Sally's Missive

Sally Shepherd Rogers is a friend from my school days. I won't say how many years ago we attended the University Junior and then University Senior High School. Let me just say, in our earlier years Alice Lon , a performer on the Lawrence Welk Show, petticoats were in style. Sally and I reconnected in 2009 when our high school had a reunion.

Sally shared an article she writes for her church newletter. I'd like to share it with you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Sally's Missive

Whatcha doin‘?” my daughter-in-law asked when she noticed my 14-year-old grandson gazing fixedly at his brand-new baby brother.

“I’m observing him,” the young genius replied. (I’m not being facetious here, he actually is certifiably brilliant.)

“And so,” his mother questioned, “what are the results of your observations so far?”

“Well. . .he breathes, he changes colors, and he exhibits a wide variety of facial expressions.”

My grandson can be forgiven for attempting to use the scientific method to explain a new human -- or even a used one for that matter. After all, throughout our history, we’ve applied much worse and more damaging methods of defining ourselves and our young, often to the detriment of our entire race. I remember a statement I heard years ago, made by a television character who each week dealt with the most sordid of fictional crimes.

When another character asked how he could stand to even look upon those who so horribly victimized others, the ersatz detective answered: “I try to remember that each one of them was once an infant, someone’s child. Then, I look for that child in every criminal.”

That insight has stayed with me throughout the years, although I’ve not always successfully implemented it. I will keep trying, though, and with God‘s help, I‘ll get there.

Of course, there’s the ongoing, never-ending contention between “experts” as to whether infants are molded by environment or genetics. I’m pretty sure we’ll never know the answer to that.

In my experience as a two-time mom and six-time grandmother, however, I’ve concluded babies are neutral. They are inarguably born innocent, yet they’re neither good nor evil. They’re a blank slate upon which others write until the child grows old enough to write for himself. But even then, what’s been previously written will affect the adult that little one becomes.

At our recent diocesan council, a young man stood before the 400 assembled clergy and delegates and, while choking back tears, told of being sexually abused as a child. I was awed by his courage -- that’s not an easy tale to tell. The man had suffered, and it was obvious he suffered still from what had been done to him.

Children are vulnerable and defenseless. Only the most cowardly, only the lowest of the low would seek to harm one of them. My anger at those perpetrators is intense and, I must admit, vengeful.

But then, with God’s help I can perhaps remember this -- that even the worst of us were ourselves once infants, and our own slates were written upon by others, whether for good or for ill.

I must bear in mind that victim and victimizer alike once lay helpless in a crib, where each breathed, changed colors, and exhibited a wide variety of facial expressions.

I must remember that even the most immoral of us were once innocents.

And with God’s help, I will.

Thank you readers for stopping by. Please leave Sally a comment. Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

A Way Back is out in Paperback

I'm thrilled to announce that my time travel set in the 1930s oil fields of Texas is now out in paperback.

Here is a short blurb.

In the 1930s oil fields of Texas, a woman from the future finds new purpose as she helps a banker rebuild his financial empire.

Amber Mathis, a Wall Street investment banker, returns to her office after burying her mother. Distraught, tired of the rat race, she's determined to make a career change. In the elevator she falls and rises to find herself in a vintage lift. The date is February 25, 1930, and a man stands on the window ledge in her office ready to jump.

Wellman Hathaway, owner and CEO of Hathaway Bank in New York struggles to pay his depositors half their losses. A woman claiming to be from the future appears in his office and involves him in a scheme that forces them into marriage. With Amber's knowledge of the financial history of the 1930s, they travel to the oil fields of Texas to recoup Wellman's funds.

Two people from different centuries are thrown together to survive a difficult time. Will they find more than A Way Back to prosperity?

Excerpt:


Do it her mind screamed. In one swift move she locked her arms around his waist, pulled, and dropped to the floor. She cringed at the loud crack when his head hit the window sash as he fell back landing on top of her.


They both remained still for a moment. The air knocked out of her, she managed to gasp out, “Could you move? You’re squashing me.”

He rolled and her head bounced on the floor as she changed positions from trying to rise to flat on her back. Long arms held hers above her head and muscled legs kept her body from moving. Striking gray eyes pierced hers, examining every inch of her. Her face flushed at the intrusion and she struggled to get him off. He applied more pressure and she stilled.

A lock of blonde hair fell over his forehead, a patrician nose flared in anger, as his square jaw tightened. He ground out, “Who the hell are you and why’d you try to knock my head off?”

Click on this link to buy your copy of A Way Back.

Thank you for reading and writing!

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

April Writers' Retreat in Alpine

Poets, Western Writers, and Folklorist Meet in the Mountains


Poets, western historians, and writers wanting to collect and record folk stories about their local area or their family will be impressed with the professional lineup at the 20th annual Texas Mountain Trail Writers' Western Round-Up in Alpine, April 8, 9, 10.

Larry Thomas, 2008 Poet Laureate of Texas, will be a headliner and is offering an unprecedented treat, a free critique of one poem to each registered participant. In addition Andy Wilkinson, western historian, poet, playwright, and songwriter will join the team, and it will be rounded off by Dr. Beverly Six, a Sul Ross State University professor who will teach the collecting, recording, and writing of folklore.

The retreat is held at a church encampment in the mountains west of Alpine. Cost for the weekend, with speakers and five meals included is $135 before March 15 and $150 after. Inexpensive rustic lodging can be had at the encampment, or there are many motels in Alpine. The weekend is fun and informative. For the Retreat Overview or information, email Reba Cross Seals rcrossseals@wildblue.net or Jackie Siglin bakedalaska1@bigbend.net or visit our website at http://www.texasmountaintrailwriters.org/

I love to attend this retreat. The folks are fun, the food wonderful, and the mountain air so refreshing. If you'd like to see some pictures, go to the photo album on my website.

Thanks for reading and writing!

Linda

Would you like a copy of Recipe for Romance, an Excerpt Cookbook?

When you become a follower of my blog I try to send you a copy of the excerpt cookbook, Recipe for Romance, a number of authors put together several years ago. However, sometimes I can't get blogger to send the email. So, if you'd like a copy and haven't received one, email me at linda@lindalaroque.com and put Recipe for Romance in the subject line. I'll shoot one over to you.

Thanks!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Male Bashing

Male bashing is on the rise, especially on television. My husband is the first person who brought it to my attention. He expressed indignation at some of the commercials on television and the way they portrayed men. Then, someone mentioned it on Facebook with the idea of how the supposedly funny commercials would affect the self esteem of young boys as they grew into manhood. Do we want them to think the world looks at them as a laughing stock?

No! What has caused the rise of said commercials? Possibly the increase of women in the workplace as they travel up the career ladder and gain equal footing with men. This is good. I'm proud of and for women. I'm one myself. The status was hard earned and well deserved. But, does their success lessen the role men play in the workplace, home, and the world?

Of course not. Women wanted equality and got it. Some women no longer want to be treated like women, don't believe men should open doors for them, etc. Personally, I like being able to provide for myself if necessary, but enjoy the perks of being a woman. And by golly, when a man opens the door for me, I say, "Thank you."

I don't want our young boys to see men portrayed on television and elsewhere as boobs. I want them to see strong men who're not afraid to change a baby's diaper but still able to defend the world if necessary, and strike romance in their love's heart. The type of men we romance authors want our heroes to be.  

I think the majority of women today want to be on equal status with men, be partners in a relationship, each contributing with their strengths and their spouse/partner supporting their weaknesses. It'd be nice to see commercials depicting this view.

Of course, this is my opinion and you may feel differently. I'd love to hear your thoughts, and please, share some examples of those commercials guilty of male bashing.

Thanks for reading and writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Winner of A Way Back Contest

Just a few minutes ago my husband drew a name from the entries. The winner of this beautiful rhinestone airplane pin, similar to the one worn by the heroine in A Way Back, is Kat Hall. Congratulations, Kat. Send me your snail mail address at linda@lindalaroque.com and I'll put your pin in the mail.

Thanks to all who entered. If you've not picked up a copy of A Way Back, they are available at Champagne Books, Omnilit, and Amazon.

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Reviews for A Way Back and Flames on the Sky

First, let me say, it's been a hectic couple of months and I've been lax in posting regularly. I promise to do better. Second, if you've not signed up for my monthly newsletter, I hope you'll do so. You can use the form on this page or email me at linda@lindalaroque.com with NEWSLETTER in the subject line and I'll put you on the list. If you'd also like to enter my A WAY BACK contest for the rhinestone pin, put NEWSLETTER/A WAY BACK CONTEST in the subject line. Third, don't forget to leave a comment for my monthly ebook drawing.

I'm thrilled with the reviews A WAY BACK has received and all so shortly after its release. To read the entire review, click on the link.

You Gotta Read Reviews by Val - You Need to Read

"Having read some of Ms. LaRoque's work before, I knew I would be in for a treat. Each book is like a breath of fresh air and another opportunity to get lost in another world. I'm not a fan of history but this book made learning about the 1930's so much fun. It's evident that Ms. LaRoque has done her homework on A Way Back and because of that, I was totally immersed in the time period. Ms. LaRoque paid excellent attention to detail and her writing style is polished and easy to follow. Whether it be the engaging plot line, compelling characters or talented author, I highly recommend you read this book."

The Romance Studio by Theresa B. - 5 Hearts

"I liked how the author blended the modern and the old. Amber was a modern woman who took no man's gruff and knew her way around the business world. Wellman was straight-laced, a typical slightly stuffy 1930's man. Even though Amber had different ideas about women in the work place, Wellman made little objection to her ideas. To me, this made him a more forward thinking man and a great person for Amber to hook up with. The author did a very good job on the finer details of the story, adding interesting tidbits. There was mention in the story of a time traveler before Amber made a appearance, it would of been nice to have them meet or to tell what happened to him. But I guess that's another story."

Long and Short Reviews by Camillia - 4 Books

"Ms. LaRoque’s descriptions of settings and emotional stress of that time are amazing and attention keeping. Even though A Way Back is short, the characters come to life as she tells of Alva’s swollen feet and legs, of Samuelson’s fury, and of the odor of unwashed bodies that labor under horrible conditions. She assails the reader’s senses with the smell, feel, sight, and sound of an oil well blowing. Of course, the Wall Street bankers’ condescension when Amber takes control of the bank is not to be missed—so many “unladylike” words come to mind to describe them.


How Amber and Wellman cope with a situation forced upon them in a disastrous economic time creates sad, funny, and emotional charged events as they each reach for a happy-ever-after that looks impossible. While A Way Back is an incredible revelation of the tremendous changes that have taken place in less than a century, it is most of all a beguiling love story about two caring people."

It was great to get another review for my fall 2009 release FLAMES ON THE SKY

You Gotta Read Reviews by Val - You Gotta Read

"The characters throughout this book are very well developed and Ms. LaRoque brings vivid life to the Chocoan Anasazi heritage . I am not a history buff. It's hard for me to grasp how people lived in the past, but when I can read a romance novel and learn something, I fall in love with history. Ms. LaRoque lays the foundation for life as it was back then. She leads the reader into the customs of the time and how different that time period is from ours now. I find time travel fascinating and Linda LaRoque makes it more than just a learning experience, she also makes it fun. Flames on the Sky was an action packed read that kept getting more interesting the more I read. I never knew which turn the story would take and was very pleased with the ending. I highly recommend Flames on the Sky for anyone who loves romantic suspense laced with some history and time travel. This was a full bodied novel that you don't want to miss."


Now I must get back to the grindstone. I'm in the middle of a time travel set in the Texas Panhandle in 1889. It's a followup to A LAW OF HER OWN. The working title is SEEKER OF TRUTH. An investigative reporter returns to the cabin near Fredericksburg to learn what happened to Charity Dawson. I'm also working on a romantic suspense set along old Route 66 in New Mexico.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/