tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13477189166395110612012-01-28T20:00:36.681-08:00CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.comBlogger1491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-8359982909573999652012-01-21T13:00:00.000-08:002012-01-21T13:06:01.196-08:00

Hi. My name is Candace . . . and I have a gingerbread habit.  Seriously. I always suspected it. From way back, when I first empathized with that fox in that Gingerbread Man story. A warm-from-the-oven spice cookie (riding on your back as you cross a river), who wouldn't be tempted? Totally understandable. Especially with that cookie's smug teasing: "Run, run, run as fast as you can. You can't

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-18315289634244289452012-01-04T08:06:00.000-08:002012-01-04T08:06:29.026-08:00

Happy New Year friends!  It's that time of year when we make plans, promises, set goals and feel encouraged by the opportunity to start fresh. As an author, 2012 is especially exciting: this year the first book in my new medical drama series releases. Trauma Plan is already available for pre-order via various online sources and should begin shipping May 1st. (Local bookstores should also start

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-44752794917157968492011-12-19T07:42:00.000-08:002011-12-19T09:19:49.813-08:00

A thousand words--isn't that the old saying: "A picture is worth a thousand words?" When you consider that I've probably teased you a hundreds of times about unveiling the cover for my upcoming book--the cover model hunt, a sigh-worthy Chicago photo shoot, the first cover art draft  . . . Well, that in itself could qualify for a thousand words!. So here it is: the official cover for TRAUMA

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-66454135504421181182011-12-11T16:17:00.001-08:002011-12-11T17:51:18.271-08:00

Okay, I love this--it's from a post on Facebook, showing (in lighted glory) a holiday tree made from a stack of books. Sort of a virtual depiction of a book lover singing, "All I want for Christmas is . . . a box of books, crate of books, all I want . . ."  You get it.  I can relate, for sure. When I shared it on Facebook, the responses were similar--including one clever mention of

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-85358058803670809582011-11-23T12:01:00.001-08:002011-11-23T12:56:35.872-08:00

I couldn't resist this photo--I'd look worried, too, if someone attached a red felt turkey wattle to my chin. But this little guy reminded me of Jonah, the yodeling therapy dog in Disaster Status. And his predicament leads nicely into the gist of my holiday post: Turkey Dressing vs. Turkey Stuffing. A minor difference in wording. And probably more of a family custom when choosing which name you

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-52891992311567239592011-10-28T15:26:00.000-07:002011-11-04T08:30:21.251-07:00

Friday, November 4th 8:25 AM (Pacific) Just for fun, I've randomly selected four names from those who have commented on this post: ANDREA, EDWINA, NICHOLE, LYN. If you'll contact me candace(at)candacecalvert(dot)com I'd like to offer you your choice of one the Mercy Hospital books. Critical Care, Disaster Status, or Code Triage. Signed and personalized as you wish, for yourself or for a gift to

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-83130848221415511482011-10-15T15:33:00.001-07:002011-10-23T13:32:40.510-07:00

Sunday October 23rd, 1:35 PM Pacific time: CONGRATULATIONS to JUDY GANN! You will be receiving a signed copy of Dr. Richard Mabry's Lethal Remedy. And a big thank you to all who stopped by the blog to read my interview. We both hope you'll "scrub in" with our medical adventures. This week it is my pleasure to host wonderful medical suspense author, Dr. Richard Mabry. It is always such a delight

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-73487748970166563002011-07-07T09:38:00.000-07:002011-07-07T20:57:34.771-07:00

A lifelong reader, I've learned there are consistent key elements that make a novel an enjoyable experience for me. "Musts" that keep me reading and, in a few cases, cause me to re-read again and again. Primary is the author's use of dialogue. I want it natural, honest and full of emotion (the gamut from anger to painful despair to passion)--and, if at all possible, to offer some

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-78722101477890706942011-06-19T07:03:00.000-07:002011-06-19T07:45:38.638-07:00

In honor of fathers everywhere, I'm going to share an essay that I wrote many years ago. It was during a particularly tough time in my life . . . when the blessing of a father's love made all the difference.Magnetic Energy “It’s full of Magnetic Energy,” my father whispers as he spreads the thin sheet of gauzy fabric on my waterbed. A fan of cure-alls, he proves it by lifting his trouser legs

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-41180270352601843882011-06-01T14:47:00.001-07:002011-06-06T13:04:21.228-07:00

oMonday, June 6th 1PM Pacific Time: I placed your names in my crystal bowl, gave them a swirl, breathed a prayer. And our book winner is :GLYNNA! Congratulations! I'll be sending you a signed, personalized copy of Code Triage!And, again, thank you all for leaving comments. Stay tuned, as we'll be doing another book giveaway in the near future! ______________________Yes, I am back from the cruise

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-78764648816921349502011-04-29T16:40:00.000-07:002011-05-01T06:37:40.659-07:00

There's nothing like the feeling of FREE, whether that brings to mind a patriotic image of the American flag, a pulse-spiking leap from a skydiving plane, the soul-soothing peace of forgiveness, or . . . something as simple but rare as a no-strings-attached FREE GIFT! I'm delighted to say that my publisher, Tyndale House, is doing just that. They are offering everyone a free e-book! My second

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-18506241109658525902011-04-10T13:49:00.000-07:002011-04-27T10:14:28.127-07:00

Weds. April 27th: Congratulations to our book winners Vanessa, Carol Moncado, and Marjorie!! I'm delighted to have Dr. Richard Mabry "cover my shift" today! A bit later, he's going to explain the circumstances under which we met, but let me tell you that it's been wonderful to have my Mercy Hospital series released along the same timeline as Dr. Mabry's Prescription for Trouble series. And, from

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-67938235608985181202011-03-11T09:26:00.000-08:002011-03-20T13:58:54.551-07:00

Sunday March 20th, 1:56 PM ~ congratulations to our giveaway winner:AMBER! I'll be sending her a signed copy of Disaster Status. Thank you all for stopping by the blog and leaving such nice comments. And stay tuned to see who "covers my shift" next._____________________________As with the heroes, I think it's important that my readers' first glimpse of the book's heroine is a strong one. Usually

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-1976268532335120662011-02-27T16:24:00.001-08:002011-03-06T08:12:41.460-08:00

SUNDAY March 6 89:13 AM ~ Congratulations to our giveaway winner: Lelia!And, once again, thank you Leanna for "covering my shift," and to all of my readers for leaving comments. _______________________Today, I'm excited to have fabulous women's fiction author Leanna Ellis "cover my shift." Even if we didn't share an agent and a mutual tendency toward giggle-fits, I'd be nuts about Leanna because

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-46710793082140656752011-02-19T13:30:00.001-08:002011-02-27T10:11:57.204-08:00

Sunday 2/27 10:12 AMI so enjoyed your responses, that I decided to draw TWO winners: CONGRATULATIONS to JAN MARIE and to KELLY. I will be sending you each signed copies of Critical Care!-----------------------As many of you know, I love to open my novels with an action scene, physical, emotional, and loaded with conflict. I want to grab my readers and pull them, breathless, into my characters'

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-46419211015407405892011-02-07T08:48:00.000-08:002011-02-07T08:54:10.139-08:00

This morning I dropped your names into my pretty crystal bowl, stirred them up . . . and drew two giveaway winners:Wilma M. will receive a signed copy of Thicker than BloodKaren K will receive my Advanced Reader Copy of Bound by GuiltCongratulations! And a big thank you to author CJ Darlington for "covering my shift!"

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-33297575191044022262011-02-01T07:25:00.000-08:002011-02-01T08:28:31.486-08:00

I'm SO excited to tell you that the wonderfully talented author CJ Darlington has offered to "cover my shift" today. Some of you already know her work, but for some this will be a new introduction. Let me tell you that her wonderfully drawn characters in Thicker than Blood and( soon to be released) Bound by Guilt captured my heart, and the fast-paced and emotional stories kept me turning the

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-72694711448819142332011-01-29T15:34:00.000-08:002011-01-29T18:54:14.806-08:00

When I worked in the ER, my shifts were scheduled six weeks at a time--meaning, I knew only that far in advance what my life would be like. For instance, I'd work 7 AM to 7 PM three weekdays and have four days (including a weekend) off. The next week maybe I'd be working three weekend shifts and have my days off starting on Monday. It was enough to make my new husband (who worked bankers' hours

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-79769726965339288802011-01-16T11:15:00.000-08:002011-01-18T19:06:28.824-08:00

In my Christmas greeting to readers, I mentioned "exciting book news" to be revealed in January. As you can probably guess, this picture hints at that--and, no, it's not that my computer gave out and I'm having to write longhand. (Although I did just notice that I've worn the "L" completely off my keyboard) This photo was taken on 1/11/11 (how's that for an auspicious beginning date?) and shows

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-7838146332785819162010-12-26T11:43:00.000-08:002010-12-26T12:14:14.287-08:00

Tiny hands, itty-bitty pink rolling pin, BIG excitement: our grand daughter, Ashland Skye, making her very first gingerbread cookies. Grandma CeCe (that's moi) laughed out loud after Mom peeled away the extra pieces of spice-fragrant dough, and our little flour-coated baker squealed, "There's a MAN!" It was a wonderful day, with giggles, frosting smears, candy sprinkles (more on her face than on

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-91939973109855183482010-12-03T09:45:00.000-08:002010-12-03T10:01:00.558-08:00

I've SO enjoyed reading all of your comments--and especially the fact that you made gratitude "contagious" here on RX: Hope by sharing your thankful moments. A few minutes ago I put all of your names in the pretty red-rimmed Christmas bowl that was a gift from my publisher. I stirred them around, breathed a prayer, and . . . we have a winner: Congratulations, Becca! Becca will receive a copy of

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-2762615028714059132010-11-18T11:38:00.000-08:002010-11-28T08:55:37.744-08:00

It's Black Friday, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. Sales, crowds, folks lining up in their pajamas to be the first in line when the stores open. I admit that I have never done this--pajama shopping, nor any kind of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. Unless I run out of coffee creamer or oatmeal and am forced to drive to the grocery store. (Can't put leftover gravy in your

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-3087358929005682132010-11-11T09:38:00.000-08:002010-11-12T06:56:37.526-08:00

Under the trio of handsome cover guys is a snapshot in my new kitchen--a photo I tend to call "Cooking with Nick." Appropriate, I think, since the hero of Code Triage is chef-turned-San Francisco police officer, Nick Stathos. His wife liked to tease that he was a "tough cop with a whisk in his holster." And I . . . well I just like the way he looks in my kitchen. I also like the look of the top

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-40422863003683938462010-11-07T09:44:00.000-08:002010-11-07T09:51:36.209-08:00

Thank you all for your enthusiastic interest in CODE TRIAGE. It was great hearing from you. The following names were drawn as winners via a random number selector. I'll be signing copies of this newest medical drama for: Kelly B., Rita P., Deb F., Roseanna C., and Jackie S. You'll all receive an official e-mail from me. CONGRATULATIONS!

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-37138934078099883462010-10-31T08:59:00.000-07:002010-10-31T09:08:03.348-07:00

A big welcome to all my Author Buzz visitors--it's great to connect with you! The drawing for 5 signed copies of Code Triage will be held on Sunday November 7th. Winners will be notified by e-mail and names will be posted here. Thank you for "scrubbing in" with the Mercy Hospital series. And best of luck!

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-29263326791201455792010-09-26T13:15:00.001-07:002010-09-27T08:53:55.987-07:00

As you may know, I've just returned from a long weekend in Indianapolis--well, actually it's been 6 days and I'm still playing "catch-up." And blaming jet lag for as much as I can. Yet despite the yawns, jam-packed e-mail inbox, and bottomless laundry basket, I'm still smiling. Big time. Because even though I didn't fly home with a Carol Award tucked into my suitcase, the 2010 American Christian

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-23977227465947775172010-09-12T10:21:00.001-07:002010-09-12T12:22:07.111-07:00

Today I pulled suitcases down from the cupboards in our new garage--packing again, but not with strapping tape and cardboards boxes as we have done twice in recent months. This time it's for the annual ACFW conference being held in Indianapolis. And instead of wrapping dishes in paper, cramming office supplies into sacks, and lugging hubby's purple bowling ball, I'll be packing clothes suitable

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-82637915673237726642010-08-03T15:16:00.001-07:002010-08-03T16:46:15.594-07:00

Today it's my delight to welcome Sandra Robbins. She's a former elementary school principal turned mystery author--her tag line says it beautifully: "Mystery and Romance--A Deadly Combination." Sandra's work, both exciting and faith-affirming, has been honored with a Holt Merit Award, a Daphne DuMaurier final, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and a Romantic Times 4-Star review. Most

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-77755189674394860542010-07-19T10:34:00.001-07:002010-07-19T11:44:21.761-07:00

In the past several weeks my blogging time has been spent assembling cardboard boxes (book-size, crystal-cell, wardrobe tall) to the zzzippp-riiiip tune of strapping tape coming off of the roll. Accompanied by grunts, groans, and the inevitable muttering of, "Do you know where the (fill in the blank) is?" And the occasional pointed quip: "Mmm hmmm, purple bowling ball from the 70's. Sure,

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-9578420676838772902010-06-09T06:45:00.000-07:002010-06-09T07:25:00.410-07:00

In anticipation of summer, my June e-mail newsletter offered a challenge: share the name of your favorite suntan product and, if you like, a memory that evokes.I started the ball rolling by offering SEA & SKI. The scent of that lotion transports me immediately back to my teen years at Lake Tahoe, California.Your responses were great: Hawaiian Tropic, Sea & Ski, even baby oil (I remember those

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-11341855987509637292010-05-12T13:23:00.000-07:002010-05-12T13:26:09.456-07:00

Congratulations to "kykitty" --you are my drawing winner. Please let me know which book you'd like, Critical Care or Disaster Status, and an e-mail address. :-)

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-85593924120556597682010-05-05T15:14:00.000-07:002010-05-05T16:09:25.013-07:00

Nurses: The woman in the red scrubs is me . . . saluting YOU. Because, as you likely know . . .National Nurses' Week begins May 6th and ends May 12--Florence Nightingale's birthday. In my opinion, appreciation for who you are, what you do (day in and day out, shift after double shift, through joy, tragedy and everything in between) should be celebrated 24/7 for 365 days a year. That you are there

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-67982031559511536342010-04-26T16:17:00.000-07:002010-04-26T17:33:39.157-07:00

From the back cover: Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious and adrenaline-infused, “Treat ‘em and street ‘em” with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. The clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.San Francisco police

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-309052709089484692010-04-25T12:15:00.000-07:002010-04-25T12:17:44.805-07:00

A hearty congratulations to our book giveaway winner: Linda!I know that you're going to enjoy your signed copy of Dr. Richard Mabry's debut medical suspense, CODE BLUE. Thank you all so much for stopping by to read his interview and leave a comment.

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-7834142782232881012010-04-16T13:41:00.001-07:002010-04-19T08:02:19.640-07:00

I met Dr. Richard Mabry at a conference last fall when--quite unexpectedly-- we teamed up to offer emergency medical assistance to a fellow attendee. Doctor and nurse side-by-side in much the same way we had done in our respective medical careers. I liked him right away. And though neither of us knew the writing journey of the other, just six short months later we've come to share a readership.

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-28109447409120157382010-04-12T08:03:00.001-07:002010-04-12T09:45:35.021-07:00

Today, I'm delighted to share an interview with one of my very favorite authors. Here's a snippet of background before we get started:"Winner of the Reader’s Choice Award and the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award for her mainstream novels, Leanna Ellis’ first inspirational fiction release was the wonderful, wacky, heartfelt novel titled Elvis Takes A Back Seat. A former teacher, she

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-81455554884774901292010-03-31T09:22:00.000-07:002010-03-31T09:30:25.719-07:00

Thank you again for your overwhelming response to my book giveaway and for sharing your favorite beaches. All names were put in a bowl, mixed well, and drawn with eyes closed. And here (tah dah!) are the names (and beaches) of the three newsletter subscribers who will receive signed copies of Disaster Status:Terri H. --favorite beach is in CozumelAnn Marie--enjoyed Crescent Beach, Connecticut as

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-23841129050027258862010-03-30T11:44:00.000-07:002010-03-30T13:19:13.707-07:00

From Disaster Status:The morning breeze smelled of seaweed, hosed asphalt, cotton candy and popcorn. Screeches from gulls blended with other sounds: laughing children, an electronic ding-boing, pow-pow-pow from the Casino arcade, the relentless whoosh and pull of ocean waves . . . and a continuing chorus of screams from the Giant Dipper roller coaster. If Erin kept her eyes shut a moment longer,

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-73076260885156717572010-03-15T22:11:00.000-07:002010-03-15T22:44:26.690-07:00

So what's the scoop on the Book Giveaway announcement, you ask? Good question--good point. You got a (semi-garbled) newsletter that dangled a carrot, then didn't follow through: can you see this author blushing behind her fingers? So sorry! Apparently my laptop had the hiccups and somehow sent out a strange, combo of 3 separate newsletters--my hubby even got a draft that wished him Merry

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-57021660078184893152010-02-25T13:27:00.000-08:002010-02-25T15:18:47.540-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day for many reasons--and one of them came in padded manila envelope with an impressive Illinois return address: Tyndale House Publishers. In just moments, I caught my first glimpse of a finished copy of Disaster Status!As usual, the Tyndale art department has done a stellar job: glossy, shiny, ember-warm colors of orange and yellow and sooty-black; perfect to set off

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-70758637741313150852010-02-20T13:41:00.000-08:002010-02-20T15:04:59.192-08:00

Ever had one of those moments when (for a split second) reality blurred and you weren't quite sure if you were dreaming? No (ahem) I'm not talkin' Senior Moments here (and thank you for reminding me of that). I mean one of those spooky times when the hair prickles on the back of your neck and you think you hear the Twilight Zone theme music. Yeah, that kind of moment. It happened to me this

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-27377720145885743932010-02-14T10:10:00.000-08:002010-02-14T10:21:36.656-08:00

Thank you to all who left comments for the Critical Care book giveaway--I so appreciate your encouragement. And now for the names of the three winners of signed book copies . . . They go to:Bridget, Merry, and "Colorado Dreamin'"

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-20667523135723088832010-02-10T10:28:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:12:04.268-08:00

This photo--this lovely smile--was sent to me by a woman named Teri. She's a registered nurse "Traveler", specializing in hospice . . . and a woman of deep faith. She's also a wife, mother (whose"children" include a chocolate lab named B.J.), a fan of Starbucks peppermint mochas, a crafter, an avid reader--and a new friend. I'm delighted. In the nine months since the release of Critical Care,

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-18620664612308195722010-01-25T07:24:00.000-08:002010-01-25T07:45:16.776-08:00

Good morning, everyone. I'm pleased to announce that the winner of the review copy of Thicker than Blood is Magdalena! Congratulations!My thanks to all of you for stopping by the blog to "meet" C.J. Darlington-- your enthusiastic comments are truly a blessing for a new author. I encourage you to get a copy of her wonderful new book; it's a great read.

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-66117960260254908132010-01-17T12:18:00.001-08:002010-01-19T06:30:04.733-08:00

" . . . But just because we cast the line, doesn’t mean the fish will bite . . . Does that mean we should give up and never fish again? No, it just means we need to keep on casting. Maybe today isn’t our day. But tomorrow might be."-- debut author C.J. DarlingtonC. J. Darlington began writing the story that would become Thicker than Blood (her first novel) when she was a fifteen-year-old

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-90020205309523782262010-01-10T12:31:00.000-08:002010-01-10T13:44:14.109-08:00

Most of my thoughts and efforts this past week have involved questions--asking them, not answering them. For example, I've been pondering a good icebreaker question to ask the ladies in the Bible study that I'm co-leading next month. You know, that inevitable "Can you tell us something about yourself?" opener in a new group that helps folks get to know each other--but doesn't make shy people

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-2376525649249012052010-01-03T13:49:00.000-08:002010-01-03T15:42:00.812-08:00

This post has nothing to do with the movie depicted above. It has everything to do with a brief conversation I had with the interim Rector of our church this morning. A man whose combination of ready (and sometimes "smart-alecky" he admits) wit and right-on-target sermons quickly endeared him to our congregation. And has stirred more than a fair bit of much-needed introspection. That was indeed

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-16069452952965786852009-12-19T08:45:00.000-08:002009-12-21T13:54:42.792-08:00

It's 4 days from Christmas and I'm waiting for the refrigerator repairman. For more than a week our freezer compartment has been attempting to build a life-size replica of Frosty the Snowman. Which could be festive except for the fact that he is managing somehow to drip down into the refrigerator . . . and turn the crisper draws into lagoons. Lettuce does not swim well--check out any turtle

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-70486388603580112412009-12-05T19:16:00.000-08:002009-12-08T20:27:01.413-08:00

Here, lean close. No, I'm not going to check your heartbeat or listen to your lungs--I'm retired from that gig. What I want to do, is tell you to pop over to the Seekerville Blog site and check out my "guest appearance," today. I'm doing a post titled, "Writer 911: 'Help my character's fallen and can't get up," which shares information about adding medical detail in fiction--and getting it

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-77449128751492292062009-11-23T17:41:00.000-08:002009-11-24T07:32:49.927-08:00

Just for fun, I'd like to share (with permission) my book giveaway winner's Thanksgiving memory. The book drawing was completely random, but if the contest had been based on humor, this memory would definitely have been a contender. Here, then, is Tammie's story:"When I was growing up we had a cat named Bandit Bill who never, ever got on the kitchen counters, except when a turkey was cooking.

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-84103799435597424872009-11-23T12:27:00.000-08:002009-11-23T12:29:44.204-08:00

A big congratulations to Tammie for winning the drawing for a signed copy of Critical Care!Whoo hoo, it's great to have you "scrub in" with the Mercy Hospital team!

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-10081331667201826642009-11-21T10:23:00.000-08:002009-11-21T10:28:29.704-08:00

If you're a subscriber to my newsletter, you probably already know I'm hosting a giveaway drawing for a signed copy of CRITICAL CARE. Details on how to enter are included in this latest newsletter, so sign up if you haven't already! I'll be drawing the winner's name on Monday November 23rd at 2 PM Central and making contact via e-mail, as well as posting the name here on the blog. Good luck!

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-23687484747561062172009-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:002009-11-16T08:49:44.584-08:00

The photo above is Evelyn, ship nurse on the ms. Zuiderdam, Holland America lines--normally an ER nurse in New York. The day I met her (Deck A, bottom of the ship infirmary), she had a few minutes of down time . . . after treating no fewer than 5 passengers seriously ill enough to be transported (some via helicopter) off the ship. A small percentage of 2,000 passengers overall, but still a

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-43298087191152805722009-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:002009-10-31T08:58:23.164-07:00

This Yours Truly in the new "Coolibar" sunhat. Wide-brimmed. SPF 50. Chin strap for winds . . . whether they come when standing at a highly polished ship rail far out at sea, or while kayaking a peaceful lagoon at Half Moon Cay. Protects my head from sunburn. (Flashback to very unattractive peeling stripes where my hair parts--too many times to count). And prevents my freckles from completely

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-39031249740161544222009-10-20T11:38:00.000-07:002009-10-20T13:16:10.412-07:00

I just returned home from a spur-of-the moment visit to California to visit my children. And because I needed an "Ashland fix--" our newest grand daughter, 6 months old. According to hubby, I was "moping around" and he therefore insisted that I go--short of twisting my arm. Which would be impossible to do with me packing so fast: clothes, shoes, gifts for baby, chocolates for bookstore staff,

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-68065947167185054372009-10-09T06:13:00.000-07:002009-10-09T08:39:34.155-07:00

My brain is being held hostage by (as yet) an untold story. I don't know how it begins or ends, but the hero is wearing rumpled camouflage and is trying to talk me into a skydiving scene. He's a doctor, and a strange dichotomy: a man committed to saving lives, who can't feel truly alive unless he's risking his own. Not an easy man to be around, trust me; the first to volunteer for a medical

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-54978658055791018042009-10-05T14:37:00.000-07:002009-10-05T14:49:23.971-07:00

At noon Pacific Time, I asked my real-life hero, Andy, to close his eyes and draw a slip of paper from a glass bowl. Names of entrants who wanted to win a free signed hardbound LARGE PRINT copy of CRITICAL CARE. I held my breath. He drew a name: SHERRY from Fremont, California!I love it that she wants me to sign it to her grandmother LOREAN, the woman she describes as an "inspiration." It is my

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-3482712408868289442009-10-04T15:22:00.000-07:002009-10-04T15:37:38.873-07:00

This is the hardbound large print version of CRITICAL CARE--same book as the one put out by Tyndale House, but published especially for folks who need a larger font to read comfortably. Or lose their glasses on top of their heads like I do! I've been supplied with a couple of copies and donated one to our local library. The other copy I'd like to autograph and send to one of you. Visit (and

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-89596816076222667932009-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:002009-10-01T08:17:56.758-07:00

This is my grand daughter Ashland Skye on her first visit to Apple Hill in northern California--a rich fall tradition replete with the fruits of harvest: pie, jam, turnovers, tarts, sauce . . . plus arts, crafts, tractors, animals and more. But mostly apples, dozens of varieties (Golden Delicious, MacIntosh, Fuji) in colors from red to green to yellow. At barely 6 months old, this is the first

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-91578420971692161212009-09-29T13:33:00.000-07:002009-09-29T13:45:09.573-07:00

A quick but heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to my newsletter drawing winner, NANCY in Virginia. Her name was drawn from those folks who entered the giveaway by correctly identifying the word, "STAT"--medical slang indicating something needed in a rush. I'm delighted to mail Nancy a signed copy of CRITICAL CARE. Check my newsletter and FaceBook Fan Page for upcoming book giveaways. I'd love it if you

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-78683449992036002502009-09-23T11:53:00.000-07:002009-09-23T15:09:17.287-07:00

My recent flight to Denver was the second time I've been asked to step aside for a personal search by the TSA. The first was more than a year ago and detailed in my blog post, "Feeling Secure." That time the culprit was too much bling (watch, bracelet, zippers on my skirt), and I set off so many alarms that I got "wanded." This time, I was on my way to the annual American Christian Fiction

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-85154295930349405672009-09-14T10:23:00.000-07:002009-09-14T11:42:14.798-07:00

It's Monday, the Denver writers' conference begins Thursday, and these items are still on my To Do list:1) Pack clothing by outfit2) Attach accessories to hangers by outfit (jewelry in Zip Lock bags)3) Pick up long copper skirt from cleaners (if that spot didn't come out, switch out for gold skirt)4) Buy knee-high stockings, find cushions for clip on earrings (?!), flip-flops to wear home from

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-26536221412924565272009-09-06T15:14:00.001-07:002009-09-08T18:29:56.777-07:00

We've been breaking heat records in South Texas for number of consecutive days over 100 degrees (59) and because of that I've been extra eager for autumn. It's my favorite season and I love everything about it: the cool crisp feel of the air, the display of ember-rich colors from turning leaves to candy corn; seasonal tastes like pumpkin, cider, apple-butter; sounds too--geese honking overhead,

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-62944329772500668802009-08-25T13:33:00.000-07:002009-08-25T14:25:10.522-07:00

One of the breath-catching and goose bumpy moments for authors is when we finally see the cover for our book; doesn't matter if it's a first book or a fiftieth book--it's still a thrill. For me, it's like that moment in Walt Disney's Pinocchio, when the story's little hero changes from a wooden puppet to a "real boy." Because, after months of breathing life into the characters and story via my

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-36405621166657134042009-08-15T06:19:00.000-07:002009-08-17T16:32:00.381-07:00

On my Twitter Page, I recently "re-Tweeted" (it's a new language, folks!) a post by a fellow author. It was something about authors honoring readers . . . for the simple fact, that without readers there "wouldn't be a reason to write!" Though I wouldn't go so far as to say "no reason to write" (writing is like breathing. Even if no one heard me pant, sigh, hiccup or snore, I'd still have to do it

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-27895559520318567422009-08-10T07:35:00.000-07:002009-08-10T11:15:17.939-07:00

Roger Duncan, Sheriff, Candace, Louis R. Martinez, Lieutenant, Criminal InvestigationsThose times a writer can get away from her desk to do research that doesn't involve clicking a mouse on Internet sites . . . can be very cool. I recently had that opportunity when I visited with Kendall County Sheriff Roger Duncan and Lieutenant Louis Martinez. They very graciously took time from their morning

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-17322663985196786882009-08-03T11:19:00.000-07:002009-08-03T17:55:14.819-07:00

My contracted deadline for (working title) CODE TRIAGE is September 1st, and I'm at one of my favorite stages in the preparation of this manuscript: the final polish of the draft. I have it printed out in a thick chunk of pages, and I'm reading it through with as freshly critical an eye as I can muster . . . for something I've read, re-read and greeted at dawn for nearly 6 months. I'm scribbling

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-42602478936838145372009-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:002009-07-28T14:34:35.878-07:00

I finished writing (working title) CODE TRIAGE, the third book in my Mercy Hospital series a few days ago--getting the first draft of the last chapter down on paper. Well, not paper. Electronically down. Tucked into a file and a couple of back up files--at my house and off site. I stop short of having the words tattooed on my body, but I do make sure they are in a safe place. If you want to see a

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-84411871231067002562009-07-21T07:49:00.001-07:002009-07-21T09:15:29.175-07:00

Last night I was awakened at 2:30 AM by a book. No, not my husband swatting me with one for snoring (and please don't suggest this to him). I was prodded into wakefulness by the book I'm currently writing, (working title) CODE TRIAGE, the third in the Mercy Hospital series. The characters, San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos, ER physician Leigh Stathos, chaplain Dana Hale, a one-eyed donkey

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-87473595065999986572009-07-12T12:04:00.000-07:002009-07-12T14:53:32.920-07:00

These are my new book signing shoes--Crocs studded with cutesy charms that I bought for a song on e-Bay and on sale in a small Christian gift store in town. See the Bandaid, the medicine vial, the teeny thermometer, stethoscope, Heavenly hearts . . . and strange blue germ (?) with its tongue sticking out? See the author who is a complete sucker for branding frou frou? Um, yes . . . that would be

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-76435219709135999582009-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:002009-07-02T07:35:12.082-07:00

In my opinion, a book isn't officially born until buttercream frosting is involved. And, as you can tell by this sprinkling of snapshots, we had plenty of it at the CRITICAL CARE launch party on June 20th. What a great day! In honor of the medical drama theme, we had scrubs, a cake decorated with medical props . . . and to combat the Texas heat we had cold lemonade and an author who shortened

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-18602204123394867972009-06-21T11:13:00.000-07:002009-06-21T15:30:10.470-07:00

When bought our home almost five years ago, we learned that it was custom built for the first owners--a much loved local pastor and his wife. Occasionally we'd meet new neighbors who would say something like, "Oh yes. You bought the "holy house." We figured it was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the previous owners. It seemed like a reasonable assumption, given their line of work. What we did know

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-47120562056985655372009-06-19T15:22:00.000-07:002009-06-19T15:40:06.958-07:00

Just a quick note to say . . . we're having a party to celebrate the launch of CRITICAL CARE!If you're a gazillion miles from south central Texas, y'all are officially excuuuused (though I will be freezing your slice of cake!). For everybody else, here's your last minute, official reminder. Adjust your GPS systems:What: Release party for CRITICAL CARE, first book in the Mercy Hospital seriesWhen:

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-19880503466429319642009-06-13T13:41:00.000-07:002009-06-14T09:50:41.944-07:00

In honor of Father's Day, next week--and fathers everywhere--something different, today. An essay I wrote about my father in 2004 . . . three years before he passed away.For you, Daddy:MAGNETIC ENERGY “It’s full of Magnetic Energy,” my father whispers as he spreads the thin sheet of gauzy fabric on my waterbed. I glance away so he won’t see the doubt in my eyes—how can I tell him that he has no

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-17821321479246440482009-06-07T12:03:00.000-07:002009-06-07T13:41:39.493-07:00

When I searched Google Images for this post, I knew in an instant, this was the right one: Walt Disney's Old Yeller. It was the first movie I ever saw at a real walk-in theater in Sacramento, CA. The beautiful old Alhambra Theatre, which unfortunately was demolished to make way for a Safeway supermarket in the 70's, but I digress . . .I was seven years old when Mom walked us up those steps to

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-61201520694159554522009-05-26T15:15:00.000-07:002009-06-02T04:14:36.676-07:00

Authors (especially newbies like me) are delighted by the offer of blog spotlights and requests for interviews that come when word of a new book begins to spread. In the weeks preceding the release of Critical Care, I've been honored to accept several--blogs, review sites, newspaper, and even an upcoming TV spot. I'm pleased with how professional and welcoming these folks have been . . . and how

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-38739812403103456352009-05-16T14:47:00.000-07:002009-05-16T16:10:02.408-07:00

CRITICAL CARE HAS BEEN RELEASED!After telling my readers that Critical Care would release on June 1st, I was surprised (okay, I went into clinical heart flutter) when online sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christian Books began shipping a few days ago--3 weeks early! Proof positive, I began to receive e-mails from folks saying they'd been notified to expect an early delivery of this book.

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-68562526530465677572009-05-08T07:02:00.000-07:002009-05-08T20:19:01.072-07:00

Sharon BallA huge part of the book business involves getting the word out, and three weeks from the national launch of CRITICAL CARE, the book buzz is building. Via the marketing and publicity team at Tyndale House, through word of mouth by chosen "influencers" (folks who received early copies of the book and are telling friends, co-workers, etc.) and by interviews and spotlights by online

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-47515675520974724052009-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:002009-05-03T12:59:29.051-07:00

We're planning the launch party for CRITICAL CARE, here in my home town--noodling ideas regarding setting, time of day, date, refreshments, door prizes, decor . . . and theme. Since this book is a medical drama, I offered to dress appropriately in scrubs and stethoscope.My actual wardrobe for more than three decades. Though I never signed novels, I did scrawl my name on patient charts, surgical

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-81628741486120266232009-04-26T15:18:00.000-07:002009-04-26T16:52:41.914-07:00

My husband has been celebrating my birthday for nearly a week now. With so many thoughtful "because it's your birthday"gestures . . . that I should be at least 3 years older. Not gonna go there. Not. But, yesterday morning we did go on a ("because it's your birthday") trip to Austin. And I loved every single minute. Probably because--for this native Californian--it feels a bit like home. Which is

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-33688102965731072672009-04-19T11:07:00.000-07:002009-04-19T12:05:55.769-07:00

Tomorrow is my birthday and I'll be 59. Despite those decades, I look pretty darned good . . . considering that I've had TWO BABIES in the past two weeks! Wait, don't call the National Enquirer so fast: those were grand babies. Two April blessings: Ashland Skye MacKinnon (posing with photographer Daddy's camera above) in California, and Drake Andrew Peterson in Arizona, snuggled down in the

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-11018497824424060202009-04-13T06:12:00.000-07:002009-04-13T08:28:33.101-07:00

It's easy to understand that an author must have certain skills. Quite obviously, she must be able to type (unless she has two year deadlines and lots of paper and pencils--or someone to transcribe from a recording); she must have some knowledge of book structure; and (though not exactly a skill per se) for fiction authors, an imagination is always good . . . but mostly she must be able to

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-2349304898950117352009-04-03T13:48:00.000-07:002009-04-03T14:55:55.205-07:00

This post is a bit early, because the last few days have been crazy and are about to gather even more momentum. The week began with marathon writing sessions to finish revisions on DisasterStatus, then Wednesday I was thrilled by the arrival of Advanced Reader Copies of Critical Care (beautiful, Tyndale did an awesome job!)And then just as I was jumping up and down and shouting over the glossy

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-68994694519564748852009-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:002009-03-29T12:26:20.045-07:00

My editors suggested numerous revisions to my completed DISASTER STATUS manuscript, and one of them involved . . . war. No worries: I'm not referring to any author-ego explosion on my part. I mean literally a war--they suggested that a pivotal character in the story change from a Viet Nam veteran to a Gulf War veteran. "Less dated" and perhaps more relevant to a broader range of readers. It made

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-19624940777312819912009-03-23T10:53:00.000-07:002009-03-23T12:03:26.667-07:00

On Saturday, hubby and I tossed a suitcase into the Murano, programmed the GPS and drove north to Dallas--for a whirlwind day at Christian Book Expo. Because we had little time, my goals were simple: get a feel for this first-time event, pop in and say hello at my publisher's booth (Tyndale House) and try to see a few of the author friends I "rub elbows" with almost daily online, but rarely see

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-57967417024225723202009-03-16T09:57:00.000-07:002009-03-16T14:37:58.537-07:00

Today at Bible study, a friend told told me she'd been at our local ER and mentioned to a nurse that she knew someone who "is writing a fiction book series about emergency medicine." In an instant, this nurse's brows rose and she quickly asked, "Oh, you mean 'Critical Care'? By Candace Calvert? I can't wait to read that book!" I am not making this up. You could knock me over with a feather . . .

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-62272269355494557142009-03-08T10:15:00.000-07:002009-03-08T19:26:54.296-07:00

Tomorrow I'll back in my (well-worn) chair, typing the opening words of my newest novel (working title) CODE TRIAGE. It will be the third book in my new Mercy Hospital Series. Critical Care is about 10 weeks from appearing on the shelves, Disaster Status is in my editors' hands. Since the most common question for a writer is, "How do you think up all that stuff?" And because my tumbling

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-64746637656511380352009-03-01T10:21:00.000-08:002009-03-01T17:41:11.660-08:00

I've officially turned in the polished manuscript for DISASTER STATUS the second book in my Mercy Hospital Series. About two weeks ahead of deadline, but with my usual heart-fluttering angst. Meaning that my finger hovered over the "Send" button for a least an hour, while my dratted "Internal Editor" (the bane of all writers) whispered an ugly and endless litany of things like, "There are typos .

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-86688762332921927052009-02-23T14:05:00.000-08:002009-02-23T14:23:01.763-08:00

No post this week while newsletter and new website info is circulating. See you next time!

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-90324919387470820992009-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:002009-02-16T14:06:28.670-08:00

Last post I offered a romantic snippet from CRITICAL CARE, where Logan Caldwell leaves a bouquet of daffodils on the hood of Claire Avery's car . . . and asks her for a date. I thought it would be fun to show a couple of new snippets from the moments they first meet--much more like war than romance. Because, you see, Dr. Logan Caldwell (Director of Sierra Mercy ER) has a reputation for being

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-76434432452937501222009-02-10T06:48:00.000-08:002009-02-10T07:50:36.479-08:00

Even though I think of myself as a fairly practical person, I love receiving flower bouquets. I tell myself they are impractical, expensive, that the joy is fleeting-- and within a week petals will begin to fall on the table. That if I want flowers, I should plant bulbs in the ground, or select a nice rose bush and get out my shovel and garden gloves . . . and I suppose that's all true. But I

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-89663473478502546212009-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:002009-02-01T11:29:55.009-08:00

I'm jazzed . . . and humbled, all at the same time. Today our church welcomed 11 new lay ministers onboard, graduates of The Community of Hope Training for Lay Chaplains. And one of these fledgling ministers is (imagine a seismic rush of goosebumps) me! I graduated--even after that klutzy first attempt at meditation that . . . um, left me trapped in my wristwatch. You probably remember that one

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-20079105795627988202009-01-25T10:20:00.001-08:002009-01-25T16:13:49.880-08:00

Being an an author gives me plenty of things to smile about: flexible work hours (lately pre-dawn), cozy work wardrobe (jammies, slippers . . . formal sweats), getting paid to hear voices in my head (did I say that?), endless excuses for research trips , opportunities to meet very cool (and often equally strange) fellow writers . . . and so much more. But this past week, I've had some special

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-37492297460357518182009-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:002009-01-23T13:23:12.845-08:00

"When will you make an end?" My dear husband is wont to quote this famous line from the 1965 Oscar winning movie, The Agony and the Ecstacy--the story of Michelangelo's brilliant and arduous painting of the Sistine Chapel as commissioned by Pope Julius II. It took him FOUR YEARS. And though we have been blessed to travel to Italy and see this unbelievable and breathtaking work of art (gaping

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-18717790358362535252009-01-09T10:20:00.000-08:002009-01-11T15:52:39.554-08:00

Be still my heart . . . we've got a cover for CRITICAL CARE, and I'm able to share it at last! What's that? You're feeling a little woozy, a bit light-headed, heart's skipping a beat? Don't worry, you're in good company. Most of the female "test market" for this cover had the same reaction--the author too. In my opinion, Tyndale House did a brilliant job in portraying the image of the book's

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-5848992649165678442009-01-04T12:26:00.000-08:002009-01-04T14:05:12.095-08:00

My husband bought me an Amazon Kindle for Christmas for several reasons: because he knows I love to read, because we recently uploaded my ABA mystery Dressed to Keel to Kindle ourselves (and had no way to read it), because Amazon reduced the (still spendy) Kindle price from last year . . . but mostly because he is Techno Man. And, no matter how you feel about e-books: this is cutting edge

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-2035608114250439072008-12-28T10:57:00.000-08:002009-01-04T12:21:05.636-08:00

I'm at an interesting point in the life of my new book series: when the first novel, CRITICAL CARE, is well into production phase, and the second book is heading toward "The End" in the initial draft stage. Writing one book while awaiting the official birth of the other. And by April, I'll be writing the third book, while doing signings and appearances for the first, and planning the launch of

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-87072109756264363822008-12-21T10:34:00.000-08:002008-12-21T11:24:41.028-08:00

I've begun to Twitter . . . which, of course, sounds like something my parents would say when I was on a sugar high from too many holiday gumdrops:"Candace Lee, for heaven's sake please stop twittering!"Sad but true. Not that it stopped me. But I mostly do it now . . . in print.If you haven't heard, "Twitter" is the newest trend in online social networking. Don't groan--really this one's

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-19168424029798457222008-12-17T07:10:00.000-08:002008-12-17T07:53:33.245-08:00

This is an early morning shot of our home . . . early meaning I threw a coat over my jammies, shoved my feet into a pair of clogs and dashed outside. Because it SNOWED. And this does not happen in semi-tropical South Central Texas. We're climate of things "jungle-y," like warm afternoon rainstorms, rainbow colored birds, chameleons, geckos . . . and creeping vines that cover a house as fast as

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347718916639511061.post-50623654749499522772008-12-14T12:29:00.000-08:002008-12-14T12:49:59.776-08:00

Quick post to say: Real post will be mid-week.Because:We're armadillo hunting.Because:Son and family are here from California and they've never seen one.Which means (of course):All armadillos--that would normally be trenching our lawn and flowerbeds to smithereens--have gone AWOL. Or to Luckenbach.Geez.So, while the hunt continues, we console ourselves with:Gingerbread, Barbecue, pizza,

CandaceCalverthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066497150144388740noreply@blogger.com2