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11 November 2012

Mindy Starns Clark Interviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mindy Starns Clark


Mindy Starns Clark is the author of Beauty to Die For, co-written with supermodel Kim Alexis.

Mindy, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 
Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
In April of 2011, I was off at our vacation house in the Poconos, writing around the clock to meet a book deadline, when I tripped and fell head first into the outer corner of a divider wall. I hit it hard enough to see stars, but I never lost consciousness, so I didn’t think I needed to go to the hospital.

By the next morning, however, my left eye was dark purple and swollen completely shut, so I drove myself to a nearby urgent care facility—where the doctor proceeded to read me the riot act. “Does the name Natasha Richardson mean anything to you?” she cried, meaning of course the actress who hit her head while skiing and later died.

The doctor couldn’t believe I had been so dumb as to sustain such a serious head injury and not only not seek medical treatment but also stay home all night, alone and unobserved. Suspecting a skull fracture, she sent me straight to the hospital for a CAT scan, but thank goodness there were no broken bones. I did, however, have what’s known as a “Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.” Now, a year and a half later, I’m still in the recovery process. I had no idea what I was in for, nor what an impact that injury would have on my entire life.

Sadly, I hit the wall at the left side of my forehead—injuring the left frontal lobe of my brain, which is the word center. Imagine that—a writer damaging her word center!  I never lost the ability to speak, but in the beginning I could barely write at all. I went from being able to pump out 3000-7000 words per day to barely being able to write 30 words per day! Truly, it almost felt like I’d had a stroke.  It was so scary.  Recovery was very slow. It took a whole year just to work up to 1000 words a day. Even though I’ve continued to progress, I’ve had to limit my commitments and scale back on various writing projects. Needless to say, it’s been a huge adjustment.

Beyond the limited word production, the biggest issue I’m struggling with now are the residual headaches from the injury. I went 434 days in a row with a headache before we finally found a neurological medication that made them go away. The problem is that the medication makes me foggy—but when I try to wean off of it, the headaches come back. So I’m kind of stuck in the middle ground of danged if I do and danged if I don’t.

I also still have a dent in my forehead. It isn’t pretty, but I don’t mind it. When you feel so rotten on the inside, it’s kind of validating to have such a visible symbol on the outside.

Thank goodness I have such a sweet husband and two amazing daughters, both grown. They have all been so wonderful throughout this entire experience, caring for me, consoling me, helping me, advising me, encouraging me, etc. In the beginning, they were all even writing for me, each of them taking a scene I had outlined and fleshing it out on my behalf as best they could.

Certainly, I wouldn’t ever want to go through the experience again, but I do have a few fond memories, especially from those early days when we all pulled together and did our best to get through that first draft despite my injury. Once I was finally clear-headed enough to review and polish their work, I have to say that I was pretty darn impressed with what they’d done. Someday we might just become a whole writing family!

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
 
Through the years, I have learned (mostly the hard way) that God really does know what He’s doing, and if I will just relax and trust Him, He will work things out in my life according to His plan, which is always waaaay better than my plan—even when it doesn’t seem like it!

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  
All 20 of my books are available in e-book format and have been enabled for audio.
The Amish Midwife
Beauty to Die For is available in large print. Also available in large print are:
The Amish Midwife (co-written with Leslie Gould)
The Amish Nanny (co-written with Leslie Gould)
The Amish Bride (co-written with Leslie Gould)
Whispers of the Bayou
Under the Cajun Moon
Shadows of Lancaster County
Secrets of Harmony Grove
The Trouble with Tulip
Blind Dates Can Be Murder
Elementary, My Dear Watkins
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels
A Dime a Dozen
A Quarter for a Kiss
The Buck Stops Here

The books I’ve written that are available on audio include:
Under the Cajun Moon
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels
A Dime a Dozen
A Quarter for a Kiss
The Buck Stops Here


What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
 I wrote Beauty to Die For with a wonderful co-author, supermodel Kim Alexis, and she was the driving force for our primary message. She’s a lovely lady with a real servant’s heart, and her goal with this story was pretty much summed up in our dedication:
For the mothers who put their kids first,
the volunteers who serve with glad hearts,
and all who give tirelessly and expect nothing in return.
Please remember to take care of yourselves as well,
to be mindful of your health,
and, once in a while,
to indulge in a little pampering.
God bless you for all you do!

I think as Christians we sometimes get so busy meeting other people’s needs that we forget to tend to our own. Our story takes place at a spa, where our heroine is leading a women’s retreat based on the theme, Isn’t it Time Someone Took Care of You for a Change? I think we could all use a little R&R now and then, and this story is a great reminder of that. Sometimes it feels a little selfish, but we can’t be at our best for others if we don’t take time for ourselves once in a while.

And in this day and age, the words, Be still and know that I am God are more important than ever before. How difficult it is for some of us to be still! But we simply have to get away from the noise of our lives if we want to hear the small whispers of God’s leading in our hearts. Of course, you don’t need a spa for that—but it is fun to go to one regardless, even if only through the pages of fiction.
Beauty to Die for

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
Yes. Kim and I made our main character a former supermodel who is nearing the big 5-0. All through the plotting and early writing phases, I was having a hard time getting into the mindset of this character, a beautiful woman who is struggling with getting older.  Having never placed much importance on my own looks, I simply couldn’t relate.

Then I sustained my head injury, and in one fell swoop, in a sense I lost my “brain.” Suddenly, I understood this character all too well. Whether it’s a beautiful woman who fears losing her looks or a smart woman who fears losing her intelligence, I realized that we shared the same exact problem, one of identity and how we define and value ourselves. Even as our character was asking herself, “If I’m not beautiful, then who am I?”, I was having to ask myself, “If I’m not smart, then who am I?” It was humbling, to say the least.
Of course, the answer can only be found at the feet of our Creator. What I ultimately learned is that our value has nothing to do with our looks or our brains or any other quality that we may happen to possess. Our value lies in the simple, overwhelming fact that God loves us. Nothing more, nothing less than that. For God so loved the world. For God so loved me. How dare I presume to assign significance to anything else but that?  Perhaps that’s the biggest lesson I will take from this whole experience. Perhaps that has even made it worth it in the end.
Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark
In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
Yay for bibliotherapy!  It’s a concept I strongly believe in and try to employ in all of my fiction, though I’ve never heard that term before.
In Beauty to Die For, we have three characters who grapple with serious personal challenges:
            - one dealing with a fear of abandonment
            - one working through grief and loss
            - one overcoming a childhood spent in poverty with an emotionally unstable mother
In all three situations, their paths are by no means easy, but our characters do find help and healing and growth in the end.

Thank you Mindy for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Buying Links: Mind Starns Clark on Barnes and Noble
Mindy Starns Clark books on Amazon
Also find Mindy's books on Christian Book Distributors (CBD)

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of any of Mindy’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Winner this week must be a follower of OTT-WGH.  
Simply put OF after your name if you are a follower, and add your email address unless we know you well (and over time, we hope we do!!!) 
Also answer the following question: When is the last time you went to a spa, if ever? (You might just find us announcing a second giveaway for a little beauty bag!)  


76 comments:

  1. Love your books!
    likesmusic2@consolidated.net
    OF

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  2. Thanks MINDY and CARRIE for this interesting interview! I can't even imagine how frightening that would've been for you going through all that Mindy, but I'm so glad to hear you're how much you've overcome already and what a wonderful supportive family you have!
    I understand fully about being stuck in the middle as I'm there atm working it out with Fibromyalgia and the effect of meds.
    I've never been to a real spa, but my 'spa' is the Lord and my wonderful family and friends... with a big shout-out to Carrie and the Gang! :)

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  3. MINDY, thank you so much for sharing your powerful testimony with us! It's so good to see how much you trust in the Lord. It's often through the hard times that we draw closer to Him.
    We are happy to have you this week with us.
    Blessings!

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  4. I believe I'd originally learned about your injury from an interview on Amish Wisdom. Was sorry to hear of this and admire your attitude and tenacity. I had a similiar unexplained thing happen to me. It left me with stroke like symptoms as well. Also was unable to read, have made some progress just as you have. Thank you for sharing. I've read all your books and am looking forward to this new release as well. Blessings, Susan Fryman, OF susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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  5. DEBBIE, thanks for stopping by. What did you think of the interview? Have you ever been to a spa?

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  6. SUSAN, thank you for sharing a bit of your story as well. So good to hear that you are making progress!
    Bless you!

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  7. Wow what a testimony this is .So glad that things are turning around for you. Talk about Angles camp around someone .The best is yet to come . Blessings ,Dana "Girl" Spille
    jashbk@earthlink.bet

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  8. DANA, it's good to know isn't it, that God is there with us when we're alone, sustaining us! Thanks for coming by! God bless!

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  9. Dear Mindy,
    I had no idea and so very sorry this happened to you.
    My husband fell and hit the wall 2 years ago, broke his neck, 2 different hospitals, and rehab that took a year. God wasn't finished with either one of you.
    I am a follower of cfpagels. blogspot.
    Janet Estridge
    von1janet@gmail.com

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  10. I forgot to answer the question about the Spa. I have had a facial done and it was wonderful. My ideal vacation is a week at a spa in some tropical locale.
    Thanks for entering me in the contest.
    Janet Estridge
    von1janet@gmail.com

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  11. JANET, so very sorry to hear what happened to your husband. Times like these, it's really comforting to know God is with us, helping us and giving us His strength. AMEN, God is still working with both your husband and Mindy!!

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  12. Oh I would love to win one of Mindy's books. And as you know by now I am a OTT follower. :0) Love this site. Put my name in please. Thanks for the interview. Maxie

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  13. Sorry Carrie, I forgot to answer the question. No, I have never went to a SPA, tho have always tho't how wonderful it would be. Then a daughter bought me an hour visit for a Mother's day gift and was cash so needed it for a bill and spent it thinking to pay myself back, and never did. : ( Now, I forgot which place it was for. So my loss! Maxie

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  14. MINDY, thank you so much for being with us this week and for sharing your powerful testimony. What a battle you have been through, and I admire your persistency and your faith in a God who handles all of our battles. I really love what you said about how women define themselves by their looks, or their talents, etc., when really the important thing is that God loves us unconditionally! It's amazing how much our perspective in life changes when we become ill. Mine certainly has and continues to do so daily!

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  15. So glad to have Mindy on the blog!!! I am in South Carolina doing some visiting and some researching! Glad for WiFi in the hotel!

    DIANA--Mindy has a great ministry and let us just pray in agreement that she will have FULL healing!

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  16. MAXIE, I have been to one once and I didn't do so well with it. I don't like having people mess with me slathering junk on me, etc. Yuck, no thanks!

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  17. Oh, I have been to a health spa, but one where I had to work out, never one where I got pampered!

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  18. MAXIE, I sure hope you get to go to a spa one day, I would love for you to be blessed with that!! And I hope you get to read and be blessed by some of Mindy's books also. Your name is in the drawing our friend!

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  19. I've never gone to a spa but I really enjoyed reading Beauty to Die For. It was a very entertaining mystery.
    Mindy, I'm so sorry for your injury. I've suffered from headaches off and on but can hardly imagine going over 400 days with a headache! I pray you will heal soon and be able to get back to full writing mode as well. I sure enjoy your books. My book club read and discussed A Penny for Your Thoughts. A couple of us had to get all the rest of the series to read them since we enjoyed them so much. Blessings to you.
    Pam--OF
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal.net

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  20. PAM, thank you for sharing and for showing your love and support of Mindy's books!

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  21. Amen to that, CARRIE! All of us here on OTT are agreeing in one accord for MINDY'S complete healing!

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  22. This book sounds great! I haven't ever been to a spa but would like to. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
    OF follower

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  23. VERONICA, I'm like CARRIE. I don't really want people rubbing stuff all over me. I have had several relatives do makeovers on me and I couldn't stand it. Just don't like anyone messing with me. Now getting my hair done -- that's a whole different ballgame. :)

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  24. Oh what a moving testimony...thank you MINDY for sharing it with us. I am so glad you are on the road to recovery...if "Beauty to Die For" is any indication...you are already there. :) My brother, an insurance adjuster, fell head first off a roof he was inspecting in July 2010 and sustained a major TBI. The doctors had little hope for him but through God's love and mercy he is fully recovered!! I will be praying for you to have total and complete healing because I know that God is still able to perform miracles!!

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  25. I love Mindy's Books! I have never been to a spa, but I did get my haircut and highlights last Saturday! I would love to win one of Mindy's books!
    makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
    OF via GFC: MeganP

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  26. these books all sound good thanks for chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  27. MEGAN, thanks for visiting! I'm sure your hair looks great! :)I also love Mindy's books and read almost all of them. Good luck in the drawing!

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  28. I have NEVER been to a spa.
    AmyC OF
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  29. AMY thanks for coming by and I'm like you I have never been to a spa. :) Good luck in the drawing!!

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  30. OF!

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

    Amada(pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez

    I follow by email and GFC (Torrance Tiger) :)

    Q:When is the last time you went to a spa, if ever?

    A:Sadly I have never been to a spa. I have always wanted to go to one, but have never had the time/budget to go. Maybe some day though! :)

    Exodus 14:14

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  31. i would love to win. thanks. just starting over after 43 years of marriage

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  32. AMADA, I have never been to a spa either. I rather buy some books for the money. ;)

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  33. Wow, thanks for the many comments. How fun!

    DEBBIE, thanks! I'm so glad you have enjoyed my books.

    NOELA, yes, the person who was the most understanding and sympathetic about my journey was a friend who has fibro. She totally got my whole "being in a fog" thing. That, in turn, made me far more aware of what she goes through--and has been going through for years. It simply broke my heart, but she's such an inspiration. So glad you have a great support system too!

    MARIAN, thanks for the welcome, what a lovely group this is. :)

    SUSAN, glad to hear that you listen to Amish Wisdom. I'm a big fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher, both professionally and personally. She's a great lady. Sorry to hear, though, that you've been down a similar path as I. I wish you continued progress.

    DANA, thanks for the words of encouragement!

    JANET, wow, I feel lucky by comparison. I can't imagine what your husband--and you--went through. I'd rather have a brain injury than a broken neck. Gosh. As for the facial, I agree, one of the best spa treatments I've ever had was an anti-aging facial. I relax just remembering it. Ahhh...

    MAXIE, this is a great site, isn't it? I didn't discover it until they invited me for this interview, but I'm so glad to be here.

    DIANA, yes, it really is amazing how perspective can change. Sad that in my case it took a big whack to the head, but maybe that's symbolic. I am pretty hard-headed, after all. :)

    CARRIE, where are you in SC? My hubby and I both graduated from Clemson.

    PAM, I'm so glad you enjoyed the book and that your club read A Penny for Your Thoughts. My publisher recently re-released that whole Million Dollar Mysteries series, and it's been fun seeing it available again and finding a new audience.

    VERONICA, trust me, you'd love it. Spas are amaaaaazing.

    TERESA, wow, your poor brother! I recently started an aggressive PT/OT/Biofeedback program at a brain rehab facility, and every time I walk through the hallways and see the other patients, I am reminded of how much worse it could've been. I'm just going a few times a week for a few hours, driving myself there, joking with the therapists during sessions. Others are in wheelchairs, re-learning to walk, talk, etc. It's heartbreaking. There are so many degrees of suffering; to keep from crying I just keep paraphrasing Revelation, thinking, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more pain.” Otherwise it's just too overwhelming. Praise the Lord at your brother's recovery, that's amazing.

    MEGAN, yay, thanks so much! I hope you like this one too. Up until I hit my head, it was really, really fun to write. :) And it was definitely fun to research. Tough job, but somebody's got to do it, right?

    APPLE BLOSSOM, good luck!

    AMY, you should try it some time. Spas rock!

    AMADA, what a pretty name. Thanks for the pronunciation help. I looked up Exodus 14:14 because it didn't ring a bell. What a great verse! Thanks for sharing.

    PAT, bless your heart and your new beginning. Remember, His mercies are new every morning!

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  34. I am new to this, but came as a suggestion of my good friend Diana Flowers. I have not had the privilege to read your books yet but they sound great & I can't wait to get started.
    As to when I was last at a spa--the closest I have come to a spa is having a pedicure at my nail salon, and that was a wonderful 'taste'. Someday, I hope I will have the chance to go to a 'real' spa! ~~new OF
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  35. Also, I enjoyed this interview. What a challenge for a writer to experience such a thing--I am inspired by your faith and tenacity to press forward, despite the challenges you have experienced through this injury.

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  36. The only time I went to a spa was to purchase a gift certificate :-) but no I have never been to one.

    Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com
    OF

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  37. I love Mindy's books! She has such talent! Thank you for offering a giveaway of one of her books. OF

    The last time I went to a spa was about 4 years ago when we went on a vacation in Massannutten, VA. Wonderful experience!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  38. VICKI, so glad you are visiting us! Do you go to the same pedicure as DIANA? ;)

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  39. LOURDES, thank you for dropping by! Good luck in the drawing.

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  40. NANCEE, I agree that Mindy is a talented writer! Best of luck in the giveaway.

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  41. No, VICKI lives in Oregon, MARIAN, but she is the one who came to visit me last week after we had not seen each other in over 30 yrs! She found me on FB recently and we reunited. Awesome God we serve!

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  42. MARIAN, thank you for taking over here! You are the best!

    We had such a wonderful lunch, and got to meet CARRIE'S two sweety boys! And they are just that! Susan Craft is such a doll. TERESA has some interesting pics to share with you later that you are sure to enjoy...or perhaps a video?

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  43. DIANA, so glad to hear you all had so much fun! Looking forward to the pics/video! :)

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  44. Re read this and forgot to answer the question. I've never been to a spa unless getting a pedicure counts. LOL. Blessings, Susan Fryman OF susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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  45. SUSAN, thanks for telling us. A pedicure can be very nice too! :)

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  46. Dear Mindy your message to us is wonderful and that's agiven, bump your head , don't go to bed, see a Dr or your dead. people think if you don't have the signs of concussion medical help is not needed, untrue. I'm glad your ok and your writtig books and I do have one of your books Amish Midwife, before I read it I want the series.you make alt if people happy wit your novels. blessings, Maggie
    maggieh1947@att.net

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  47. I love your books Mindy- hopefully I will get to win one with this entry. Sorry to hear about your injury- but glad you are recovering. Your books are some of the best books I have ever read!!!

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  48. Thank you for dropping in MAGGIE. Hope you'll enjoy reading The Amish Midwife when you get to it. I have also read it and loved it!

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  49. ANONYMOUS, we'd love to enter you, but we don't know who you are. So please stop by again and leave your name and email.

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  50. Wow Mindy! That must have been so scary. I can't imagine! Thanks for sharing that with us. I've read a couple of your books, but by no means all of them, I'm sorry to say. I gravitate toward mysteries but this new one sounds interesting. I, myself, am going through grief and learning how to walk a new path without my oldest child here anymore. She was taken home in May, at age 28. That spa day sounds good but I have never been to one. Boy, could I use a day out!
    Y'all know I'm a follower *grin*.

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  51. ANNE, you are a most beloved follower. Our hearts continually go out to you and our prayers are with you always. I hope you get that day out soon...maybe alot of hints around Christmas? Thank you for showing your support of Mindy's books!

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  52. Would love to win your book, have never been to a spa. Pat Hardee

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  53. PAT, thank you for coming by! Seems like alot of ladies have not been to a spa...maybe that's just for the lifestyle of the rich and famous! lol

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  54. We are delighted to have MINDY featured on the block this week. BTW, Mindy just received a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT award from a Reader's favorites poll, which is awesome!!! CONGRATS, MINDY!!!

    Tomorrow we head back home, but TODAY, and got to meet our poetess, TERESA, and see DIANA, and also meet SUSAN CRAFT one of the Colonial Quills contributors for lunch over in Lexington SC!!!!! What a great time we had. We were laughing so loud and for so long that we scared our waitress away!!!

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  55. I think we scared the patrons away, too, CARRIE! So much fun!!!

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  56. Great interview.Thanks so much for sharing.I have never been to a spa,can't afford to.We are struggling right now financially.We have had a large amount of medical issues going on with me,my husband,and daughter.I have been going to doctors for years and years and years.I have fibro and numerous other health problems.Thanks so much Mindy for sharing with us...I love your books.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com OF

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  57. How very frightening, Mindy. I'm so glad you're doing better and I things continue to improve every day. This could have been so much worse. I'm very glad it wasn't.

    I'm reading Beauty to Die For right now and loving it. I loved the Tulip books and the other series - I can't think of the name right now. Million Dollar Mysteries? Do you have any pkans for another series like either of those?

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  58. JACKIE, thanks for sharing with us. Praying the Lord will take care of all your needs!

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  59. SUZIE, I have read those books too. They were so good! Beauty to Die For is on my TBR stack.

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  61. Mindy, I love your books, but haven't read Beauty to Die For yet. Thanks for the giveaway!
    I haven't been to a spa, but am blessed to have a friend who is a massage therapist. Bless her heart, when things get rough around the edges I go to her house, she puts on peaceful praise music and works her wonders. Somehow life is easier to handle after a mini-vacation ( about an hour) at Sheila's. AAAHHH!!!
    Thanks for posting this interview, Carrie.
    Shirley
    OF
    beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  62. I have never been to a spa but wouldn't be against going and being pampered. :) I would love to win Mindy's book. The interview was great Carrie. Please enter my name in the drawing. Blessings! Darlene OF
    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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  63. I have never been to a spa, but once had a massage at a "ladies day away" at church ~ awesome. Please enter me in the drawing! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  64. I would really love to win! Thanks! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com

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  65. How fun, more comments. Yay!

    VICKI, I love pedicures...until they get to the part that tickles. Then I can't stop laughing and I just feel stupid. :)

    LOURDES, next time, get a gift certificate for yourself too!

    NANCEE, thanks so much. You make me blush. :) I love that area of Virginia and visit often. Will have to look into the spas in the region myself. I never thought of doing that when I was there before, but it's a great idea. Thanks.

    MAGGIE, you are so right. And there's so much bad information on the internet about head injuries! If you hit your head go to the ER--even if you don't lose consciousness, even if you remember the entire incident. Concussions are SERIOUS business. Don't fool around with them ever. Thanks for the reminder!!!

    ANONYMOUS, wow, thanks. That's high praise indeed.

    ANNE, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine, especially as you make your way through this first year... Love and prayers to you.

    PAT, good luck to you!

    Thanks, CARRIE!

    JACKIE, (that's my mom's name too) so sorry to hear of your many medical issues. A dear friend has fibro and I see what she goes through. Hang in there!

    SUZIE, thanks so much. I'd like to do a series again someday but probably not real soon. It's a lot to hold in your head at once, and my head still isn't holding a ton. ;) For the time being, one book is about my max. But the day you see me come out with a continuing series in the future, you'll know I'm back to 100%. I did really love writing the Million Dollar Mysteries.

    SHIRLEY, one of my best friends is also a massage therapist, and I don't know what I would do without her. You're right, for me an hour at Tracey's really is a mini-vacation!

    DARLENE, thanks so much, blessings to you too.

    KATHLEEN, what a great idea for a women's group. Sounds like fun!

    MEGAN, good luck!

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  66. Mindy, your story really touched my heart. Amazing you are still alive after that incident...thank God! I have to admit, I've never read any of your books, but they all sound so interesting. Just having Carrie endorse your writing is good enough for me. As I was reading what happened to you, I kept going back to something that happened to my Uncle when he was small. He was born healthy and very intelligent. However, when he was still just a small child, he was riding his tricycle around his dining room table and ended up crashing out of the window and falling a couple stories to the ground. He landed on his head and from that moment on he was mentally challenged. He is a very sweet man........tragedy can happen just like that, in a split second. So thankful that your accident didn't take away your mental abilities and that you are still alive and writing! Please enter me: debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com

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  67. Thanks DEBBIE. I have been fortunate that at least the impact on my writing has been on the process and not the product, thank the Lord. The final result is the same as ever, it just takes ten times longer and way more effort than it did before. That's frustrating, but I have to remind myself how much worse it would be if I had also lost the ability to produce the same level of writing in the end. That would've been truly heartbreaking to me.

    What a tragic tale about your uncle, it just shows how quickly an entire life can change! Thanks for your kind words, and God's blessings to you both!

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  68. I'm sorry, I forgot to put OF after my name and I didn't answer the question. I have never been to a spa. I've always been a very personal person, not wanting anyone to touch me. To get pampered, I would have to do it at home, not that I've even done that yet. :)

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  69. CONGRATS to SUSAN Fryman, our first winner! Check your email, Susan! Many blessings!

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  70. Congrats, SUSAN! Hope you enjoy the book!

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  71. Thank you, Carrie and Mindy for the great interview. Mindy, what an ordeal you've been through! Our lives can be changed in an instant. I'm so thankful you are doing much better!

    I've never been to a spa. I've had my eyebrows and upper lip threaded, but that's all the pampering I'm acquainted with.

    may_dayzee[at]yahoo[dot]com
    OF

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  72. Thank you so much for "Beauty to Die for"! I am so thrilled to have won this book!

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    1. You are very welcome, Kay and congrats! Thanks for letting me know that you received your copy of Mindy's new book!!! Blessings!

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  73. Thank you for choosing me as a winner as well. I'm looking forward to receiving my book. Blessings, Susan Fryman

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