tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4363630985035457012012-01-19T11:19:51.957-05:00Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.comBlogger1141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-18347884979622267722012-01-19T11:09:00.003-05:002012-01-19T11:19:51.964-05:00

The finalists for the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest have been announced. They are:Kimberley Gardner Graham, Memphis TN, The Rocking Horse of TuscumbiaJim Hamlett, Travelers Rest SC, MoeClarice James, Hudson NH, Party of OnePeter Leavell, Meridian ID, Songs of CaptivityTerrie Todd, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, The Silver SuitcaseThe winner will be announced

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-46631019697306138782011-09-17T15:24:00.002-04:002011-09-17T15:26:54.218-04:00

We're having a cool, rainy spell here in VA, so in the spirit of positivity, I'm holding a contest over at my Facebook page. Just post your favorite thing to do to relax on a cool, dreary day, and you'll be entered to win a signed copy of Catching Moondrops and some hot chocolate!Stop by to join the conversation!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-649469867586345292011-09-06T19:04:00.001-04:002011-09-06T19:05:56.178-04:00

Check out the Tyndale House Publishers blog to find out about more free e-books!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-34924817952238067832011-07-28T19:13:00.003-04:002011-07-28T19:15:20.962-04:00

Tyndale House Publishers is offering six e-books free for a limited time. Check them out here!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-10307513451357447402011-05-25T20:12:00.004-04:002011-05-25T20:19:24.654-04:00

The audio version of Fireflies in December received an Audie Award for inspirational fiction at the 2011 awards ceremony in New York last night! The folks at Recorded Books, along with narrator Kate Forbes, have done such a phenomenal job bringing my books to life on audio, and I'm so excited to see them rewarded for it.The full list of nominees and winners can be found at the Audies website.

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-31166873536379770722011-05-20T14:36:00.004-04:002011-05-20T14:43:07.923-04:00

Today, I have the pleasure of being a guest blogger over at Seriously Write. Stop by and read about what this long, crazy journey into publishing has taught me about perspective. And while you're there, check out the great work these ladies are doing to encourage writers on their blog!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-62160788247787760662011-05-06T18:53:00.003-04:002011-05-06T18:59:01.031-04:00

The nominees for the 2011 Christy Awards were announced today. Congratulations to all!The Christy Advisory Board is pleased to announce nominees in nine categories for the 2011 Christy Awards honoring Christian fiction.The 2011 Christy Award nominees are:Contemporary Romance/Blood Ransomby Lisa Harris (Zondervan)Indivisibleby Kristin Heitzmann (WaterBrook Press)Sworn to Protectby DiAnn Mills (

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-10334099927843009832011-04-24T10:29:00.002-04:002011-04-24T10:36:18.824-04:00

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-8828173884727214272011-04-22T20:38:00.004-04:002011-04-22T21:13:22.859-04:00

"At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' - which means, 'My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?' When some of those standing near heard this, they said, 'Listen, He's calling Elijah.' One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-42726890771683695542011-03-18T12:13:00.002-04:002011-03-18T12:17:24.584-04:00

I'll be signing copies of all three books this Saturday, March 19 at 11am, at the Short Pump Barnes and Noble (11640 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23233). Hope to see you there!!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-61081121137879000542011-02-26T13:49:00.003-05:002011-02-26T14:00:15.933-05:00

The Fireflies in December audio book has been nominated for an Audie Award in the Inspirational Fiction category. The Audio Publishers Association sponsors the awards to recognize "distinction in audio books and spoken word entertainment." Winners will be announced at the Audies Gala in New York City in May.

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-35651493848325224542011-02-20T13:19:00.003-05:002011-02-20T13:25:36.783-05:00

Congratulations to Timothy Owens, the newest winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest! His novel, The Search Committee, will be published by Tyndale House Publishers.The 2011 contest is now open. Check out the information for your chance to enter!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-51865945302513961282011-02-18T10:42:00.003-05:002011-02-18T10:48:38.461-05:00

Recorded Books recently released the audio book of Catching Moondrops! They have previously released audio versions of Fireflies in December and Cottonwood Whispers, wonderfully read by actress Kate Forbes. Happy listening!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-3144468164794718902011-01-29T11:24:00.006-05:002011-01-29T14:02:37.477-05:00

It's been a long day and from your perch on the couch you're watching an HD-enhanced moist, rich chocolate cake float down onto a milky white plate, a drizzle of thick, rich dark chocolate falling from the sky like manna, sliding down the sides of the cake in mahogany rivulets.And now you have to have chocolate cake. Immediately.That's the genius of a well-made, well-placed commercial: it hooks

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-56788456748929571662011-01-22T13:28:00.002-05:002011-01-22T13:34:46.935-05:00

The 2010 Operation First Novel finalists have been announced by the Christian Writers Guild! They are:Sandy Cook - The Darkest NightKimberley Graham - The Rocking Horse of TuscumbiaTimothy Owens - The Search CommitteeDiana Prusik - DeliveryJennifer Slattery - Impossible ChoicesThe winner will be announced at the 2011 Writing for the Soul conference held February 10-13 in Denver, CO. The winner

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-82384890743467363062011-01-17T14:11:00.003-05:002011-01-17T14:15:06.448-05:00

Semifinalists Announced for Operation First NovelThe Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild is pleased to announce the 10 semifinalists for the 2010 Operation First Novel contest. In alphabetical order by author, the finalists are:Sandy Cook, Emporia KS, The Darkest NightSandra Hendrickson Esch, San Diego CA, Tracks in the SnowKimberley Graham, Memphis TN, The Rocking Horse of TuscumbiaAllison

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-49422423195823857652010-12-31T21:10:00.004-05:002010-12-31T21:19:33.089-05:00

So this is it, everyone... the end of another year. And if there's one thing the Lord has worked overtime to teach me this year, it's to be completely dependent on Him. Not on me, not on others, not on circumstances... just Him. It's been a long, slow, sometimes painful process, and I'm certainly still learning. But it's been a journey worth taking.A lot of us make New Year's resolutions - about

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-45131296855708523022010-12-23T18:12:00.003-05:002010-12-23T18:36:47.517-05:00

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6)."But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-75710423429715673482010-11-28T10:38:00.000-05:002010-11-28T10:39:07.302-05:00

Sandwiched in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the beginning of a month of free Fireflies in December!All you e-readers can download the book for free at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.Happy reading!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-58421402381789033452010-11-03T10:07:00.003-04:002010-11-03T10:12:25.205-04:00

Catching Moondrops has been nominated for Best Inspirational Romance in the Romantic Times 2010 Book Review Awards!Co-nominees in this category are Lynn Austin for While We're Far Apart, Liz Curtis Higgs for Here Burns My Candle, and DiAnn Mills for A Woman Called Sage. Congratulations, ladies!Winners will be announced in April, 2011 at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention.

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-19446844988967821572010-10-13T10:01:00.005-04:002010-10-15T10:04:12.987-04:00

On October 23rd, I'll be signing at the Lifeway Christian Store in Glen Allen, VA, 9840-A West Broad St. Stop by between 11am and 1pm to celebrate Christian Store Day with me!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-55689762327904073112010-09-23T19:25:00.003-04:002010-09-23T19:30:37.508-04:00

October 1st is a big day for me as it's the official release date for Catching Moondrops! Don't forget to grab your copy!It's also the deadline for entering the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and you all know how worthwhile I think it is to enter. Don't miss out! You never know what might happen!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-60116294100441869652010-09-18T12:35:00.007-04:002010-09-18T14:02:16.747-04:00

It seems I can get writer's block about blogging, too. Who knew?! I've been stumped about a new topic for days so I asked Facebook friends for ideas, and they came through! Thanks to Tabitha S. for her suggestion of today's topic: How to get kids interested in reading. Call me crazy, but I think reading should be fun. Granted, not all reading... who likes reading instruction manuals or service

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-64739194675452397642010-09-10T20:50:00.001-04:002010-09-10T20:52:34.608-04:00

I'm having a Facebook Fans Only contest over on my Facebook page! Hop on over to join in for a chance to win a signed copy of Catching Moondrops and some coffee or hot chocolate (your choice) to sip while reading it! Hope to see you there!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-8275440170962250162010-08-28T16:40:00.004-04:002010-08-28T18:00:04.129-04:00

Today is Saturday. I've been to four yard sales, bought a pillow and three hand towels at the mall and eaten a mini-sized Cherry Garcia. All the exciting stuff! That's the way most days are, right? Hours of monotony that keep repeating themselves so all the days start to run together. After a while, it all just begins to seem ridiculous, doesn't it?But the other thing I did on this monotonous

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-55186314211056981732010-08-08T15:12:00.005-04:002010-08-08T16:02:50.415-04:00

One of my favorite movie memories is going to see a special screening of "Arsenic and Old Lace" at a local historic theater. I was a kid seeing Cary Grant on the big screen for the first time, and I ate up every second of it, nearly ending up on the floor when Cary Grant's "brother" pops through the window. (Haven't seen it yet? Watch it and see how you react when it happens!) It has since become

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-67615899780290422012010-07-31T12:11:00.007-04:002010-07-31T12:20:38.887-04:00

Here's a fantastic ad for upcoming Tyndale fiction titles, and I'm proud to be a part of it! Keep an eye out for all of them!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-29715064876167873512010-07-23T17:38:00.003-04:002010-07-23T17:44:38.644-04:00

I recently found out that Fireflies in December is on one of the summer reading lists here in Virginia. So happy to see the book cross generations! If you're a student reading one of my books, or if you know someone who is, stop by my mail page and let me know about it. I'd love to hear from you!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-75354640794510955882010-07-09T10:55:00.026-04:002010-07-09T12:54:13.938-04:00

Okay, so I've finally gotten my thoughts together long enough to let you all know how the Christy's went. It was an exciting trip, getting to see people I hadn't seen in months and having the chance to meet new ones.I was particularly excited to see some of the Tyndale family there. Tom Pawlik, winner of the Operation First Novel contest in '06 and '09 Christy winner was there with his lovely

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-70618183865004697072010-06-28T17:53:00.003-04:002010-06-28T17:59:06.093-04:00

Fireflies in December received the Christy Award for First Novel Saturday evening in St. Louis... and yes, I'm still absorbing it!The dessert reception, keynoted by Lisa Samson, was a wonderful evening filled with incredibly talented writers. I'm still coming down to earth, but I'll post more details when I do!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-14104230215735354292010-06-04T17:47:00.008-04:002010-06-05T14:12:09.078-04:00

I'm officially in writer's limbo, hanging precariously between my last book and the one I figure is supposed to be languishing in my brain until it gets its own turn to jump onto a Word document. And yet, I can't seem to find any of it - the characters, the setting, the plot lines. Who knows... maybe they escaped the asylum of my busy mind and are running around town as we speak. But trust me, no

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-65259601510667171322010-05-12T10:18:00.003-04:002010-05-12T10:36:02.094-04:00

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with writing or personal growth or what I hope for the future. It just has to do with sunscreen, Slurpees and bubbles in the asphalt.I love summer! Always have, except when we had 100 degree temps with no air conditioning. But then, that helped me write novels about hot Southern summers in pre-air conditioning days, so there's a reason for everything, right?My

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-72189276186051657162010-04-30T16:37:00.008-04:002010-04-30T20:01:42.508-04:00

There are plenty of things I consider reliable pick-me-ups, chocolate being high on the list, and now I've found a new one... being nominated for a Christy Award!The awards nominations were announced Thursday morning, and Fireflies in December has been nominated in the First Novel category. It truly is an honor to have my work recognized alongside so many wonderful books, and I just can't stop

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-77323035412530742102010-04-26T14:49:00.003-04:002010-04-26T15:10:51.927-04:00

This past trip down editing lane, I had one very distinct problem: continuity. The thing just didn't flow.One of the most important aspects about telling a story is finding the smoothest way from point A to point B. It can't just be a bunch of vignettes without a goal. It has to tell the story from beginning to end with a reasonable progression.Think about one of those connect-the-dot puzzles

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-59907729950588712072010-04-18T19:22:00.004-04:002010-04-18T19:45:29.099-04:00

This past week I've been working hard on editing Catching Moondrops, and even though this is my third time around with editing, I'm still learning. But I suppose that's the way everything is... there's always something new to learn no matter what we're up to.But there's one thing I'd already learned in the past that I've had to employ yet again this time around: Be willing to cut. In my writing

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-72777446690065041512010-04-03T20:11:00.002-04:002010-04-03T20:32:53.698-04:00

It's amazing to me how busy I can get with nothing. Life just gets like that. After a while I realize that my hours floated away on a breeze of to-do lists and Google searches.But every now and again I'm reminded of why I'm really here. Yesterday, I watched a documentary about the Shroud of Turin, which many experts and religious leaders believe to be the shroud Christ was buried in. No one knows

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-60890171673429221682010-03-06T21:27:00.004-05:002010-03-06T21:33:28.524-05:00

On March 17th, I'll be presenting the keynote speech at the Enriching Minds Series sponsored by Literacy Volunteers - Pitt County at the Greenville, NC Hilton. For more information you can call 353-6578 or email info@pittliteracy.org. Hope to see you there!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-90169543454639930712010-02-21T12:23:00.004-05:002010-02-21T12:39:43.094-05:00

As a nanny, I can't count how many times I've had to say, or at least think, "if only you had listened to me." It seems like no matter what the sense behind my instructions most kids, at one time or another, will test me by trying exactly what I told them not to do. It's as though they are compelled to find out just how stupid it really was.And as many times as this has happened with my kids,

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-7504517854101662122010-02-08T17:07:00.005-05:002010-02-08T17:17:46.167-05:00

All this snow has been ridiculous! As a Southerner, I'm definitely not used to this. However, if I'm going to be snowed in, it can't be better timing than when I have a book deadline to meet.And I did!This weekend I finished up Catching Moondrops, and as great as it feels to have it taken care of, I have to say it's really sad to say goodbye to these characters. It's crazy how attached you can

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-18343674605714879832010-01-09T15:38:00.007-05:002010-01-09T16:47:41.517-05:00

Ever hear a song, read a passage from a book or watch a film that leaves you feeling refreshed, worshipful or inspired? I imagine we all have. It's an amazing facet of creativity - that it can be used to nurture those who are exposed to it.There's a song by Jeremy Riddle called "I Am Redeemer" that absolutely makes me feel like I'm sitting at the Lord's feet. There's something about the intensity

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-49946494659185972022010-01-04T13:07:00.001-05:002010-01-04T13:10:13.847-05:00

Stop by Finding Hope in Fiction.com to read my interview with Nora St. Laurent. And while you're there, leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Fireflies in December!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-66688501480896036662009-12-31T09:14:00.005-05:002009-12-31T09:25:47.599-05:00

I know I sound like my parents, but good grief is time flying! Y2K seems like just a few years ago, and here we are a decade later, still alive and living outside of bomb shelters. I was told once that as soon as we hit 21 time starts to go so quickly we can't keep up, and I've found it to be eerily true.So what's ahead for 2010? I have absolutely no idea! But one thing I've learned in the past

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-12158868743733049662009-12-24T21:18:00.004-05:002009-12-24T21:31:22.275-05:00

...the perfect time to take a break from the busyness of life and remember what this day signifies. Tonight we celebrate the evening just before the world changed forever. All those years ago, the sun set on a world that hung on the hope of the coming Messiah, but when the sun rose that hope had changed into reality. He was here!Tonight I'm celebrating the reality of Christ's birth, that He

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-33335889094051622612009-12-20T16:51:00.003-05:002009-12-20T16:56:08.926-05:00

Don't forget to check out Thicker Than Blood by CJ Darlington, the latest winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest! It's sure to be a good one!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-89670075576728599702009-12-17T22:04:00.001-05:002009-12-17T22:07:19.476-05:00

Hop on over to SheReads.org to read my interview with them! Fireflies in December is one of their Winter picks, so stop by and take a peek!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-6168310685177428602009-12-07T18:38:00.005-05:002009-12-07T18:41:41.181-05:00

I have a book signing this Saturday, December 12! I'll be at Books-A-Million at 8093 West Broad St. in Richmond, VA from noon to 2pm. Come by and see me!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-80761728231489626092009-11-25T21:16:00.004-05:002009-11-26T09:33:42.801-05:00

Today, I'm thankful for many things. I'm thankful for my God who loved me so much He sacrificed His son for me. I'm thankful for Jesus Christ who left paradise to come and walk this earth in order to give up His life for mine and provide me a release from the power of sin and death. I'm thankful that through the Word of God and the guidance of His Holy Spirit, I am never alone. And I'm thankful

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-15833528095298200512009-11-22T12:26:00.002-05:002009-11-22T12:36:12.625-05:00

The Christian Writers Guild has chosen it's four finalists for their annual Operation First Novel Contest, something very close to my heart as winner of their 2007 installment for Fireflies in December.The finalists are:Jon Wakefield for Fatal RealityMark Sylvester for Coming Up ShortDeb Harper for MisstepSara Richardson for New Every MorningCongratulations to each one! They have put in a ton of

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-86846523314181698262009-11-13T16:25:00.004-05:002009-11-13T16:49:32.652-05:00

Remember Wile E. Coyote and his never-ending ACME-equipped attacks against the poor (yet rather pompous) roadrunner? Why, you might ask, would anyone who had once been tagged by an anvil dropped from a cliff decide it wise to try and rig up said anvil again? One would think he'd have caught on eventually, given up his quest to destroy the roadrunner and retired to a nice oasis-side villa

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-69520517338390487192009-11-07T16:41:00.003-05:002009-11-07T17:17:47.207-05:00

Maybe it's the nauseating amount of toy commercials or the ornamented trees that are popping up in departments stores. Or maybe it's the sale ads and catalogs that are crowding my mailbox. I don't know.But something tells me Christmas is right around the corner.I used to love Christmas... back when it was simple and exciting, and the only things I had to think about were which cookies to lay out

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-67939943157996448172009-11-06T14:58:00.002-05:002009-11-06T15:00:38.584-05:00

I'll be signing books at Lifeway Christian store on West Broad St. in Richmond, VA this Saturday, November 7, from noon to 3pm. Stop by and see me!!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-91231225533155843252009-11-03T18:10:00.005-05:002009-11-03T18:18:08.797-05:00

For the month of November, Amazon and Sony will offer Fireflies in December as a free preview. Check it out!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-83138925756648365312009-11-03T12:29:00.004-05:002009-11-03T12:33:41.189-05:00

Today marks the official announcement by Proverbs 31 Ministries that they have chosen my debut novel, Fireflies in December, as one of the Winter picks for their fiction book club, She Reads. This club is a great way to support Christian fiction, and I hope you'll check it out! Click here to find out more. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-8698739638087109002009-10-26T12:40:00.006-04:002009-10-26T13:19:25.500-04:00

Yes, I know, it's been ages since I've posted! But I was on vacation, and I made a strict rule for myself this year that I wouldn't do a thing for those two weeks but relax and rejuvenate. The beach is an incredible place to do that!But I'm back to reality... and back to the blog.Something that struck me while I was away is how cliche the phrase "Count your blessings" has become. It tends to be

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-5340010955948456532009-09-26T20:51:00.003-04:002009-09-26T21:11:05.009-04:00

Ever look at your work-in-progress and think, "This is all wrong! I need to scrap it and start over"? Been there. In fact, my latest, Catching Moondrops, has made me think that once or twice.This weekend has been all about writing, trying to firm up the timeline for Catching Moondrops. It's been a crazy ride so far with this book. There are so many things to sew up for the series, and yet I still

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-87894571431772369242009-09-19T21:39:00.004-04:002009-09-19T21:48:49.873-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in Friday's blog tour for Cottonwood Whispers!www.firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/www.deenasbooks.blogspot.com/www.books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com/http://www.tarasviewonbooks.blogspot.com/http://www.cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/www.homeschoolblogger.com/marthahttp://www.moziesme.blogspot.com/http://

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-36139157242630436402009-09-13T20:34:00.002-04:002009-09-13T20:45:02.311-04:00

All right, unpublished authors, it's time to head toward the finish line with that work in progress!October 1st marks the deadline for the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and you won't want to miss it! I speak from personal experience... it's a HUGE opportunity. As I'm sure you're well aware, there's a very small crack in that publishing door these days, and slipping your

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-38708403363266223932009-09-10T09:29:00.003-04:002009-09-10T09:33:49.710-04:00

If you're a writer looking for a way to learn about the industry, make contacts or polish your craft, writer's conferences are a great place to do all three... and more! The American Christian Fiction Writer's conference is coming up lickety-split (as Jessilyn would say)! Learn more below.STANDING FIRM...MOVING FORWARD"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-51204984140998646292009-09-04T13:55:00.007-04:002009-09-04T15:54:57.266-04:00

Cottonwood Whispers is officially available so grab your copy today!Here's what people are saying -Romantic Times 4-star review:Strong character development strengthens the storyline and leaves the reader anticipating more novels, hopefully a sequel. Valent is a gifted author with a promising future...TitleTrakk.com:In the four years since the events of Fireflies in December, Jessilyn Lassiter

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-68939141261345842842009-08-28T14:53:00.004-04:002009-08-28T16:20:07.629-04:00

I like monkeys.I like new shoes and chocolate, too, but that's beside the point. The point is monkeys fascinate me. (And I'm well aware of the fact that I'm using the term "monkey" for animals that may not technically be referred to as such. Let me post my disclaimer here that by virtue of my lack of primate knowledge, I will hereby refer to all monkey-type individuals by said generic term.)I'm

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-22048819669904347612009-08-23T12:21:00.004-04:002009-08-23T12:35:41.999-04:00

When I was young, there was a tree in our front yard that was fully encompassed by a Wisteria vine. The vine was huge, like a tree itself really, and formed a perfect seat up in the tree where I could sit and watch the purple petals fall around me. I loved it!Which is why the cover of Cottonwood Whispers particularly hit home for me when I first saw it. I could have been that girl sitting under

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-29966166596433349132009-08-15T18:25:00.004-04:002009-08-15T18:46:59.106-04:00

Now available for preorder from Christianbook.com - Thicker Than Bloodby CJ Darlington, the latest winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest.Christy Williams finally has her life on track.She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-75424427806505366042009-08-10T09:58:00.001-04:002009-08-10T09:58:07.901-04:00

An engaging sequelPosted using ShareThis

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-39766090581464608992009-08-03T21:30:00.003-04:002009-08-03T21:49:34.322-04:00

I recently had the week off which meant, aside from eating chocolate and taking naps, plenty of reading time on the front porch! And I was fortunate to have a couple good books on hand.First, I finished up Things Left Unspoken by Eva Marie Everson. If you like a good Southern drama (and you know I do!), you'll enjoy this one. Set in the thick of the South, the novel follows Jo-Lynn Hunter back to

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-34734280151366555432009-07-30T10:07:00.003-04:002009-07-30T10:30:41.481-04:00

One of the great things about being a writer are those days when I sit at the computer and write, write, write for hours without even thinking twice. It's like the words just flow out, and then when I look back I can't even remember writing some of it... and the best part? Every word works perfectly!And then there are days like Tuesday.Days when I sit there and muddle my way through, thinking I'm

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-39531145688683159152009-07-24T18:06:00.002-04:002009-07-24T18:25:40.330-04:00

...and there's something for everybody!If you're anything like my mother, always losing those reading glasses no matter how many pairs you buy, take heart - Fireflies In December is now available in large print!Or if you're always on the go, preferring to let your CD player do your reading for you, keep an eye out for the audio version of Fireflies In December, releasing in November '09.And if

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-72331994683770991782009-07-20T20:49:00.003-04:002009-07-21T19:34:25.679-04:00

Book Review: Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin ValentA strong-minded thirteen-year-old knows her summer won't be good when the class bully arrives at her birthday party. When the kids visit the local swimming hole, minus any adult supervision, the bully holds her under the water. (Click above to read more)

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-87486270974784724132009-07-16T20:05:00.002-04:002009-07-16T20:21:21.519-04:00

Interview with author Jennifer Erin ValentPosted using ShareThis

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-86260878482811230142009-07-12T15:46:00.003-04:002009-07-12T15:55:31.250-04:00

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2009 Christy awards! Here are the winners in each category-Contemporary Romance: Marlo Schalesky for Beyond The NightContemporary Series: Tracey Bateman for You Had Me At Good-byeContemporary Standalone: Chris Fabry for DogwoodFirst Novel: Joy Jordan-Lake for Blue Hole Back HomeHistorical: Lynn Austin for Until We Reach HomeHistorical Romance: Tamera

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-86286360878374978312009-07-10T19:55:00.004-04:002009-07-10T21:06:03.201-04:00

"You're stupid, ugly, untalented, clumsy, annoying, and, frankly, you can't write a coherent sentence to save your life."No, I'm not talking about you! I'm talking about me. I'm quoting some of the things that have floated through my brain any number of times on any matter of occasions. I can be going about my business on a very normal day, without a worry, and then, out of the blue, a little

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-2109298756684386282009-07-02T20:38:00.004-04:002009-07-02T21:13:48.832-04:00

I recently finished Valley Of The Shadow by Tom Pawlik, 2006 winner of the Operation First Novel contest, and I really enjoyed it! The novel is the sequel to his contest-winning Vanish, and it doesn't disappoint. So if you like suspense, take a look at Tom's novels.And coming soon is Thicker Than Blood by C.J. Darlington, winner of the 2008 Operation First Novel contest. I just read her first

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-63140661266726985652009-06-27T19:57:00.005-04:002009-06-27T20:20:41.595-04:00

If writing were only writing, I'd probably have penned fifteen novels by now. But then, it's not. It's research, observation and editing as well. And that research in particular can be a real time-eater. All it takes is for me to think, "Hmm... would they have needed a key to start their car in 1932?" And then there I am for the next hour, getting to know Google better than my next door neighbor,

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-70943779280557703522009-06-24T19:29:00.001-04:002009-06-24T19:29:56.989-04:00

Newcomer pens novel of racism in the SouthPosted using ShareThis

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-2537160366665506022009-06-18T22:23:00.007-04:002009-06-18T23:15:35.519-04:00

... out come the good old summer-reading books. You know, the ones I can read without thinking too much. When I was a kid it was Nancy Drew, books I'd already read and wanted to read again, and Archie comics. (And just for the record, Archie should never have proposed to Veronica!) Toss in some bare feet, a seat on the porch, and a Fla-Vor-Ice, and life was good.Now that I'm well into adulthood,

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-1970176124233184842009-06-13T20:55:00.003-04:002009-06-13T22:12:12.182-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a ridiculous hockey fan, and now that my Pittsburgh Penguins have won the prized Stanley Cup, you'll have to excuse me for using this space to celebrate. I'm just a little excited.But what makes it even more fantastic is the dramatic way the Penguins made it to the top this year, like one of those sports-themed movies with the high-powered soundtrack and Kleenex

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-64887183062950502752009-06-06T19:23:00.003-04:002009-06-07T17:29:43.596-04:00

There's always been a generation gap, I suppose, and these days it's no easier for mothers and daughters to find things in common. Music tastes, television viewing, movie picks - they all vary with age. But a good book? A good book can oftentimes be a perfect bridge for that gap.Think Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Wizard of Oz - all books that can be enjoyed by women and girls alike. It

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-9914860909597405612009-05-31T10:37:00.003-04:002009-05-31T11:08:26.943-04:00

This weekend was supposed to be my big writing weekend. I had planned to get a ton of book #3 accomplished, and I was looking forward to being able to make great strides in the story. It was a well-planned, much anticipated few days... and then I injured my back.I have no idea how. There was no moment of, "Oh, now I've done it." There was no slip or fall or over-long shopping trip in too-high

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-41590654725285048852009-05-26T21:13:00.003-04:002009-05-26T21:35:38.171-04:00

I put a lot of thought into what I write. Is it personal enough? Is it witty enough? Is it going to keep people from nodding off mid-paragraph?But really all of that is secondary to the core of what I'm trying to communicate. The main question is, am I writing what is worthwhile? Because as someone whose written words will land before the eyes of others, I'm solely and soundly responsible for

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-18091673841522625422009-05-20T21:18:00.003-04:002009-05-20T21:52:20.543-04:00

So, I'm watching the American Idol finale results show as I write (Go Kris!), and it makes me think what a shame it is they can't have an American Idol for writers. Clearly it would be way too boring! But when you're unpublished and trying to get that break, the idea of having a forum to catch the attention of the right people can make you so envious.Which is why legitimate writing contests are

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-74383915580258470642009-05-17T17:37:00.003-04:002009-05-17T17:43:24.935-04:00

Lifeway Christian store's National Fiction Day on Saturday turned out to be a great way to celebrate Christian fiction, and I was so glad to be a part of it! Thanks to everyone at the Glen Allen, VA store for giving me such a warm welcome, and a special thanks to everyone who dropped by my signing table. I had a terrific time and look forward to visiting there again in the fall to sign Cottonwood

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-39959187686351522512009-05-13T20:50:00.005-04:002009-05-13T22:32:20.397-04:00

I met with a local book club this week to discuss Fireflies In December. I love talking with book clubs. It's not only a great chance to meet readers, but it's also a great way to find out how other people see my stories and characters. As a writer I spend hours immersed in a novel from my own perspective, but we all see things differently, and hearing the questions and observations of a group of

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-9850901012151034852009-05-09T15:51:00.006-04:002009-05-09T19:43:43.078-04:00

My job as a nanny is important to me. After all, kids grow up to be adults who will someday make decisions that affect the world. They can end up being anything from doctors to store owners to congressmen to teachers. And many of them will end up raising a new generation of kids who will one day become adults to raise their own children... and so on, and so on. The time and attention we put into

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-59326913717897819572009-05-04T05:00:00.002-04:002009-05-04T08:37:51.762-04:00

Remember when you were in school and you thought, "I can't wait until I graduate and I don't have to be responsible for learning new stuff all the time"? I do. In fact, it feels like it wasn't so long ago. (It really was long ago, but let's not go there.)The thing is... I was wrong. You never stop learning. In fact, life is one loooooong lesson. The Christian life in particular. Why? Because

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-42379544360279698512009-05-01T17:23:00.011-04:002009-05-03T11:30:32.303-04:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my book signing at Books-A-Million Tuesday evening. It was a fun time of meeting new people and seeing old friends. And thanks to everyone at Books-A-Million for making my visit so special. I look forward to doing it again soon!If you missed it, come on by the Lifeway Christian Store at 9840-A West Broad St. in Richmond, VA. on Saturday, May 16th. I'll be there

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-54319694496401383692009-04-26T18:37:00.005-04:002009-04-27T11:11:22.033-04:00

There should be some sort of alarm system when it comes to keeping perspective. But then, I guess there is. At least for me. For me, it's when I start to feel like an outsider looking in, living my life but not really in the moment. A little bit like watching myself as a character in a movie. It looks like me, talks like me, but doesn't really feel like me.My descriptions are easy to relay here

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-16122909750950530512009-04-24T17:44:00.005-04:002009-04-24T19:09:53.100-04:00

Once when I was young my mother allowed me to walk to a yard sale down the road with a small amount of money and the instructions to not buy any junk. And of course I didn't! Who did she think I was? I brought back a very tasteful, very useful item that consisted of colorful plastic butterflies bobbing about on wire. So not junk!I think that's where my yard sale obsession took root, and so, now

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-3845754647115432162009-04-19T11:36:00.002-04:002009-04-19T11:40:41.646-04:00

Sorry to switch things around on everyone last-minute, but there's been a location mix-up with my April 28th Books-A-Million signing. I had originally posted it as being at the West Broad St. location in Richmond, VA. However, it's actually going to be at the store located at 9131 Midlothian Tnpk. So sorry for the inconvenience. Still hope to see you there at 7pm!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-73720644274122039312009-04-18T13:03:00.005-04:002009-04-18T14:27:15.724-04:00

Amazingly, the first nice sunny day we had around here ushered in a cure for my writers block. Hopefully the cure is permanent... or at the very least lasts for more than a week. There really is something about surrounding and circumstance that affects creativity. But I'm learning that they impact more than just my creativity; they oftentimes determine my outlook on life in general.Not such a

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-9239027470160904622009-04-14T19:06:00.005-04:002009-04-14T19:49:29.072-04:00

There should be a store for plot lines. Or at the very least a rental place. If only I could get story ideas in the mail like my Netflix DVD's. Right now I'm working on the third book in my series (now called the "Calloway Summers" series, BTW), and I'm starting to have mild panic attacks that I'll never come up with the full plot line. I sat down with the computer for almost two hours today, and

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-58598683348156068842009-04-12T05:00:00.001-04:002009-04-12T05:00:01.491-04:00

Friday was a busy day what with errands, computer work, appointments, and it wasn't until afternoon that I even realized it was Good Friday. That's half a day gone by without stopping to think of what that day commemorates: Christ's ultimate sacrifice.I don't tend to stop and think about these things often enough. I'm too busy doing... stuff. Most of the things I do with my time I won't remember

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-59757205569072131012009-04-08T21:13:00.005-04:002009-04-08T21:45:20.145-04:00

Since we've been on the subject of monotony lately, I've mostly been thinking about things that really annoy me. But today I'm going to try a radical new idea... brace yourself... I'm going to turn my attention to things that make me happy. Gasp! I know it's a revolutionary idea, but when it comes down to it, there really are a lot of everyday things that make me smile.Like... time with the Lord,

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-29288187897437025012009-04-05T21:12:00.004-04:002009-04-05T21:32:29.426-04:00

So since I wrote my last post about how the little annoyances of life can be valuable lessons, I've been... umm... learning lessons! My computer has been slow, my brain has been slow, and my ability to complete projects has been... slow. And this morning I managed to spill cranberry juice all over the fresh tablecloth. Things just are NOT working properly.I should have expected it, really. That's

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-56660895250354700952009-04-03T10:41:00.005-04:002009-04-03T11:03:39.934-04:00

I really don't care for monotony.That day in, day out grind that seems so perpetual, you eventually come to the conclusion that NOTHING will ever change - it's sometimes overwhelming. In fact, it often feels like I could write my schedule down before it happens:Get upGet readyStub toeCheck e-mailStub toe againDo some workEat lunchDo some workBang into doorjamb when turning cornerEat dinnerCut

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-30284273980521244262009-03-28T14:34:00.004-04:002009-03-28T15:01:09.559-04:00

I love writing a series.Now that I know these characters so well, working on the third installment of life with Jessilyn and Gemma is like writing about great friends. The third book, tentatively titled Catching Moondrops, will take place three years after Cottonwood Whispers; seven years after we first meet the Lassiters in Fireflies In December.But having just received the preliminary cover for

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-61455087807857207342009-03-24T20:45:00.003-04:002009-03-24T21:15:12.377-04:00

This time of year drives me crazy. One day it's hot, the next it's cold. It's sunny at noon, rainy at one. I can't figure out whether I should wear a sweater or short sleeves. The weather is so fickle.And so am I.I can't figure out if I want to work on fiction, tinker with the blog, fiddle with the website... or just go shopping. My brain is in squirrel mode, skittering back and forth with no

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-17420877750036782462009-03-20T11:48:00.003-04:002009-03-20T12:12:38.503-04:00

I recently had the honor of speaking to the Richmond Christians Who Write writers group, and I truly enjoyed every second of it. There were plenty of nerves going into my first public speaking situation since senior year of high school, but they made me feel completely at home.One of the first things someone said to me about my new career once I won the contest was, "I hope you enjoy public

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-91424109147533863032009-03-16T19:55:00.005-04:002009-03-16T20:04:34.110-04:00

the Dancing Word web chat on St. Patrick's Day at 9pm EST. I hope to see you there!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-82200650539457042052009-03-14T12:18:00.005-04:002009-03-14T20:01:02.522-04:00

It just occurred to me today that I've let my focus stray, that I've forgotten to recognize uncomfortable circumstances as chances to grow. And the primary reason I've done that is because I've let my focus veer back to myself. "I'm tired, I'm overwhelmed, I'm frustrated, I'm nervous" - those are the thoughts that keep going through my head.And really, I think it's fine to recognize how we're

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-14396346704236932552009-03-07T12:49:00.008-05:002009-03-07T15:47:54.933-05:00

It was great to find out this week that Missy Frye was kind enough to pass along her Premio Dardos award (for her blog, Incurable Disease Of Writing) to me. What’s the Premio Dardos Award?Premio Dardos means “prize darts” in Spanish. It is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing.Thanks, Missy!Today is a

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-436363098503545701.post-43016523109927776272009-03-04T18:57:00.003-05:002009-03-04T18:59:10.737-05:00

Weather interfered with our Dancing Word web chat last night. We'll be rescheduling, so keep an eye out here for the new date!

Jennifer Valenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03418755176777835279noreply@blogger.com1