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Allie Pleiter | Real Life Passions in Fictional Books

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Having been part of the prayer shawl ministry movement for years, I knew it was only a matter of time before it would work its way into one of my books.  After all, prayer shawls are mostly given in times where comfort and healing are needed, and if I've done my job right, my characters get into some pretty tight spots with some pretty big wounds.

Prayer shawls are fluffy knitted (or crocheted) wraps that are created by volunteers--mostly in churches but many other organizations have caught on as well.  While sometimes they are knitted for a particular person, often volunteers work to build a "stash" for distribution later.  Shawls work best in situations where there are no soothing words, when there isn't anything concrete to do but "hang on."  And haven't we all been there once or twice?

Melba Wingate uncovers a tangle of family secrets at the worst possible time.  There's no quick fix to be had, no easy solution just around the corner.  Melba's world gets rocked down to its foundations, and she's left scrambling for a foothold.  As a knitter, Melba knows the soothing power of handknit goods, and she runs to yarn and needles for comfort.  It's my coping skill of choice, too, so it was enormously satisfying to give Melba the outlet I cherish.

Melba needs someone to cherish her, too.  The mile of obstacles between her and new Fire Chief Clark Bradens?  Well, let's just say it makes for good reading.  Clark is a man who has turned his life around from a high school bad boy to a man of extraordinary honor.  Of course these two have to end up smack in the middle of each other's family messes, but they become God's perfect agent of healing by the end of the book.  Because everyone wants a "yarn" with a happy ending and hearts perfectly knit together, right?

By the way, if you'd like information on how to launch a prayer shawl ministry where you live, email me at [email protected] and I'll send you the information.  Let's cover the world in soft, fluffy, handmade comfort!

How about you? What kinds of crafts or hobbies give you comfort? One commenter (US) will win a copy of THE FIREMAN'S HOMECOMING

 

 

Comments

32 comments posted.

Re: Allie Pleiter | Real Life Passions in Fictional Books

Besides reading I love to crochet. This is one of the books i have to buy.
(Cathy Thomas 12:35pm June 12, 2013)

i read alot and im very good at fixing computers
(Denise Smith 12:47pm June 12, 2013)

In the past, I loved to cross stitch, sew and make greeting cards. I don't do many crafts any more because there just never seems to be enough time...I sure miss it!

Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 12:59pm June 12, 2013)

i really love to embroadery and getting into scrapbooking
(Kimberly Hoefs 1:30am June 12, 2013)

I like to scrap book. I usually make scrap books for the trips that I take. I include tickets, pictures and little things that I pick up along the way. I try to buy stamps if I am in a foreign country. Great memories
(Kathleen Yohanna 4:52am June 12, 2013)

I LOVE to read and my second love is baking...which my son-in-law loves...HA Looking forward to reading this book
(Bonnie Capuano 10:12am June 12, 2013)

I've never heard of a prayer shawl - so this sounds extremely interesting. Thanks for a chance to win - and best of luck with the book!
(Nancy Reynolds 10:26am June 12, 2013)

I love to read, do jigsaw puzzles, sequin art and other crafts.
(Wilma Frana 10:34am June 12, 2013)

I do a lot of different crafts, but lately have been concentrating on knitting and crocheting. The items I make have been going to friends and family, as well as worthy causes. This year's agenda has been a full one for me. I have been working on 2 baby presents which consist of baby afghans, bibs, and sweaters, then I have a bereavement shawl, a comfort shawl, a birthday present, a hat, and I'm sure other items will be popping up!! Some of the work I do while I'm on the computer, because I'm on dial-up, and the pages load so slow!! I'm also looking forward to reading your book, since I also do my reading while I'm on and off the computer as well. Your book sounds like a great Summer read!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:56am June 12, 2013)

Reading, sewing, crochet, even cleaning - I think that getting my mind and hands busy always makes the time pass by and soothe me. What a wonderful idea with the shawls, my church makes caps for women with cancer - very rewarding.
(Carla Carlson 11:12am June 12, 2013)

Reading is my main way to relax, but I also enjoy doing puzzles each day and playing games on the computer.
(Anna Speed 1:27pm June 12, 2013)

Anything thats DIY. I like making cards, makeup palettes, posters, paintings, drawings etc. Crafts gives me
comfort when I need to get me mind away from stress.
(Lazydrag0n Puff 4:03pm June 12, 2013)

I am artistic... so any little project gives me joy.... but mostly drawing.
(Colleen Conklin 4:25pm June 12, 2013)

Just about anything as I love to create but probably the best would be scrapbooking. I feel like I am doing something for my family and making a creative accomplishment at the same time.
(Liberty Ann Ireland 5:04pm June 12, 2013)

I love to read-
It soothes my soul...
And a good book
Is a good friend to know
(John Dallal 5:19pm June 12, 2013)

I love to work in my garden during the day and read in the evening!
(Timothy Younger 5:29pm June 12, 2013)

The book sounds very interesting and hope I get the chance to read it.
(Shelly Itkin 5:55pm June 12, 2013)

Obviously I love to read. LOL But I also enjoy counted cross stitch and quilting.
(Marcy Shuler 6:40pm June 12, 2013)

Now I read a lot, but I used to do crewel pictures, some needlepoint and I also knitted. My hands no longer allow me
to do those things.
(Carol Woodruff 6:52pm June 12, 2013)

Reading helps me escape---and my pets help me hold on.
(Sue Farrell 7:04pm June 12, 2013)

I like reading, jewelry making and zentangle
(Susan Falkler 7:22pm June 12, 2013)

I feel so materialistic saying that my hobbies include, reading (of course), traveling, shopping and entering contests....also am a bit of a picker, so my travels include going to thrifts, yard sales, etc. in search of that *perfect* item.
(Susan Coster 7:30pm June 12, 2013)

Use to do cross stitch, can't wait to read your book; will
leave a review.
(T. Glenn 7:38pm June 12, 2013)

I love prayer shawls ~ they can be such a special comfort. I find peace and comfort in reading and cross-stitching. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of The Fireman's Homecoming. I am looking forward to reading it. Happy Reading and Writing~ Cheers~ Elizabeth MacGregor
(Elizabeth MacGregor 7:43pm June 12, 2013)

Reading and cross stitching are my favorite comfort hobbies.
(Jamie Fortney 7:58pm June 12, 2013)

My grand baby is a year old and I stay busy scrap booking her life. Also, I
love to crochet. I'm starting on my fourth baby blanket since April.
(Debbie Rudder 8:46pm June 12, 2013)

Creating beaded jewelry
(Shelley Pierce 11:01pm June 12, 2013)

I love to read and love to paint arts and crafts. Now, that I
am retired I want to learn to make pretty jewelry crafts and
would love to make wreaths too. Your book: THE FIREMAN'S
HOMECOMING sounds fascinating with Clark and Melba. I would
love to read it and win it too. Thank You, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 11:11pm June 12, 2013)

knitting - and folding origami cranes. Those sharp creases are so satisfying to press down! It is a rare meeting when I am without my knitting; I've also had the pleasure of leading community knitting projects at our local library, and introducing others to this pleasure.
(Beth Fuller 11:22pm June 12, 2013)

Enjoyed your blog, first of heard of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. I'm not a crafty person but I do read in my spare time.
(Sheila True 12:07pm June 13, 2013)

I love quilting, collecting coins, stamps, and taking pictures with my camera. From time to time, I love to go fishing.
(Kai Wong 12:20pm June 13, 2013)

Writing is good for me! Cheers me up no end, unless the characters are having a big emotional breakup.
Gardening and other around the house work helps work out problems and is good therapy in case of bad news.
(Clare O'Beara 4:03am June 14, 2013)

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