Road Trips, Famous Authors, and Lots of Luggage

This past week, I had the awesome privilege of traveling to and attending the National ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference.

We drove 1,100 miles (one way - and that means we drove 1,100 miles the other way too). We being - myself, Holly, Josh, Kayla, the amazing Donita K. Paul, her daughter and my friend - the Queen of Denmark (a.k.a. Evangeline Denmark).
We had a blast.

Arriving in Minneapolis in the wee hours of the morning, a wonderful gentleman from the hotel came to help us unload. Does anyone remember the post when I stated that we do not travel light? Well, this young man's gaze fully took in my giant Expedition loaded with passengers, luggage, and topped with two car-top carriers - and he knew the truth of that statement. His expression was a little overwhelmed, but he didn't say a word. I walked up and told him how much we appreciated his help, explaining that my daughter has special needs - and we have to travel with the cooling gear, ice chests, medical stuff, and organic food. But he just turned to me and smiled, because he knew who we were - not just because of TV either - he's related to our phenomenal neurologist! It's a small world. :)

We finally unloaded, got everything arranged in our rooms, and crashed. One slight problem - the room wasn't quite cool enough - so I stayed awake most of the night taking Kayla's temperature. By mid-morning, her temp had risen, but she was still feeling all right. I talked to the hotel managers, and they sent engineering. Engineering worked on it only to discover that our room couldn't get down to the temp that we needed. Oh boy. So, anyone want to venture a guess at what we did? We had to change rooms. Ah, my life. It's always an adventure.

Once again, all of the paraphenalia had to be loaded up and moved. Four trips and many elevator rides later, the Bellman and I had resorted to telling jokes and cracking each other up. Donita and Evangeline were such good sports -- you see, they aren't accustomed to our chaotic, sometimes crazy, always interesting lives. So I felt really bad that they were having to go through all of this with us. They took it all in stride - Donita in the cold rooms while I traipsed back and forth with the Bellman, and Evangeline throwing things back into bags in the not-so-cold rooms, while Holly had the kiddos in the pool. Let me tell you - I love those ladies. We were close friends before, but now, I feel like Anne from Avonlea - kindred spirits is what those two are to me!

There is a lot more to our little adventure, and I have a feeling Evangeline will blog about bugs raining down, safety pins, and chocolate - so I will let her tell THAT fun part of the story - her blog is www.breathenbreatheout.blogspot.com

During the conference, I'd decided that I needed an "As Seen On TV" sticker on my name badge. Why, you ask? Well, it's amazing to be surrounded by wonderful and incredibly famous authors - but it's pretty funny when people recognize you, and can't remember why! And of course, since I was at a "writer's" conference - most people assumed I must be some famous author with my picture plastered across the back cover. Ah - maybe one day - but for now, I'm happy to say, "Oh, you just saw me on TV, that's why I look familiar." It was a hoot! And I'm glad I was able to be a part of ACFW.

My life is an adventure...

PS - I've had trouble with blogger posting my blogs. My website gets a lot of traffic, and after the Discovery airing, the counter froze up and I couldn't post. So this is a trial run. If it works, then I will finally get to post the author bios for our reading contest!
God Bless and may you have many of your own adventures!

WE HAVE A WINNER - and an HONORABLE MENTION!

Congratulations to Laura - with her guess of Woodkaylakimjoshjemy - It is the closest to the name of the tumanhofer in DragonLight! (Ha! You thought I was going to tell you the name, didn't you? You will just have to read the books - and boy, are they worth it!)

And a round of applause for Leila - our honorable mention - who also wins a great prize - because her guesses were so stinking creative! One of my favorites is: Kimberlashuamy

DragonLight releases tomorrow: June 17, 2008! So be sure to pick up your copy.

I have emailed these great ladies, and thanks to all of you who participated. We had over 650 guesses overall - and it was quite the challenge keeping up with all of you creative people!

Be watching for future book giveaways!

And read, read, read.

You guys are so much fun!

DragonLight Contest - LAST CHANCE!!!

My wonderful readers,

We've had 584 guesses for the name of the tumanhofer in DRAGONLIGHT named after our family.

This is your last chance to guess before I award the prize tomorrow!

Remember, whoever is the closest to the actual name will win.

Comment or email me through this site to guess. I will accept guesses until midnight tomorrow.

If you want more info - go through the archives and find the other posts about our contest and the prizes.

You all are awesome, and it has been fun. But Donita K. Paul's books are even "funner."

Can't wait to see the rest of your guesses!
Happy Reading!

DragonLight Contest - PRIZE!!

Okay folks, if you are just joining us - go back to the archives on the left and look up a post entitled "Dragons and surprises and Mrs. Paul" to see what this contest is all about. Then there is a hint or two in previous posts.

Today - I will announce the prizes - are you excited? Are you ready?

The winner will receive a copy of DragonLight once it comes out - personally signed by the author Donita K. Paul, AND one of her specially designed dragon gifts on zazzle.com! She has made shirts and bags and a number of other items. I will order the gift to be appropriate to the winner.

SO... put your thinking caps on - and try to guess the character's name - coming out in DragonLight on June 17, 2008!!

Email me through the site here or post your guess in a comment. Just make sure you leave me your email address so I can notify you if you are the winner.

I've had 273 guesses so far - and I have to say - we're getting closer to the target. (That means, keep guessing, you're all getting warmer...)

You may also guess as many times as you want.

Remember to go back and read the other fabulous four books in the DragonKeeper Chronicles.

Have FUN!!

Dragon Light Name Contest

You guys have done a great job guessing! I've had a LOT of response, but we're not there yet.

So... here's your first hint. It's a "tumanhofer" that has this name, and you should go read the previous books to see examples of the length of the names of characters who are "tumanhofers."

Next time I update and give a hint, I will tell you about the prizes!

Keep guessing! And if you haven't read the DragonKeeper Chronicles (Dragon Spell, Dragon Knight, Dragon Quest, Dragon Fire) by Donita K. Paul, go buy them, read them, and you'll be SO glad you did!

Happy Reading!