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Author: CAstfalk

Carolyn Astfalk is a wife, mother, and author of contemporary Catholic romances, including her latest, All in Good Time. She formerly worked as a communications director and now works just to keep her head above water. Find her books on Amazon and her other words scattered around the blogosphere and social media.

Small Success Thursday

Published by CAstfalk on 08/20/2015

Small Success Thursday

Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. Here’s my paltry offering for the week:

 

  1. School Uniforms Ready – School starts for my kids in less than two weeks , so I sorted through all the old stuff, had them try it on, and made a list of what was needed. The school uniform exchange was a disappointment as we went in with a bag of outgrown clothes and walked out with one blouse. On to the uniform store, where I dropped a bundle of money. Luckily the young lady who helped us (and gently tried to up-sell us) moved us through quickly so that the little ones didn’t do too much damage as, for reasons unknown to me, is their wont in that particular store.

    School Uniforms
    Some of our take from the uniform store.
    2. Continue readingSmall Success Thursday
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Relevant Fiction Reviews: Costly Grace

Published by CAstfalk on 08/17/2015

Relevant Fiction Reviews

In June, my Relevant Fiction Reviews comprised several reviews on the theme of love, war, and sacrifice. This month, the novels all examine what in Saving Amelie is referred to as “costly grace” (in reference to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology). This is the sacrificial love that, in the books below, requires giving up an ultimately destructive relationship, sacrificing romantic love for a higher calling, and risking freedom and maybe life to preserve the lives of others.

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Top 10 Tuesday: 10 Ways Writing a Book Is Like Having a Baby

Published by CAstfalk on 08/11/2015

Comparisons between creativity and procreativity are legion. Here are my Top 10:

  1. The gestation period is perfect for preparation. It’s a long time from conception until delivery. Use that time to prepare.
  2. Last-minute freak-outs are normal. It’s okay to entertain panicky thoughts like “I can’t do this!” or “What have I gotten myself into?”

    3. Continue readingTop 10 Tuesday: 10 Ways Writing a Book Is Like Having a Baby
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Why the Edgy End of the Spectrum Feels Like Home

Published by CAstfalk on 08/10/2015

When I began writing fiction, I wrote.  Words came into my head, and I typed them on the screen. Even as I began to learn how little I knew about novel-writing, my concerns were limited to grammar and craft. Big-picture issues such as genre or marketing weren’t on my radar.

Eventually, the time comes when most writers need to categorize their book, if not their writing style. After all, it’s hard to target your niche (and consequently sell books) if no one, including you, knows what it is you write.Edgy

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

Published by CAstfalk on 08/07/2015

Seven Quick Takes Friday

Lourdes Grotto Edition

Short of a schedule conflict, my husband attends an annual Catholic men’s retreat at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Families are welcome to join the retreatants for Mass on Sunday morning at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Situated on a wooden hillside above the university and seminary campus, the Lourdes Grotto includes paved paths lined by depictions of the mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and numerous statues. With its wildflowers, natural spring, towering trees, and native Mountain laurel, it’s one of my favorite places.

–1–

The Giant Mary Statue

This towering statue of Our Lady, visible from Route 15 once you cross the border from Pennsylvania into Maryland, is a sight to behold. She towers over the treetops with outstretched arms, beckoning to passersby below.Giant Mary Statue

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Stay With Me: The Recipes, Part III

Published by CAstfalk on 08/03/2015

Stay With Me will be available in only two months (Kindle pre-orders in one)! In May, I wrote about the music that inspired the book, and in April, I blogged about the settings. In June, I shared several of the recipes for the delicious treats mentioned in the book. The second round of recipes posted in July, and this is the final recipe installment!

Homemade Peach Pie

This seasonal treat serves as dessert for the first dinner Chris prepares for Rebecca. It is perfect for this time of year in Pennsylvania. Here’s a tip: Ripe peaches peel easily after being dipped in boiling water for 10-20 seconds.

I have not yet mastered the art of making pie crust from scratch. I admit I find it simpler to pick up a refrigerated, store-bought crust. That’s what I used for this recipe.

Peach Pie
Homemade Peach Pie a la mode

Direct link to Homemade Peach Pie.

Continue readingStay With Me: The Recipes, Part III

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