Star Dater: Denice Stewart!

I'm happy to welcome one of the literary world's newest stars, Denice Stewart! Denice's first children's book, Where Would Cows Hide?, is now available, and you could win a copy  for yourself or the special kid in your life by leaving a comment on this post (see details below).

Today Denice talks about the ups and downs of keeping the romance alive when you're a mom with small children.

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The phrase “dating with children” is an oxymoron, right? My husband and I have been on very few “dates” since our sons were born, and no “dates” since our daughter was born six months ago. But it doesn’t mean we don’t dream about a time in the not-so-distant future when we will be able to hire a babysitter, or leave the children with visiting grandparents, and take off for the bright lights of the big city and enjoy a cozy dinner for two. Actually, we would settle for the Taco Bell drive-thru, and thirty minutes of peace and quiet.

But even when we dated in the B.C. years (Before Children), my husband and I preferred a quiet, intimate dinner at home. We fixed dinners that would have cost us four times the money in a restaurant (steaks, grilled shrimp, sautéed veggies, fresh bread, and decadent desserts), we rented romantic movies, or sometimes we pushed the furniture back and danced to the gentle tunes of Glenn Miller.

We still try to make fancy dinners for special occasions, but we have also acknowledged that, at least for a time, official “dating” will have to wait. But there is something to be said for the family time we are surviving…I mean enjoying, now. Kids grow up fast, and we are trying to make the most of our time with the children, before they can’t stand the thought of being seen in public with their “totally lame” parents.

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AUTHOR BIO: D.C. Stewart grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, and spent most of her childhood getting into trouble with her younger brother on their ranch. She began writing short stories in high school, and won a writing competition at a nearby college at age 17. After graduating, she attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in History, and also met her husband, Scott. She worked for a church in Maumelle, Arkansas as the Communications Coordinator for five years. After moving back to Oklahoma, she chose to stay home with their four year old twin boys, and six month old baby girl, and to pursue her dream of being a full-time writer. The Stewarts live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Where Would Cows Hide? is her first novel.

WAYS TO WIN: Author D.C. Stewart is giving you a chance to win a copy of Where Would Cows Hide? and more! Here’s how to enter for a copy of WWCH and to enter the grand prize drawing. The more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning!

1) leave a comment on this blog post (or on any of the blogs participating in the blog tour);

2) email the contest coordinator at contest@novelinspirations.com with subject line “WWCH ENTRY”;

3) join D.C. Stewart’s ezine list by either sending a blank email to: dcstewart_ezine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcstewart_ezine/
and subscribing through the yahoogroups page.

Book winners and the GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be drawn on or before May 31, 2008, and will be notified by email. Please make sure you leave a valid email address on applicable blog posts.

Comments

[Lacy Williams]

Myra,

Thanks for being a part of this tour! The post looks great!

Lacy

[Carla]

What a surprise! I didn't know Denice was on for today! One teensy clarification--they did visit us (the grandparents) a while back, and we offered to keep the kids so they could escape for a date. They chose to stay home and play cards. Fun, relaxing evening. I think they're saving up their points with us for a BIG date--like a cruise to the Bahamas or something :-)

[Denice Stewart]

Carla is 100% correct. We went to Tulsa for a visit, and they did indeed offer to watch the kids if we wanted to go out, but as she said, we chose to stay home and play cards. We had a great time, and are truly grateful for all the help we get from our families. They help us so often, we are WAY beyond our points limit. Love you, Carla and Max!

And thank you, Myra for having me as a guest on your blog. It's been fun.

D.C. Stewart

[Johanna]

I sure would love to be entered in the drawing!
My mom is Myra and when we visit she and Dad are usually willing to let us leave the kiddos and run away for a little bit. . .BTW, mom, this saturday evening would that be possible? Nothing like asking with all these folks reading, huh? Lol.
Hang on, Denice! Soon will come the day you feel comfortable leaving the younger ones with the oldest and you will run away often, even if just to sonic for a cherry limeade! We relish those moments!

[Myra]

Alas, I suppose I must do my grandmotherly duty. (Did she mention she has 3 boys???) Sure, kiddo, go have a blast!

Thanks for sharing your story with us today, Denice! All the best for your writing career!

[Cindi]

Thanks for an entertaining interview. I have followed Denice's virtual tour since the beginning.
Cindi

[Christy H.]

I enjoyed reading Denise's thoughts on keeping romance alive.
WHERE WOULD COWS HIDE sounds like a fun read.