taste. More of Angela's own recipes will be at the back of the book when it is published. Get on the list to be notified--if you want a huge serving of tasteful, fresh fun with a flair, as soon as it's available, that is.

Bruschetta

A nice, wide Italian bread is best for this, but French bread will do.
Fresh garlic cloves, or bottled chopped garlic in oil
Cold pressed olive oil (best) OR Any olive oil
A few fresh, ripe tomatoes
Fresh chopped basil (best) OR ground basil

Slice the bread lengthwise and toast, using the broil setting (best) OR a very hot oven.
Peel the fresh garlic and "scrub" it back and forth over the surface of the toasted bread, letting it shred into the bread, or just spoon chopped garlic over the bread as thickly as you like.
If using chopped garlic in oil, you don't need to add any extra. If using fresh garlic cloves, now drizzle some oil over the bread. Top with thinly sliced tomato and basil to taste. Voila! Enjoy.

You Don't Have to Like It (Jason)

When I first started showing signs of being a changed person, people didn't know what to think. Word went around town that I'd become a religious fanatic. Even when it was obvious that I was getting my life together, some people just couldn't handle my new faith.

Cynthia Hinckley supposedly told a lot of people that I was gay. That's the first thing said about me that bothered me, by the way. (Some girls just can't accept that not every guy is eager to hop into bed with them.) Then, after my businesses were doing well, another wave of opinion about me started going over.

They said, "Jason is wonderful for this town!" "Good, upright guy. Looks ahead. " "Why don't you run for mayor?" (I had to laugh at that; but I was honored, too.)

Anyway, then it re-surfaced that I was a Christian; in fact, a shameless Christian. I expected people to be honest in their business dealings, and I was more interested in my church's activities than the Chamber of Commerce's agenda.

(Make no mistake: I am a businessman. I financed the pool complex and moved my gym there, hoping to increase profits, which happened. But I also wanted to provide something good for my community, and that happened, too.)

I get some flack now and then because my weight rooms are filled with signs from the Bible. Things like, 'The glory of young men is their strength." (Proverbs 20:29a) Or, "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." (Psalm 18:34)

You know what? It encourages the guys [who are training], and it encourages me. God surrounded King David with a special force of "mighty men of strength." And King David honored these men. I am honored that God saw me when I was at my lowest, and weakest, and made me the man that everyone looks up to, now. I'm honored to be strong, not just in my body, but strong for Christ. And it's an honor to me to help other men grow into their strength, and to tell them about Christ.

He's the real strength. I'm not afraid to say it.

And my businesses will reflect what I believe.