Sunday, September 04, 2011

CHRISTMAS BELLES OF GEORGIA - Jeanie Smith Cash, Rose McCaulley, Jeri Odell, Debra Ullrick - 3 Free Books


I just love the Christmas novella collections. And all these authors are good friends of mine. Now girls, how did your story for the collection come about?

Jeanie Smith Cash: The Lord gave me the idea for this collection about four young women who were Quadruplets. I thought what if they were adopted out to four different families at birth? What would happen when they find out they have three identical siblings. I emailed to these three authors and told them I was going to write one of the stories and asked if they would like to write the other three stories.

Rose Allen McCAuley: Jeanie Smith Cash came up with the unique idea and contacted me.

Jeri Odell: Jeanie came up with the idea and asked me to join her in writing one of the stories.

Debra Ullrick: How did your story for the collection come about? It was Jeanie’s idea and a great one at that. *smiling*

What are you reading right now?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I just finished reading Allie Pleiter’s book, Bluegrass Hero. I enjoyed it so much that I’m now reading her second book, Bluegrass Blessings. These are good books. I plan to read the other two as well, Bluegrass Courtship, and Bluegrass Christmas.       

Rose Allen McCauley: Woodlands by Robin Jones Gunn and In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer. And typing in these author’s names remindeds me of people like them and Lena Nelson Dooley and Jeanie Smith Cash who use their maiden names plus their married names when they write which I chose to do also.

Jeri Odell: Erasing Hell by Frances Chan

Debra Ullrick: Dance of the Dandelions by Dina Sleiman

What other books have you had published?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I have novellas in three other collections, Christmas in the Country, Wyoming Christmas Heroes, and Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe. I also have two short stories in Magazines.

Rose Allen McCauley: This is my first fiction publication, although I do have some non-fiction selections already published.

Jeri Odell: I've had 10 novellas and 9 Heartsongs and 3 collections and 1 nonfiction book. My latest are Romancing America Nevada and Perfect Peace. I have two Christmas novellas coming out this fall

Debra Ullrick: The Bride Wore Coveralls, Déjà vu Bride, Dixie Hearts, The Unexpected Bride.  A Log Cabin Christmas, and in January 2012, An Unlikely Wife.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Jeanie Smith Cash: Making sure our stories coincide and they all come together correctly in the epilogue at the end.

Rose Allen McCauley: This novella and this group of authors were a joy to work with, but the hardest part was making sure all the information in one story fit with the others. Although we each came up with our own storyline and locations, the heroines all had to come together at the end of the book in an epilogue written by Jeanie, and they all had to be the same age, weight, height, etc. to fit the storyline.

Jeri Odell: Keeping not just mine, but everyone else’s details straight.

Debra Ullrick: Keeping all the facts straight and making sure they correlate with everyone else’s.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I really enjoyed writing with this team. I thank the Lord for each of them and that He has called us to write Christian Romance. We have become even closer friends through the time we’ve spent working on this collection. It’s very satisfying to see all of the stories come together when they’re finished.

Rose Allen McCauley: It made me so appreciative to our Heavenly Father for bringing me into contact with each of these ladies through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). And it impressed on me how as a part of the family of Christ we could all work together in harmony like His church does.

Debra Ullrick: I got to know Rose and Jeanie much better. Jeri’s a super busy woman with a job, so didn’t get to talk to her much. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Jeanie Smith Cash: I have a book of babies’ names, sometimes I use it and sometimes I just hear one I like that fits my story. In this book we named the girls Christmas names since they were born on Christmas Day.

Rose Allen McCauley: Jeanie asked us to all come up with Christmas themed names since it was a Christmas book and the girls were born on Christmas Day.

Jeri Odell: My hero was named after my grandson, Camden. 

Debra Ullrick: Sometimes I go online and look up names. Or, like in my story, Loving Stetson, I knew a boy named Stetson, who my daughter used to baby sit when we lived on the Singer place that was part of Grand River Ranch. Plus, it’s a great brand name of a cowboy hat.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

Jeanie Smith Cash: How important it is to forgive. The Lord gave His life on an old rugged cross to forgive us from our sins and we as Christians need to remember that we all make mistakes, so therefore we need to be forgiving of each other and love one another as He loves us. Also that no matter what, He never changes and He’s always there. When we get ready to admit our sins and ask His forgiveness, we will always find Him right where we left him every time. 

Rose Allen McCauley: The Bible verse I chose was “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6. When I studied the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren several years ago, one of the many things God taught me was that he sets each person in their family for His purposes and for our good. Like me, my heroine, Carol, had to come to believe that.

Jeri Odell: God is faithful, even when life is hard, hurtful and confusing.

Deb Ullrick: That our pasts are just that—the past. When we are forgiven for past mistakes, we don’t need to go fishing and keep reeling them in. No need to resurrect dead dogs. The stench is horrific and causes the ones we love to have to live it over and over. Now, if you want to remember it to help you to not make the same mistake again, that’s awesome. But too many times we judge people for what they did in the past. 

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so why?

Jeanie Smith Cash: Yes. To interact with and learn from other Christian writers. Joining ACFW was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my writing career. I also enjoy being a part of the prayer group.

Rose  AllenMcCauley: Yes. It is the best organization for Christian fiction writers around. I doubt I would be published today if God hadn’t led me to ACFW in 2002 right before the first national conference.

Jeri Odell: Yes. I joined when it was American Christian Romance Writer because I love romance. That was many years ago...

Deb Ullrick: Yes, I am and have been for over seven years now. I love the people in ACFW. They’re friendly and ready to help without expecting something in return. Plus, I’ve made a lot of fabulous friends through the ACFW. And, my first published book was a result of being a member of the ACFW. Then called, the ACRW (American Christian Romance Writers). 

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Jeanie Smith Cash: To find a good critique partner that you are compatible with. One that will critique your work, without trying to change your voice.

Rose Allen McCauley: To do the work God sets before me. The best story ideas and writing can’t get you published unless you do the work!

Jeri Odell: For me it was don't read your own press.

Debra Ullrick: If you find someone who understands your voice and style and doesn’t try to change them, hang onto them, they are worth their weight in gold.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Jeanie Smith Cash: Through my website www.jeaniesmithcash.net, my blog, www.jeaniesmithcashs.blogspot.com, on Facebook, Shoutlife, and Goodreads. Thank you Lena, you are a special friend and I appreciate you doing this interview for our new book. God Bless!

Rose Allen McCauley: www.rosemccauley.com and also my blog at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com Thanks, Lena. I have read your blog for years and even won a couple books on your blog from other authors, so it is such a thrill to be interviewed on your blog and have my own book to give away. God is so good!


Debra Ullrick: www.debraullrick.com and Facebook, Shoutlife, and Goodreads.

Thank you, ladies, for the fun interview.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would be Blessed to win a copy of this book.
~~Angela from KY~~

holdenj said...

I love the Christmas novellas as well! Thanks, it looks great!
Julie in MN

Jo said...

I love Christmas stories and what a interesting concept this is. Would love to win a copy of this book.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Tami said...

This was just a great interview with all these authors! Thank you for doing this. My takeaway? The past is in the past, as Deb Ullrick said. My sister and I were talking just yesterday about some of the challenges we faced as children, and how it "branded" us in some ways. Then I talked to another sister who said she wouldn't be bound by the past, that God can take away the "branding". That is so true!!! I would absolutely LOVE to have the Christmas Belles of Georgia book.
Tami

Sarah said...

Would love to win! I love Christmas stories! I can read them all year round.

Sarah H
Oklahoma

Merry said...

I'd love to meet the four belles, this sounds like an awesome Christmas book.
Merry in TX

scottsgal said...

I love reading holiday stories - in fact this is going on my TBR list for this holiday season
Cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Rebecca said...

I love Christmas stories. They are some of my favorites. I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance.

I am from Oklahoma.

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Lena, this blog redesign makes the screen so nice and bright and when I set it to 120% it is perfect, like the best large print blog!

This book sounds lovely!

Debra Ullrick said...

Tami, I'm so glad my "takeaway" ministered to you.

It's so nice to see so many people stop by here to read about our novella collection. Lena's an awesome person, who does great interviews.

I love Christmas stories and so it was super fun writing this one, especially with such amazing friends and fellow authors.

Thank you all for stopping.

Debra Ullrick

Judy said...

I would love to win a copy of "Christmas Belles Of Georgia". I love Christmas novellas as well as Christmas novels. Since Christmas is my favorite time of the year I read a lot of Christmas fiction books. I usually start as soon as they hit the stores!

God Bless!
Judy B from Indiana

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Beth Reinke said...

Reading this book would be a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Beth from PA

Charity U said...

Please enter me! Looks like a fun read. Also, I emailed you, but haven't heard anything back yet...let me know if it hasn't come! A comment on my blog would be best. :) Thanks so much!

Debra Ullrick said...

Charity, I see you have a picture of Collin Firth from P&P. I'm a HUGE fan of Jane Austen. Did Lena get back to you yet?

Again, thank you everyone for stopping by.

Debra Ullrick

Rose McCauley said...

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to comment. I love Christmas books, too, and am so happy this is my first pubbed book. Hope you all either win or get hold of a copy and get in the Christmas mood! Thanks, Lena, for this opportunity!

Debra Ullrick said...

Hi Rose! So glad you got a chance to stop by too. Are you still flying high over your debut novel?

Debra

Susan Hollaway said...

Hi, ladies! What fun learning about each of you! I LOVE Christmas stories. Blessings to each of you!

Jeri said...

Hello to all. I avoid email on weekends, so I just discovered today is our day! Thanks, Lena, so much for hosting us, and thanks to everyone who dropped by. Jo, I am from Tucson and wondered where in So Az you're from. Christmas is my favorite time of yr.

JJ said...

I would like to read Christmas Belles of Georgia. Thanks gahome2mom/gmail/com

Cindy W. said...

Oh I do love a good story set during Christmas. I would love to win a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia. Thank you for the chance.

I live in Indiana.


Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Patsy said...

I love reading Christmas books. I like to start reading them just before Thanksgiving.
From South Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Coolestmommy said...

I loved reading your take-aways from the book. Each of you have such an amazing message to share through your story. Thanks for sharing!!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Amber Lemus said...

Wow, what a writing challenge! It sounds like a great book.
Amber S.
Larkspur, CO

Lorna Faith said...

Great interview:) So neat to learn how you work together as authors. Thanks for sharing.

I would love to be entered to win a copy of this book:)


Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com

Charlotte Kay said...

Loved the interview!
Would be blessed if chosen as the winner!
Thanks for the chance!
Charlotte Kay
Ohio

Abigail Mitchell said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. I have been collecting these "Heartsong Novellas" but don't have this one yet.
Thanks for the chance to win!
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Ms.Mona said...

Sounds great, would love to win this......thanks, Ms. Mona/Ohio

Tracy Smith said...

I love these kinds of Christmas stories, so I am sure that I would enjoy this one. Thank you for hosting this wonderful givewaway!

Have a really wonderful day!

Tracy from Ohio
countrysunset40 (at) aol dot com

Unknown said...

Ladies...you put two of my favorite subjects into 4 stories. i love to read about adoption and multiple births, and in a Christmas novella, no less. Awesome. Thanks for posting, Lena, and for the giveaway, ladies. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country

Patty said...

I always enjoy when all the stories are tied together. Should be interesting to read with 4 different authers!

Patty in SC

Edwina said...

I love Christmas and to have Christmas stories set in my home state of GEORGIA - couldn't get any better.

edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

GEORGIA

Ausjenny said...

Im late replying I love these novellas I always read them each christmas and look forward to them coming out. I am from South Austraia and would love to be entered.

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds very interesting, I love to read and would love to win this book. Thanks for giving me a chance!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

apple blossom said...

oh please enter me love to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Wendy Newcomb said...

Thank you for the giveaway, love the 3 in one books.

I live in FL.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It would be really nice to win this book. It lookes interesting.Thanks for a chance to win.God Bless
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

ooo luv Christmas stories! and no less than 3 YAY! early Christmas gifts =) thank you for writing and the opp to win these!

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

sorry, forgot to say frm CA ~

misskallie2000 said...

Wow, What a story line. I can't wait to read "Christmas Belles of Georgia". I love Christmas stories plus being from Georgia this book is a must read for me. Thanks for stopping by ladies, to chat and share with us.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Georgia Peach

Susan H said...

I love Christmas books and this one would be great to add to my collection!

I'm from Fort Worth, TX.

Anonymous said...

I love Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year! Would love to win.

Molly from NC

sarahw said...

i really enjoy novellas and this christmas one looks like a great read. please enter my name in the draw. thanks,
sarahw- MN