Tamra Norton's Blog

Writers Conferences and Other Things on my To-Do List

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:54:29 GMT

By Tamra Norton

If I'm not snorkeling in Hawaii or romping through castles in Europe (neither of which I've experienced, but both on my to-do list...along with becoming Stephenie Meyer's BFF, dancing with Maksim Chmerkovskiy and being adopted into the Jolie-Pitt clan--Auntie Tami Jolie-Pitt. I wonder how it would look on a book cover?) I can't think of a better way to spend an entire Saturday than at a writers conference. Just this past Saturday I attended the Brazos Valley SCBWI Conference in College Station, Texas (go Aggies!). In a word--outstanding!

I've been to several conferences over the past five years--even spoken at a few--and I've come to the conclusion that aside from the act of BIC (bum in chair, a.k.a. writing) and, of course, reading-like-a-nut-job, attending conferences is one of the best ways to hone the craft of writing and assist in that seemingly elusive quest for publication.

Here are some of the highlights from my past five years attending various writers conferences.

Hanging out with my writer buddies--it just doesn't get any better. These are MY PEOPLE. They totally get that I have conversations in my head with my characters, look for them on street corners and in Target, even cry with them. Really. I'm normal...right?

Schmoozing with editors and agents from some of the largest and most respected NY publishing houses and agencies. We've talked shop. They've offered invaluable advice in their presentations. And I've resisted the urge to stalk them during down time at the conferences. These meetings have lead to numerous manuscript submission opportunities which wouldn't have been available had I not attended the conferences.

Schmoozing with published authors--many, my literary idols! For a solid hour I sat next to Joan Bauer and we chatted during the author signing portion of one conference. She signed about 75 books. I signed 4. And last year at a pre-conference mingle-thingy, I had a great conversation with Kimberly Willis Holt as we compared our "military kid" books. Fascinating...and freaking fun!

I've had several "first chapter critiques" by numerous editors and agents including agent Erin Murphy and author and SCBWI founder Lin Oliver. Wow--now that was the coolest experience ever. She even highlighted a part of my manuscript the next day in her presentation--now that was a validating moment!

Because of one of these "first chapter critiques" at an SCBWI Houston conference, I (or my first chapter) won the Joan Lowery Nixon Award--mentorship through the editing process of that manuscript by National Book Award Finalist, Kathi Appelt. Working with Kathi was a phenomenal experience, and that manuscript, MAKE ME A MEMORY went on to be published by a regional publisher and was chosen by the Utah Commission on Literacy as a Book-of-the-Month selection. Its sequel, MAKE ME A HOME was published this year.

Oh, there have so many memorable experiences! These are only a few. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend attending a writer's conference. Who knows, maybe I'll see you in Hawaii one of these days. I definitely plan on snorkeling...either before or after attending the Maui Writer's Conference--one more thing on my to-do list!

Happy Veterans Day

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:23:47 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Today, Veterans Day, my mind and heart can't help but turn to our brave servicemen and women who have dedicated their very lives to protect the many freedoms we enjoy in this country. What a huge sacrifice! But it's not theirs alone...

My heart also turns to their families, separated by many miles, and often oceans from sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives... Can we even understand how they are feeling today? I'd imagine there are a mixture of emotions--pride, for sure! But also concern for their loved one's safety and well being. Sadness for days and memories missed.

Today I'm going to give the ones I love an extra hug. And today we will say an extra prayer--for those serving, and for those at home.

Click here to read my friend, Alison Palmer's awesome Veterans Day Blog...where she also happens to talk about my two children's novels, Make Me a Memory and Make Me a Home--both dealing with military children.

Texas in my Chili--Really!

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:32:14 GMT

By Tamra Norton

So the other day I was fixing lunch for the kids (chili mac--a staple at our house), and when I opened the can of chili and took off the lid, I found something very interesting--the state of Texas--really. I found Texas in my chili. Apparently a hunk of chili fell from the top, center of the can, which resulted in an almost perfectly shaped cut-out of the state of Texas (where we happen to live AND where this particular can of chili was made.

Now I know what you're thinking. What in the heck does this have to do with writing? Well, my friends, I'll tell you...

Was it simply a coincidence that I found Texas in my chili? I think not!

A miracle? Ummmmm...okay, so not exactly...

But was it incredible? Astonishing? Fantastic? Sure, why not. My kids and I got a huge kick out of it.

Personally (and please, don't read too much in to this like Tami has turned coo-coo-nutzo or anything), I think it's a sign from the heavens telling me that my little ol' "fairy tale" manuscript from this little ol' author from Texas is going to be picked up by some fancy schmancy agent, and shopped around to some fancier schmancier east coast publishing house. And the end result will be something much more incredible than a hill'a chili beans.

Just sayin'...

Grandma Love

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:08:27 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Last week I experienced something truly amazing--the birth of my first grandbaby. I was able to be with my daughter when she gave birth, and even though I've been through the process seven times myself, it was a completely new experience in the role of Grandma. Here was my baby having a baby. I was terrified, overjoyed, and everything in between. But my baby did great, and her baby is absolutely incredible--I'm sure the most brilliant grandbaby in the universe. (But I'm not prejudice or anything...)

Dashner Does Houston

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:40:44 GMT

By Tamra Norton

My good buddy James Dashner, author of The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters, published by Shadow Mountain came to H-town for a week of school visits and Barnes&Noble events, so of course, I insisted he stay at "Hotel Norton" while he had events in the northern parts of my fair city.

Knowing James was coming and doing his presentation to a bajillion elementary schools, I asked if he wouldn't mind doing his presentation for the homeschoolers and others in my area. After a quick visit with the lovely Rebecca Denham, YA librarian at the awesome Barbara Bush Branch of the Harris County Public Library, the gig was scheduled, and I was psyched. I've seen James in action numerous times--even team taught a few classes with him--so I knew his presentation would be fantastic and get the kids pumped about reading, writing, and "Changing the World"--the theme of his book tour. He did that, and more!

I don't want to give away too much of James' presentation, but if you've ever been curious about what The Dude looks like in tights... Well, I've already said too much. But here are some photos, complements of the incredible and lovely Sunbum.

Me, James and my two youngest kiddos.

Every kid went home with an autographed poster.
And a bookmark!

The maaaahvelous Sunbum (my adopted daughter, if her mom would let me) and her fave author.

"Friends of the Library" not only had books for sale, but a nice spread of cookies, fruit and vegetable trays, punch and even cheese (which James gobbled up before anyone arrived).

What happens when James eats too much cheese!

James and me at Nauvoo Books--the rockin'-est bookstore in Houston!

Come back again, James...but maybe not during hurricane season! :)

I Don't Like Ike

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:19:26 GMT

By Tamra Norton

The good thing about a hurricane is that you know it's
coming. The evening news shows a big, orange swirly
blob in the south Atlantic, and our greatest hope is
that the swirly blob we'll never receive a name . . . because
then it gets personal. It becomes that annoying relative you
hope never visits. But odds are, eventually, ready or not,
that annoying relative will come . . . and it's not gonna be
fun! It does, however, give us a "heads up" to clean out our
refrigerator!

The bad thing about a hurricane is that you know it's coming.
And as much as we don't want to, everyone goes into panic
mode. At the grocery store, there's a rush on bread, water, and
Spam (never mind that its nutritional value is questionable at
best). Thankfully, the stuff is yummy—especially fried—and
hurricane season is the only time this mommy will buy it.
There are lines at the gas station, Home Depot, and the
bank. Neighbors take down trampolines and put away yard
furniture. Some put up plywood over their windows.

And then we wait . . .

Three days before Ike made landfall, just northeast of
Houston, the craziness began. And though I felt we were
somewhat prepared, I still went out and purchased more of the
essentials. I mean, who wants to be caught in the middle of a
hurricane without Spam? (Our last supply was ravenously
consumed the week after the last hurricane threat). And since
I really didn't want to break into the fifty-gallon water barrels
disguised as furniture under tablecloths in the corners of my
bedroom, I went out and bought a dozen jugs of water and
extra batteries. (Thanks to GameBoy, I can't seem to keep
them stocked in this houseful of videogame-aholics.)

Friday afternoon, anticipation of the looming storm was
palpable. With gray skies and wind already stirring the tall
pines, magnolias, and elms of our neighborhood, we tried to
settle in. After the fiasco of Hurricane Rita three years earlier,
where the Houston freeways became clogged, those of us
living inland (we're 70 miles in, on the northwest side of
town) were asked by the mayor to hunker down so those
near the coast could safely evacuate. Even before a drop of
rain fell, the streets of Galveston were flooding. We were
glued to the television as slowly, the storm approached and
the sun set. They said it would arrive sometime between
twelve and two.

Since we don't have an "inner room" in our house except the
bathroom, we decided that the hallway and bathroom would
be the safest place for our little Hurricane-Ike slumber party.
After thoroughly scrubbing the bathroom (normally used by
three boys—yeah, you're feeling my pain already), I pulled
twin-size mattresses into our hallway and a crib mattress into
the bathroom. I even made a bed inside the bathtub for my
six-year-old. (She won't stay in her own bed all night, so I
have no idea why I thought she might sleep in a bathtub-bed
during a hurricane. Wishful thinking, I guess).

At 10:15 p.m. while watching the news, the lights went out.
Little did we know just how long it would be before our
precious electricity would be restored. My husband decided
to sleep in our bed, my twenty- and twenty-two-year-old
daughters slept in the room next to ours (away from the
window), so this brave momma-bear hunkered down in the
hall with her cubs—a twelve- and sixteen-year-old, while
the ten- and six-year-old occupied the bathroom off the hall
(probably the safest spot in the house).

When the flashlights finally went out at about 11:30, the
house was already hotter than h&!!. Houston's nickname—
H-town—is for more than one reason . . . and I don’t mean
hurricanes. Between the soaring wind, giggling six-year-old
(now sleeping at my head—picture the letter T) and sweltering
heat, I could not sleep. And that's when I had a brilliant idea.
With flashlight in hand, I wandered into the kitchen, opened
the freezer, and quickly grabbed the first cold thing I could
get my hands on—a frozen ball of leftover bread dough. This
ball, soon-to-turn blob, was my constant companion for the
remainder of the night. Forget about the husband, batteryoperated
radio, flashlight, and even water. All I wanted—
needed—was my blob of cold dough (confined within its
trusty zip-lock bag and plastered to my stomach or back) and
I'd survive this thing.

I think I dozed a bit—maybe an hour—and woke up feeling
like I was sleeping on the floor of a laundromat with every
dryer running with a handful of loose change thrown in. I'm
not sure what all debris was knocking against the living room
and family room windows, but the entire front and side of our
house was being pelted good. The wind was relentless. I
checked the time on my cell phone—2:00 a.m. We were in
the thick of it! At the same time, as if on cue, Dennis came
out of the bedroom. We were both absolutely stunned by the
violent roar of Ike. We grabbed the battery operated radio—
my lifeline for the next eight days—and started out into the
family room to listen . . . but quickly turned tail back to the
safety of the hallway. In a word, we were spooked. The tall
ceilings and large windows of the family and living rooms
suddenly felt very unsafe.

For the remainder of the night, we were stuck on the
"laundromat floor" listening to Ike's wrath. Due to the
noise, we all remained awake most of the night, dosing only
occasionally. We were hot and rattled, but we were together,
and we definitely felt the protective hand of the Lord.

By about 6:00 a.m. the winds had died down considerably
(although the storm wouldn't completely leave until about
noon). The view from our front door was like a vegetative war
zone. Tree limbs and foliage were strewn everywhere. We also
noticed that one section of our living room carpet under a
window was completely rain-soaked. With three very
absorbent towels, we sopped up the water over and over, and
wrung out the towels outside—for a good forty-five minutes.

We'd also noticed a few roof leaks during the storm and had
placed buckets and bowls underneath. One section of ceiling
in the master bedroom, roughly the size of a dinner plate, was
especially bad (actually starting to droop). This was directly
under an old antenna on the roof which should have been
removed long ago—grrrr. The winds had jostled it completely
loose, leaving an opening for all that rain to leak through.
When we received a second rainstorm the night after the
hurricane, it caused this section of ceiling to collapse, leaving
a gaping hole the size of previously mentioned dinner plate
between the attic and my bedroom. (More on this later.)

Well, I could go on and on, but at this point I think I'll just
offer in bullet points some random thoughts for those who
find themselves in the path of an oncoming hurricane.

» The scripture is absolutely true—if we are prepared, we
shall not fear. I'm so grateful I didn't have to brave the
grocery store and gas lines (at the very few stores and gas
stations that were even open) after Ike blew through. I
literally saw fifty-car gas lines, and every open gas station
was patrolled by police officers. Can you say scarynutzomania?!!!
The FEMA POD (Point of Distribution) across
from the grocery store where my kids work was insanely
chaotic. Again, more lines, more police officers. I'm glad
the food, water, and ice were available for those who
needed it, but I'm grateful that we didn't.

» Bathing in cold water really isn't all that bad when it's 500
degrees outside.

» Bathing in cold water is miserable for the first four days
after the hurricane when it has cooled off to the 80s (mid
60s at night). This is when we started to boil water . . . to
BATHE in (still had plenty of drinking water).

» After a hurricane, when you've boiled bathing water,
you are absolutely fine with—and even encourage—the
sharing of said bath water (especially when you are first
or second to use it—these things usually go by age).
And after everyone has bathed, you then use the same,
still fairly warm and quite cloudy water, to wash clothes.
Waste not, want not! :) We have eight bodies living at
home. NO WAY could we go eight days without doing
laundry. I think I counted four batches in the eight days
(the last of which was still on the rigged-up clothes line
when electricity was restored, and therefore re-washed).

» Blessed are the neighbors who own a generator and are willing
to run an extension cord to our house! Our dear neighbors
asked if we wanted it hooked up to our refrigerator.
We said, "Naah. How about the TV and DVD player?"
Yeah, we have our priorities straight (and we have children
employed at the local grocery store who can bring home ice
each night for the cooler).

» If you'd like incentive to do a speedy clean-up after a
hurricane, invite a famous author friend to stay while on
his book tour the day after you receive electricity. We'd
invited Jeff to stay at Hotel Norton months before the
storm, so I was sweating for more reasons than the heat
when his arrival date was approaching. Five days after
Ike hit, I called Jeff to see if he was still coming (all
schools had been canceled that week . . . and we still had
NO electricity). When his scheduled schools assured
him they'd be open, he tried to locate a hotel, but there
wasn't a room within 50 miles of the outskirts of
Houston. Jeff—the trooper—was prepared to "camp"
with us (though I think he would have preferred a cold
shower to the #9 bathing rank which he would have
received. Hey, we like having guests and all, but c'mon!)
:) Luckily it didn't come to that.

» Lastly, if you have a hole in your bedroom ceiling, fix it—
right away!

Dennis and Josh (our 16-year-old) had repaired all of the leaks
on the roof, but hadn't gotten to the hole in my bedroom
ceiling yet. Early Monday morning at about 5:00 (the day
after Jeff arrived) I was awakened by a huge thump below
"the hole." With trusty flashlight still next to my bed, I
pointed the light toward the hole and determined that a flap
of hanging ceiling must have fallen. Dennis thought it was
one of our two cats playing around. We went back to bed for
an hour.

Fast forward to 9:00 a.m.

I'm reclining in a water-heater heated bathtub, basking in
(and marveling over) such wondrous modern conveniences
as water heaters—not to mention hair dryers, microwaves
and the internet—when I hear my six-year-old daughter
squeaking outside of my bathroom door.

"Moooooommy . . . there's a biiiiiiiig raaaaaaat!"

"What?"

"Mommy . . . there's a BIIIIIIIG RAAAAAAT!"

I heard her that time. And indeed, there was a big, gray,
furry creature comfortably seated on my bookshelf. Only it
wasn't a rat. It was an opossum—most likely the same one
that had twice been removed by my teenage son from our
garage a few weeks earlier and deposited down the street.
The critter had obviously returned and somehow made its
way through the walls and attic, and had fallen through the
hole in my bedroom ceiling hours earlier. Eeeeeew, ick,
yuck, and all that! This time my brave son caught the critter
and deposited him 20 miles from our home. I truly hope he
never comes back—the opossum OR Ike (or any of his
annoying hurricane relatives).

It was a crazy eight days, but I'd give up fried Spam forever if
we never had to go through that again. Carry on!

I'm So Happy!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:56:23 GMT

By Tamra Norton

See this picture? This is how I feel. "Why?" I hear you ask. Well, because for the last several months I've been working my tail off on a certain project. Basically the entire month of July I did nothing but write, and (aside from a quick trip to Utah) the entire month of August I did nothing but edit. It was crazy and hectic, and wonderful. I'm not sure I've ever been as deeply absorbed in a project as I have been in this one. But it's done! And best of all, the entire manuscript is in the hands of "The Publisher-Of-My-Dreams."

After nine long months of evaluation over the first three chapters of this project (including one requested re-write), I finally received a letter from "TPOMD" in mid August asking for the entire manuscript--music to my ears (and hysterical shouts for joy from my big mouth to my family's ears). I was still in the midst of editing however, so I dug in deeper. But on August 31st, I said a quick prayer and pushed the "send" button. My manuscript was on it's way through cyberspace to "TPOMD." This morning I received an e-mail stating that my manuscript (this time the whole pie) is in the review process.

...and the angels and Tami rejoiced!

Now maybe you're thinking I'm being too happy, too soon. Too optimistic. "Aren't you worried you're getting your hopes up?" I hear you say. Well, honestly, I'm just so in love with my little story right now, and believe in it so much that I don't think anything could change that. And I'm the type of person who has to look forward 100% with the belief that THIS STORY WILL SUCCEED! It WILL make it into book form! It WILL make it into the hands of children...and they will love it too. Sure, there's still room for improvement--there always is. But I'm looking forward. And the view from where I'm jumping-for-joy (because I'm too excited to sit) is incredible!

Stay tuned...

Oh yeah--click here to read the review and interview I did with Lu Ann Staheli for MAKE ME A HOME!

J. Scott Savage Twisted Trivia

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:52:29 GMT

By Tamra Norton

*Disclaimer: I neglected to approve any of this biographictional information by J. Scott Savage because I was afraid he wouldn't approve. He hates it when family secrets are revealed, but some things just need to be told.

Very few people in the blogosphere know this little tidbit of information, but J. Scott Savage is, in fact, my fraternal twin brother. Here we are at the wee age of 6 months. Scotty (as I've always called him) is the one with the constipated expression--a dilemma that has plagued my twin for life, poor guy. I'm the inquisitive looking one.

Scotty and I were raised in the vast regions of Northern California in a little log cabin surrounded by a Buffalo preserve. Our parents, Zeeke and Penelope Diuguid (pronounced Doo-Good) were the environmentally conscious, thrill-seeking type, so our lives were never dull or wasteful. Even though we are twins, our birthdays are one day apart. Scotty was born January 31st at 11:57 p.m. and I popped out a mere 4 minutes later at 12:01 am, on February 1st. Up until the age of 17 (when Scotty ran off to become a Mouseketeer--something I never forgave him for) we always shared a chocolate-chip cookie cake at midnight with two candles--one pink, and one blue.

Even though Scotty and I are fraternal twins, he's a year older than me. This happened during what Dad calls the Diuguid Space Exploration Debacle. Scotty (always into mischief) neglected to secure his deep-space, sleep module properly (or so he says. I think he snuck out to grab some Pop-Tarts for the ride. Whatever!) so when the rest of us woke a year later from our deep sleep to land at the space station, not only were all the Pop Tarts gone, but so was half of our food supply. During this solitary space time, Scotty fashioned his hair into dreadlocks, penned tattoos of wildlife on his arms with magic markers, and insisted on wearing gold foil stars on his earlobes. He was a restless teenager, and I had to wonder some days if he wasn't going to break our poor mother's heart.

At the age of 22, shortly after he returned from his Himalayan exploration with a group of Bulgarian refugees, Scotty, always a free spirit and definitely the independent and slightly disgruntled type, decided to change his name, once again, breaking our mother's heart. Fed up and embarrassed by always having to pronounce our last name to people, and hearing the response, "Serious?" Scotty legally became J. Scott Savage. And honestly, the name does better suit my brother's uncultivated nature. People are simply drawn to his primeval/salt-of-the-earth/bad-boy/All-American persona. He's a complete package!

After spending so much time traveling the face of the earth as well as space, it's no wonder Scotty came up with the premise to Farworld. Even though he gave us so much grief in the early years, Mom, Dad and I are so proud of him! Way to go, Bro! Stay tuned next week for a full Farworld review. And in the meantime, whoever can guesses the correct information in this blog first gets their own autographed copy!

Hint: There are at least 4 full truths and 2 half truths (if you can stretch the imagination) to this biographictional tale.

Killing my Villain

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:30:23 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Sorry I'm not writing my blog today, but I've been busy killing my villain. And I'm having a blast doing it! I've never written a fantasy before so I've never had the pleasure of eliminating the evil villain. In a word, SUPERFUNILICOUSNESS! :) Such is the life of a writer.

I know what you;re thinking (aside from the Tami-is-a-nut-case thought). Yes, I've been saying for quite some time now that I'm ALMOST DONE with this manuscript. These words have escaped my lips (and fingers) several times over the past few weeks now. And honestly, I always think I can finish faster than I do. But in my defense, my second-to-the-last, big, climactic, super-whammy-of-a-chapter ended up being three separate chapters. And each chapter was a little longer than my average chapter in this manuscript. What can I say? Stuff just kept popping out of me (which sounds completely wrong, but it's the truth. I swear. Pop. Pop. Pop...)

So I'm FINALLY in the middle of the honest-to-goodness, second-to-the-last, big, climactic, super-whammy-of-a-chapter, and I'm tempted to not go to bed tonight until it's done.

Oops! Looks like I wrote a blog...sort of.

Stay tuned...

Writing Frenzy

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:12:47 GMT

By Tamra Norton

I'd love to blog today, but I'm busy writing! Yup, I'm right in the middle of a full blown writing frenzy! And I'm sooooooo close to the end of my manuscript I can taste it. Feel it. Smell it! I'm so close I can hardly think of anything and I can hardly even sleep.

Is this normal? Healthy? Good for the environment?

Oh well... It's summertime and I'm riding with it (since I can't afford to drive anywhere else). :)

I've missed my blogging Tuesdays and connecting with y'all, but I promise, a few missed weeks will be worth it when this project is done. And I also promise I'll be back to blogging soon.

Wish me luck! My self imposed deadline is THIS Saturday! :)

Home Alone...Almost

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:22:39 GMT

By Tamra Norton

This week is very unusual for me because I'm almost home alone. Yeah--that NEVER happens for me. As a homeschooler and mother of seven, with all college kids home this summer to boot, I never get to be home alone. And this week, I'm still not home alone exactly...but almost! Confused?

Lemme 'splain...

My 48-year-old works all week (well, he gets Friday off). My #1 and #2 are working full time this summer--they're never home during the day and basically do their own thing anyway. My #3 is spending 2 weeks with cousins in Oklahoma. My #4 is at EFY (a church youth camp) all week. My #5 is at Boy Scout Camp all week (and I hope he's not turning into a tomato). That leaves #6 (age 9), #7 (age 6) and ME (Age 29 and 177 months).

What to do? What to do?

Well, I'll tell you exactly what I'm doing. I'm WRITING! And it feels great. I've set some goals. I've put the family on notice. And I've told everyone that THIS IS MY WEEK FOR WRITING.

So far so good. I've been quite productive, and REALLY hope to finish my "fairy tale." It's coming along great!

Stay tuned next week to hear how things went.

Powerlifting and a Wedding

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:41:51 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Last week was a busy one for our family (they always are, aren't they?). On Tuesday my husband and our 16-year-old son, Josh headed off to Aruba for our son's powerlifting competition. Josh was part of the 2008 US Men's Powerlifting Team. They had a blast hanging out on the white sandy beaches of Aruba! Oh, and Josh came home with the silver medal.

"Any why didn't you go to Aruba?" I hear you ask. Well, on the same day my guys headed off to the Caribbean, we had lots of family come in town from Oklahoma for our nephew's wedding. (How considerate of him to marry a Houston girl). :)

On Friday (the same day as Josh's competition) Douglas (our nephew) and Ary were married in the Houston Texas Temple. The wedding was so incredibly beautiful, as was the happy couple. Aren't they darling. My oldest son, Preston was a groomsman (he's the blond). Preston and Douglas have been pals since they were wee tykes.

So I'm sad I didn't make it to the beaches of Aruba this year. Maybe I'll make it to the beaches of Galveston sometime soon. But there's nothing quite like witnessing a beautiful young couple start their lives together, in the right place, to the right person, and at the right time!

Cub Scout Camp

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:17:25 GMT

By Tamra Norton

I haven't written a word in the past 4 days...because I've been hangin' with these 5 wild-and-crazy guys! This is the awesomtastic Bear Den #59 and I had the way-cool job of being their den walker. This was my 4th year volunteering at cub camp (a by product of having a houseful of boys). My little guy has the squinty face and is wearing the royal blue shorts.

Somehow I ended up with 3 boys named Jacob this year, which was just as well. If I needed everyone's attention I'd yell, "Jacob" and I'd get an immediate response from the majority. And since my son is used to being called a half-dozen names other than his own anyway (another by product of a houseful of boys), we had our system down.

Aside from the 1001 degree Houston heat (you read that right--1001 freaking degrees. I wouldn't lie!) we somehow managed to survive. I think the slushies saved us, although we did walk around the remainder of the day with blue mustaches--a small price to pay.

I met some other really great den walkers there--one who is actually an aspiring author. We had a fun time talking books while our little-guys did BBs and archery. I think he said he was on chapter 6 of his YA Fantasy. (Keep it up, Sean. I'm looking forward to reading it!)

All-in-all, it was another great year at cub camp...but I'm SO ready to start writing again! :)

Up for the Challenge?

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:28:02 GMT

By Tamra Norton

I've done a few challenging things in my life...

When I was seventeen I climbed to the top of Huayna Picchu--that mountain peak you see here towering over the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, located in Peru. It took approximately an hour to hike to the top. It was an incredible and challenging experience--one I'll never forget.

I've given birth seven times...naturally (see evidence to the right--aren't they cute?). Didn't even take a Tylenol. And three of the seven weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. Amazing I can even walk upright today! Yeah, I'll admit, childbirth has probably been the most difficult, yet most rewarding accomplishment on my "challenging things to do" list.

I've run three 5K races...a long time ago.

In the summer of 2000 I lost 23 pounds using the Body-for-Life training and diet system. (I've since gained it all back and then some. That wasn't challenging at all.)

I've served as assistant nursery leader at church for 2+ years ('nuff said).

Over the past 6 years I've written and had published 4 LDS YA novels and 2 middle-grade novels. And while some would say (including myself, at times) that this was a challenging endeavor, as with all of the previously mentioned "challenging things," the experiences have simultaneously brought me the most happiness!

There's that old saying: "No Pain. No gain." And while I don't really like the negative connotation that goes with it, I do believe, however, that many of the most worthwhile things we will accomplish in this life come with a whole lotta work! Writing is no exception, but I do it, because I love it.

And as with so many other challenging things in life, the rewards are priceless!

Creating Villains

Wed, 28 May 2008 04:52:34 GMT

By Tamra Norton

I've written six published novels and each one has at least one "villain" or "bad guy." They've ranged from mean girls and bullies to prissy prom queens and bad boys looking for nutin' but trouble. Basically, you could identify the "bad-guys" from my books within any given elementary school playground or high school cafeteria.

Even as an adult, you still remember the "villains" from your childhood and teenage years. If you're a writer you've likely written them into every story, and take great pleasure in creating ways for your main character to get even.

Sad, slightly satisfying, and true.

For my current work-in-progress I'm actually creating an honest-to-freaking-goodness, scare-your-pants-off, out-of-this-world, evil villain (or villainess--no spoilers here!) and I'm having so much fun!

And unlike my other stories, this evil villain starts out about as unassuming as a turnip in vegetable garden. The reader has no idea--for a while--that the kitty is actually a saber tooth tiger. Oh, there are some gradual hints along the way, but they are subtle, kind of like a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos--always leaving orange gunk on your fingers that you can't help but lick off, and then dig in the bag for more, more, more. Muahahahahahaaaaa....

Don't forget to check under your bed tonight before you go to sleep!

Monster Migraine

Tue, 20 May 2008 22:49:22 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Today's my day to blog, but it's also day four of a monster migraine headache...so I'm basically good-fer-nuthin' right now. I did manage to put chicken and potatoes in the oven for dinner. Maybe watching the two Davids duke it out on American Idol tonight will make me feel better. Anyway...I'll try to blog later in the week.

Go David Archuleta!

WOOHOO!!!!!

The Lap of Luxury

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:07:35 GMT

This picture by Mary Engelbreit is my absolute, most favorite picture in the universe. I even have it framed and in a prominent location in my house. I suppose I love it so much because it speaks volumes of truth. The true "riches" we find in this life do not have a monetary value we can place in the bank and buy a new mini-van with, but are found in our relationships with the people God has linked us to. And it all starts with Mom.

If my theory of riches is true, then I'm the wealthiest person in the universe, because I definitely grew up in the lap of luxury. I'm child number five in a family of eight siblings--seven girls and one boy. We're a Yours, Mine & Ours, or a Brady Bunch family, consisting of seven girls and one boy (but please, don't feel sorry for my big bro. The dude held his own just fine!)

I remember back in elementary school--I believe it was fifth grade--and two of my closest friends switched schools. One moved away, and the other started attending Catholic school. This was a awkward stage in my life and I suddenly found myself feeling very lonely and isolated at school. After a few miserable weeks, I decided that for my half-hour lunch, and half-hour lunch recess, I would run the few blocks home during that hour every day, and spend that time eating lunch and hanging out with my mom. That hour with just Mom and me became the highlight of my day, and likely contributed to my decision to homeschool my own children.

Another difficult time in my life happened in seventh grade--junior high. Need I say more? At the time, I found myself seated at a table with three other girls during English class, and for whatever reason, "The Three" (as I will henceforth and forever call them) decided that they hated my guts, as well as my best friends guts. The really unfortunate part of this whole scenario was that my best friend (and her much-hated guts) wasn't in our English class. It was just me, and "The Three." After a few weeks of thinking that I'd rather eat a frog whole than attend another day in this class, I expressed my woes to my mom. I was almost hoping she'd sign me up for boxing lessons, or provide brass knuckles, but Mom was much more wise than that. She shared with me the simple phrase: kill 'em with kindness. She suggested I just ignore anything negative these girls had to say, and whenever I ran across them in the hall, simply say, "hi" and be on my way. As scary as this was to an insecure 12-year-old, I did it, and the whole brouhaha blew over faster than you could say seventh-grade-really-sucks-rocks!

Mom saved the day!

Now I'm the mother, with seven children of my own (and I have no intention of catching up with Mom). When lo and behold, just the other day, I had the most marvelous motherhood moment that made me feel like the wealthiest person in the universe. My 21-year-old daughter (child #2) admitted, of her own free will, that all those years ago when I'd broken up sibling squabbles and sisterly cat fights with the proclamation, "Some day you two are going to be best friends!" that I was right. She said she has more fun with, and would rather hang out with her siblings (child #1 and child #3), than anyone else. After pealing my face from the floor, I couldn't help myself, and said those four words your kids hate to hear: I TOLD YOU SO! I couldn't help myself.

Thank you so much Mom, for all the great advice you've given me over the years, and even the few "I told you so"s. :) You're the best Mom ever, and I'm the wealthiest child because you are in my life.

Operation Purple Camp

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:02:29 GMT

This past week I received an invitation to participate in Operation Purple--a free summer camp program for military children who have a deployed parent. There are dozens of these camps all over the United States funded by the National Military Family Association. What a great program! I'll be at the one in Trinity, Texas.

I feel so so humbled and honored that I was asked to speak to these kids about my books Make Me a Memory and Make Me a Home. These brave children are actually living the life that I wrote for my main character, Allie. I can only hope that through our conversation they will feel support and encouragement to carry on.

These children are incredibly brave!

They are the reason I wrote these books.

Last summer CBS Sunday Morning did a spotlight on the Operation Purple camps. Click HERE to watch.

To donate to Operation Purple chick HERE.

I Love Being an Author!

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:18:37 GMT

For the past month I've been crazy-busy-and-lovin'-it, and most of this business has revolved around writing and book promotion (the reason you haven't seen much of me here--sorry! I'll do better.)

It all started with the LDStorymakers Writer's Conference. In a word: Fantabulous! I was so inspired by this event, it's hard to even put into words. Great speakers, great company, great time. And to make it even better, my 22-year-old son, Preston, came down from BYU-Idaho for the weekend to attend the conference with me (see picture). He's an incredibly talented writer and we both commented on how much we were both in our element hanging out with a bunch of writers. At the conference I taught a class called Writing for Children and Teens on Real World Issues. I thought it went fairly well, but I couldn't help noticing how much more comfortable I am speaking to a gym full of 500 elementary school kids, versus 30 adults. Which brings me to my next adventure...

While I was in Utah I gave 10 assemblies at 5 elementary schools. This is ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT, my FAVORITE part about being an author and writing for children. I spoke at Hill Field Elementary, Noah Webster Academy, Silver Mesa Elementary, Lindon Elementary, and Eagle Valley Elementary (see article in Daily Herald). All of the students (some pictured here from Eagle Valley Elementary) were nothing short of awesomelicious as we attempted--in a group effort--to plot a story. Creativity is alive and well in the minds of children everywhere, that's for darn-tootin' sure!

Next was my little Michigan get-away with my sweetheart. Actually, HE was on business, but I decided to tag along, so we stayed at The Queen's Residence Bed and Breakfast in Ypsilanti. While he was out doing his thing all day, I spent three blissful days writing in the solitude of a beautiful, 130+ year-old house. I was quite productive, and the experience was unlike anything I've ever done before. And did I mention that I probably gained 5 pounds from the incredible breakfasts?! Marla and Joe Queen are angels and the experience was heavenly!

Another week or so at home, and then I was off again for 2 days at the Texas Library Association Convention in Dallas. I drove up one day and back the next so it was two very long days, but again, very productive. I was able to hand out 100+ school visit fliers, 100 or so bookmarks, sell some books, and hang with my SCBWI buddies (see picture). This event was SO HUGE! Every major publisher was represented. My highlight of the event, however, was definitely running across the ARC (advance reader copy) of Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier, the companion novel to Wildwood Dancing, which I had just finished two days earlier! I'd read the first chapter in the back of WD and was hooked, but terribly distraught that I'd have to wait till September to read the novel. NOT ANYMORE!!!! I'm LOVING this story. Marillier is a brilliant author and I want to meet her some day and become her BFF! Hey, it could happen...

This Saturday I'll be doing a reading, and signing books at 6th Annual Humble ISD/ Lone Star College Fine Arts Festival in Kingwood, TX. Can't wait! I love life. I love writing stories. And I love the experiences that being an author blesses me with!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...HOPEFULLY!

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:19:08 GMT

By Tamra Norton

All my bags were were packed, I was ready to go...when the call came. "Mrs. Norton, we regret to inform you that your flight from Houston to Salt Lake City was cancelled due to bad weather."

"WHAT?!!! But I'm giving an assembly tomorrow. 500 kids are counting on me. And I'm going to my friend's booksigning tonight! And I've been looking forward to and planning this trip for months! And, and and..."

Apparently mother nature could care less about my plans. Right now Houston is under a tornado watch (which, honestly, we don't take too seriously in these parts because we have tornado watches at least once a month for a good chunk of the year).

I suppose I should be grateful to the airlines for watching out for my safety. I'll definitely be in their hands all day tomorrow! Instead of my non-stop flight that was supposed to take place today, I've been booked on a flight at 6:45 am to Cincinnati (yup--as in OHIO!!!) where I will then sit in the airport for 4 hours until I catch my flight to Salt Lake City.

The bright side of all of this? I hope to have a good writing day tomorrow.

Wish me luck! Oh, and I was able to reschedule the school visit for next Monday--whew!

A Letter From The White House

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:36:46 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Yup--you read that subject line right! I got a letter in the mail yesterday from LAURA BUSH! :D Since she used to be a children's librarian and since my book deals with deployment, I decided to send her a copy of my latest children's novel, MAKE ME A HOME (signed, of course with just the right amount of sucking up.) :)

So what did I find in my mailbox today but a huge envelope with the words THE WHITE HOUSE in the upper left hand corner. The first thing I found inside was an autographed picture from our first lady, and I thought, what?! But then I noticed a smaller piece of stationary (with the embossed presidential seal at the top) and a personal letter from Mrs. Bush! Come on, come on--I know you want me to tell you what it said. Okay, you talked me into it...

Dear Ms. Norton

Thank you for your letter and the inscribed copy of your book, Make Me a Home. You are kind to think of me, and I appreciate your generosity.

President Bush and I are grateful for your words of support. He joins me in sending best wishes.

Sincerely,
Your BFF,
Laura Bush (only it's not typed! It's her John Hancock--right there at the bottom of my letter!!! Okay, and I added the BFF part, BUT I'm sure that after she actually READS my book, she's going to like me so much that she'll invite me to The White House to eat some BBQ with her and "W"! I can't wait!!! :)

My BFF

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:31:01 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Oprah has Gail, Lucy has Ethel, Mary has Rhoda, Anne Shirley has Diana Barry, and I have Chambrey. Every girl (even a forty-something girl) needs a best friend--a willing partner to watch chick-flicks with over a tub of buttered popcorn and a large diet Coke, someone to debate "Edward versus Jake" with, someone to go to John Meyer and Cheryl Crow concerts with, someone to swoon over Colin Firth with, someone to get excited about ANYTHING Jane Austen with.

For me, this is Chambrey.

Funny thing is, the year I graduated from high school, Chambrey was just finishing 4th grade--how weird is that? And yet you'd never know--well, until a Depeshmode song comes on while we're eating fish'n chips at TGIF and she goes all head-boppin' on me. Apparently this group was popular while I was in Babymode (a condition that occurs when you have three babies in three years and your only recolection is of baby bums and breastfeeding). Incidentally, I have a similar head-boppin' reaction when a Steve Miller Band song comes on. I think Chambrey's MOM was in Babymode during the SMB era.

Thank goodness for John Meyer!

So what does any of this have to do with writing? Weeeeeell...my recently released novel, MAKE ME A HOME not only deals with deployment, but it's also a story about friendship--best friendship--between my main character, Allie, and the new girl who moves to town--Ivy. So when it came time to write the dedication for this novel, there was only one person I could dedicate it to: Chambrey--my Ivy.
Love you, girlie!

P.S. Sorry the BFF pictures are so dark. They were both taken while waiting for a "chick flick" to start. Don't you love cell phone cameras!

From the Archives

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:29:56 GMT

By Tamra Norton
Note: It's been a crazy-busy week, so I decided to fish out this little essay on motherhood that I wrote many years back. It was this little piece, incidentally, that landed me with my first paying gig--a bi-monthly (is that twice a month?) family-life column in the local freebie newspaper. This experience of writing on a regular basis gave me the courage to attempt a novel.

If Life Were a Sandwich, Mom Would Be the Peanut Butter

We like Dad. Let’s face it, he’s a handy sort of guy to have around. There’s no one better to open tightly sealed pickle jars, play Tickle-Monster with, or have as your partner in a heated game of Monopoly. The quality of life is greatly enhanced when this car-loving, remote-hogging, lawn-mowing guy is a part of our lives. We love him from the top of his bald spot, to the soles of his athlete’s feet.

But as much as we love Dad, there is a certain philosophical truth that we just can’t deny. If life were a sandwich, Mom would be the peanut butter. She’s that binding force that holds us all together.

There are days when Mom is smooth and creamy, and other occasions when her wrath is best described as crunchy. At times she is called old-fashioned, but no matter how often the kids, a bill collector, or even her mother-in-law tries to stir her up, as sure as oil, she rises to the occasion.

A mother’s advice often sticks to the roof of her child’s mouth, yet he just can’t seem to resist coming back for another bite. To help it go down a little smoother, Mom will always add a little squeeze of honey, or the sweetness of jelly. This makes it all so much easier to swallow. Now, the child’s life is complete.

Nutritionally speaking, peanut butter, like Mom, is loaded with strength producing protein. This important fact, however, can often be overshadowed by the realization of its fat content. But, as we all know, the things with the best taste in life have at least a little fat.

The best advice that can be given, when it comes to peanut butter, as well as Mother, has held true for generations throughout time. If, on occasion, you can get her all by herself, and smother her with chocolate, the results will be heavenly!

27 Questions

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:25:11 GMT

By Tamra Norton

Following the lead of my friend and author, Marsha Ward, here I go...

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My middle name, Layne, is after my older sister who died before I was born.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Watching Oprah yesterday--I know, I know, it doesn't take much to get this gal blubbering.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Sliced turkey breast (same as Marsha) :)

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yeah, I'm fun (if I do say so, myself). :)

DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
I'm trying to tone that side down--really trying.

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yup.

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Nope.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Granola

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Sometimes--but they definitely come off the minute I'm in the house.

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
In many ways, but not so much physically. You have to understand that I live in a house with a bunch of powerlifters.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Moose Tracks

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Frosted Shreaded Wheat

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Kids playing and doing school work, dryer turning, computer humming.

FAVORITE SMELLS?
Babies, grass after a rain

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My sister-in-law.

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Gymnastics

FAVORITE FOOD?
Chinese or Mexican (Chili's Southwest Eggrolls!!!)

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth)

SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Counting Stars by Michele Paige Holmes--great stuff!

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one

WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Dance Wars

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles...and if you asked Paul or John, it would be PAUL!

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Peru

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Writing, cooking, baking

WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
San Francisco...almost on the Golden Gate Brigde, so the story goes.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be A...

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:31:52 GMT

This has been the question of the year for the Nortons--at least my oldest three. They're all well into college, but it wasn't until this year that any serious majors were proclaimed. To protect their identity, I'll simply refer these 3 darling children of mine by the nick-names bestowed upon them at birth by Uncle Rob.

Tinkerbelle has decided to study Psychology, although, if she could figure out how to make money in the fashion industry, this would be her true calling. Isn't she cute!

Cracker Jack is majoring in Geology, and minoring in Geography. OY--just the thought hurts my brain! These analitical and scientific atributes definitely come from her father, the engineer. She will never have trouble finding a job here in Houston, the heart of the oil industry. (Catfish - left, Crackerjack - right)

And Catfish, our oldest--well, he just wants to write! Now this, I can relate too. This is a kid who wrote a 350+ page fantasy/adventure novel at the age of 16. Catfish initially attempted the Journalism major, but changed to English after one semester of mass communication classes claiming that they were sucking all the creativity out of his writing. Right now, he's especially loving a creative writing class focusing on screenwriting. At the end of the semester he's supposed to walk away with a completed script.

Some would say that as a parent it is our duty to help guide our children into careers that offer stable working environments. I say, what the heck is that? As an Engineer, my sweetheart has been through 3 lay-offs.

As the parents of seven, we definitely encourage our children to attend college, but as for a career, in the end, we always tell them to follow their heart. For Catfish, this means writing novels and screenplays. And that's okay, because he's incredibly talented--especially with dialogue (and I'm not just taying that because I'm his mom).

As for me--I'm doing exactly what I want to be doing. I'm a mommy, and I'm a writer. God has given me seven incredible treasures in my beautiful children. How could anyone be more blessed?

As for the writing, I got a really great letter from a reader this morning about my latest book--priceless!