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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
33 Comments:
Wow, Diann. If I had the chance, I have to say, I'd go. It's one of those things you may regret later if you don't. And think of the laughs you and your friend will have people watching. :)
Go and have a blast!!! (and I'd take something if I had to fly overseas, as in drugs, LOL)
Go! I would so love to go to Europe!
I fly over water any time I fly. It's a little disconcerting at first and then you just close the window shade and ignore it. :)
Diann,
DO IT!!! You'll take a red-eye flight over, so ask your doc for an Ambien, it will help you sleep on the flight so you sleep through the part of the trip that is across water and arrive somewhat rested and ready for your day. (It helps with jetlag)
I lived in England for two years and loved it. The train will easily get you where you want to go, so you don't have to worry about driving.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Liverpool - a worker's city and home of the Beatles
2. Stoke-on-Trent - outlets! There is a Portmeirion, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton and Spode shops there
3. City of York - Viking History
4. On a long day trip you could go to Stratford-upon-Avon - home of Shakespeare
5. The Lake District
6. Because I am a football fan (soccer) Manchester United Stadium - David Beckham once played there!
Ok...that will get you started!
Go, have fun, blog and send us lots of pictures!!
Kimberly
Drugs, lots and lots of drugs. I'm kidding. However, the first time I flew overseas I took Advil PM and slept the whole time. Also, watching the movies on flight helps a ton. It keeps your mind off the water.
In October I flew to Japan by myself and I was really scared. I read 1 book, watched a movie, and took a 4 hour nap. All those things kept my mind off being alone on a flight.
My vote is you go!
I've gotta cast my vote with those who say, "Go!" Although I am a British citizen, my travel expertise is on the Ireland/Scotland side. I, do, however, have experience with the Red Eye overseas flights. If you plan to take a sleeping pill, I'd say try it out in advance. It could keep you awake, if you are one of those "funny" people. :)
I have actually taken Tylenol PM, etc., and stayed awake every moment of the flight. NOT scared, just awake.
There's no way I'd turned down an opp to do Europe, though. NO WAY. In fact, if there's an extra bunk bed in that dorm room.......Just kidding.
Oh, Di, go. First of all, it's never good to say "no" because of fear unless it's like jumping off a cliff or something. ;)
Second, I was nervous about the first time I flew across water - the entire Pacific from California to Australia. But the sunrise and sunsets you see as you fly are so completely gorgeous. Even if you fly at night, you can see an amazing sky.
I've flow to Europe three times and actually loved looking out over the span of blue below. It was breath taking.
I vote go and have a blast. :) And do it drug free. There's so much to do on planes now. Movies, television, music, food!
(Once I took one Tylenol PM. The first time I'd ever had one and it knocked me out on a mid night flight. But i flew many, many long flights without anything.)
Rachel
well you know what I'm going to say if it means missing the ACFW conference! LOL I didn't realize it was one or the other.
If you do go though, try to get a night flight. Then you won't see all that water. You can sleep. Get one of those neck pillows for flying and zonk out.
Yes, go!
I got to cross that off my Bucket List a few summers ago. And I hate to fly...but honestly you are so saddle sore from all those hours of flying, the fact that you're flying overseas and other terrain becomes a distant, distant concern. And as a tip, if you ask for the emergency row (I think you can do this 24 hours before takeoff), you get even more leg room! It's SO worth it!
P.S. I want to add I powered through claustrophobia and other weird fears during my flying years. It wasn't always fun, but I can testify of the peace and power of Jesus and His Word. ;)
He'll give you all the peace you need.
R
Wow, you guys have some great suggestions! Did I mention the other woman will be studying and busy???? Did I mention that if I want to sightsee, I would have to walk the streets of a STRANGE land by myself??? 'Course, I am menopausal, so most people will steer clear of me (if they know what's good for them).
Hmm, still thinking . . . .
Wow. That's a difficult decision! I tend to think this seems like a big once in a lifetime opportunity and you should go. But, that being said, I'm not good at going off on my own and when you say you would have to go out alone, that would scare me to death!
Pray about it! I'll pray for Him to give you the answer! I agree with Rachel that you shouldn't say no because of fear!!
Blessings
Michelle
Go!!!! Absolutely go! I lived there for 2 years. (granted that was almost 15 years ago...) Must sees... hmmm... Blenheim Palace is a must. It was my favorite and has wonderful Butterfly Gardens. Windsor Palace is also very nice. It may or may not be open depending on wether the royal family is there or not. Also Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Too much fun! Spend a day riding the tube and finding book shops. You can find the most incredible things in those old shops just hidden away! Also Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton. My friend just got back and LOVED it!
Think of it this way: You can go to the conference every year- England is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Oh my goodness, Jessica, the old shops idea sounds heavenly!!! Especially, if I could find some old book stores tucked away! Wow, wouldn't it be cool if I found an old diary? ;-) Okay, now I'm getting excited!
You're right about the conference too. Though it would be hard to pass up.
Rachel, you are so right! I need to pray about it and see where it leads me.
Well, sheesh, Di, when you told us girls about the opportunity, you neglected to mention the tiny little fact that you'd miss ACFW! Can I change my opinion?
Diann, well you know how many times I have been to Europe, and God always me there safely...I say go for it...you will not regret a trip like that...I would go see the Queen/ha!ha! I have only been in the airport...going to Spain..but anyway it's not that bad to fly.......
There will be more ACFW conferences and other author events to attend, so go. Get a train pass and take it around to the countryside, including Wales and Scotland. Ask Tracie Peterson how she did this. Stay a night in a B&B in Wales. See a Scottish castle. Have tea in Stratford-on-Avon in the upstairs room of my favorite place. (I'll have to look up the name for you.) Go to Charing Cross Road in London to see all the antique book stores. Do the full tour of the Tower of London. Even though it cost extra money it would be worth it, and I regret not doing it. See the cliffs of Dover. Read Liz Curtis Higgs fiction and travel log before going to Scotland. Enjoy!!! I'm sure there will be plenty of fodder for a new book idea.
Hi,
This is the first time I've been here. Found you via Patty Hickman's site after you made a comment. HA!
This is wordy so hang in there......
I've been to England/Ireland and would advise you to just GO!
It's fabulous and everyone must go once at least.
So.....you will be on an overnight flight that's how it works.....I couldn't sleep basically because I too was a tad "freaked out" and sleep deprived after some HUGE drama and trauma in Newark before crossing the pond, one of my kids had his PASSPORT and money stolen while on the last flight we were on.
And of course I had to "fly the plane" mentally and if I went to sleep.......well you know.
Anyway it is a bit scary to thing about being over the ocean but it's not as bad as you think really. Ugh.
So forsure....next time I do an overseas thing like that...."SLEEP AID" forsure.
Once in England....do all the "touristy" things you can.
But if you are able to go off and about. I would do that. Take a journel and write....observe. Find your story.
Go to Tea or to a Pub off the beaten track......small shops.
We know people from the Manchester area......and if it were me..
I would try to get up to the "Lake District" or Cumbria. And even up to Scotland if you can. Depends on how much you can do in your "spare" time.
And there is that "money issue" but you never know what God can do for you.
I say......"Go for it."
Life is short.
And remember....England is old.
Our country is only 231 years old or so.....In England you will be walking on streets and traveling roads that are hundreds and hundreds of years old.
Looking at buildings older than our entire country......just the thought of that is worth the trip. HA!
Have fun.....
I will book mark your site and come back and visit sometime.
Be blessed,
Joyce in Baton Rouge
P.S.
I was JUST checking the rates to England today.
I do it all the time. I am going back. HA!
Go! I cannot think of one good reason not to! (I ALWAYS choose travel opportunities--especially the overseas ones!)
So what if you have to traipse around by yourself. You'll have a blast. And flying over the ocean on a red-eye? It's just like flying over land: You'll never see it.
Think of all the ideas you'll pick up for future stories! That will be so cool! :)
Okay, you girls who are recommending she go sightseeing by herself, what are you THINKING? Sheesh, I can't imagine anything worse than that. A totally different country and turning Di loose when she can get lost in a parking lot is NOT a good thing.
I'm all for sightseeing, but not alone. She could get mugged or something. Besides, it would be no fun if you didn't have someone to share it with. She could go on a tour with other people and maybe make some friends though. But don't go alone, Di!
I'd say go. You're right, it's a one in a lifetime event, and you definitely should not let it pass by. (Though if you decide on the ACFW conference, I'll go to England for you. ; )
I've never personally been to the Old World before, but I'd vote for visiting Manchester and Dover. (Seeing those white cliffs would be amazing!) And take pictures!
As for the flight, I can't give you any help there. I'm terrified of flying too, and as of yet have not had to board an airplane. Um...maybe, "don't scream"? (I'm kidding.) The sleeping pills sound like a good idea too.
Go, Di. Give Jesus your fear and ask Him to hold your hand across the great Atlantic.
Take your Bible with you and read Scripture as you fly. That's how I made it through my fear flying over multiple countries and stops on my missions trip.
Plus, think of the opportunities to share Christ overseas!! It's worth it, and you'll kick yourself every day for the rest of your life if you pass this up.
I know your fear...I live with fear...but Jesus is greater than any fear I have. And He's the same for you, sweetie.
Go!
GO! I agree with Jessica; check out Blenheim Palace and Windsor Palace. Oh, and then there is Stonehenge, Oxford, Bath. While in London, you may want to check out Harrod's...I am sure they have chocolate in the Food Hall. :)
I like the way you think Rachel! (Chocolate! Whoohooo!)
Becky, thanks for all the great tips!! You made me want to sign up TODAY! I especially liked the idea of reading Liz's books while traveling there!
And Joyce, thank you, too! Glad you stopped by our blog! *g*
Diana, we'll have to talk! *g*
Thanks so much, all of you, for your input! I'll let you know what I decide.
Just do it!! Think of the memories you will have, stories to tell of your adventures, new things to see, try and do.
Di---Yes, Liz's Scottish novels are fab, but the Scottish travelogue is wonderful!!! You should definitely read it (maybe take it with...) before going. The area of Scotland she writes about is not far north of England, if I remember right. She gets specific about the spots to stop for tea and everything!!! (I interviewed Liz about this book on www.fallible.com, if you want to search for it.....)
After yesterday, I say, no flying over water. (That and mountains, two lane highways, bridges...)
At first I thought, "cool!" but would you have to go around by yourself? Eating that English food in a microwave? Am I negative, or what??
My aunt and uncle lived in London for years and I should have gone then, but I had no money then.
I guess I would be torn. I spent an ugly 30 hours in DIA one time, so I don't have fond memories of Denver, either (even going back and to an ACFW conference didn't blot that out.)
Ok, I'm not helping. Have some chocolate and some prayers.
You absolutely should go!! What an awesome opportunity to experience England not as a tourist, but as a resident! And as far as the flying, you can't even tell you're over water. Even if you were to look out the window, all you can see is clouds. Take a sleep mask and maybe some Benadryl and go for it!
Diann, you said its once in a lifetime if you dont go you will always regret it.
I flew to canada via Hawaii in 2007 and then to Canada last year and thats a long trip from Australia but I would go again tomorrow in a heartbeat.
ok as for sightseeing alone its ok.
I do it all the time and I did it in a country on my own. I was in Hawaii on my own and managed ok. I did meet a friend one day. but you will meet others to talk to they are english! Oh If you dont want to do things alone go one sightseeing tours. You will be with others and have a blast. If you have read the Sisterchicks book and the last one the main charactors met up with someone on there own and had a great day together and I have done the same thing myself. I wish i could go there in July to see some cricket.
Just one other comment. I am so glad i went last year cos with whats happened with mum I may not get to go away like that for many years to come.
GO GO GO!!! I had plans to go to England with a friend whose sister lived there. Then my Dan asked me to marry him and he wanted to get married right away. I said, "Sure, but I'm going to London next week, you know." He turned and said, "You're still going???" LOL
Of course I went! I'll never regret it. (And do get something to help you sleep. No guilt!)
Hi there! I found you via Karen Ball's blog; we used to be editors together at Zondervan. I was the UK acquisitions editor; I live here in North London and have been an 'American VW in London' for some 11 years. What's a VW? It's a vicar's wife (see my column by this name in Christian Marketplace, the UK Christian mag for retailers and suppliers at christianmarketplace.org.uk.
So do come to the UK. Your imagination will run wild with the fabulous architechture and hearing the English language with such different idioms (not to mention the accent). And contrary to what some have said, you CAN do sightseeing on your own. No, it's not as fun but you should be safe if you keep your wits about you and don't go into more deprived areas. I've actually never been to Manchester, believe it or not, but it's a good central point. You could easily take the train north or south. I would recommend Cambridge, which is the first place I lived when my new husband was finishing seminary. The center is all pedestrianized so you won't have trouble getting around. Of course London is a must too...
And I wonder if the person I knew who was managing the big Wesley Owen is still there. That's the biggest chain of Christian bookstores over here. She's lovely; I could check and see for you. Who is your publisher? Are your books being published over here? If you're going to be here anyway you could arrange some sort of event, or at least meet with the folks who are selling your books to make that connection.
Email me if you want more info: boucherpye at ntlworld dot com.
PS I travel back to the States loads, and do it with two small children on my own! It's ghastly with that much luggage and it's something to be endured with two younguns to entertain, but it can be got through. If you fly United, it could well be worth the extra $89 each way to go Economy Plus. Not as crowded and more leg room. Drink lots of water and skip the drugs. Sleep for no more than 2 hours the next morning and get lots of fresh air and sunshine (if you can) that first day.
Amy Boucher Pye
PS I see you're published by Nelson. Fab. They have a lovely guy who works for them over here, Graham Williams, and Brittany Lassiter is fab back in the home office.
Amy Boucher Pye
Wow, Amy, thank you so much for the info! If I decide to go, I may very well be in touch!! Thank you again!!
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