Welcome, Jane. How did your story for the collection come about?
While working on a history book about a Christian community
of the 19th century (to accompany a three book novel series) I read a copy of a
quilt historian journal. It told the
story of a signature quilt with all the blocks done by different women for a
single man. That gave me the idea for The
Courting Quilt.
What are you reading right now?
I'm reading Sandra Byrd's To Die For, set in 16th century.
I'm also reading a biography of Dorthea Dix.
What other books have you had published?
I'm the author eighteen novels (my first contemporary comes
out next month!) and three non-fiction titles. This is my first venture into
the novella realm and I'll be joining three other others next year for the Midwife's
Legacy, also with Barbour.
What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella
collection?
For me it was writing within that 20,000 word limit since a
couple of my novels are tomes of 130,000 words -- back when those big books
were acceptable. Because we could each write in the setting we wished with the
thread between us being the log cabin, we were pretty independent. With the Midwife
novella collection, we needed to tie the pieces together more and that was fun
and challenging too.
How did collaborating with this team impact you?
I'd never written what I would call a sweet romance before
so discovering how others have done that was a good impact. I read the other
authors works (not their contributions to this piece) so I could get a feel for
their voice. It was very enriching.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
They just came to me! Mary Bishop and Richard Taylor are the
primaries.
What did you want the reader to take away from your
story?
That our initial reactions to people and events are not
always the best judge. And I hope it's a
light story that helps people see that even in the worst of times, there can be
a silver lining stitched by the hand of God.
Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers?
If so, why? Yes.
Mostly to keep up with the business of writing, the marketplace, be exposed to
writers at various stages of their career and to help cheer people on (and
maybe have a little cheer myself!)
What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?
Write the best story you can and always have a
"story" about the story because people often remember you as the
storyteller as much as they will your story.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
My website is http://www.jkbooks.com
where you can visit my blog www.janeswordsofencouragement.blogspot.com
or my dog's blog www.bodaciousbothedog.blogspot.com
who has more followers than I do I
think! I'm also on facebook https://www.facebook.com/theauthorjanekirkpatrick
Now we'll talk with Liz Tolsma. Welcome, Liz. How did your story for the collection come about?
I actually did the research for the story years ago when we
were on vacation. As we were in the logging museum, the story came to me. I
wrote the first three chapters and it sat in my desk until the call came for a
Christmas novella centered around a log cabin. God’s timing is perfect.
What are you reading right now?
Right now I’m reading several different books by different
publishers as I prepare to pitch two projects at the ACFW conference in
September. I’m looking forward to reading Sarah Sundin’s WWII novel Blue Skies Tomorrow.
What other books have you had published?
I have two short stories, "A Mother’s Love" and "As
American As They Come" in the collection Cup
of Comfort for Adoptive Families.
What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella
collection?
The word count limit. I struggled so hard with this, but it
helped make the story tighter and better in the end.
How did collaborating with this team impact you?
I’m so privileged to be part of a book with these wonderful
authors and humbled that I was chosen to participate with them.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
My neighbor named her daughter Adelaide and I loved the old-fashioned sound
of it. Adie is one of my daughter’s friends at school. Noah, also, sounded
old-fashioned and yet was a name I loved.
What did you want the reader to take away from your story?
I want them to come away with the peace and comfort that God
is covering us under his wings. There we can take refuge from all the world’s
storms.
Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If
so, why?
Yes, I’m a member and have been for many years. My mentor
Andrea Boeshaar encouraged me to join when it was still American Christian
Romance Writers. I’ve never regretted it. This book wouldn’t have been possible
if I weren’t a member.
What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?
Never give up. It took seven years from the time I wrote the
first words of this book until it was published. You never know when or where
your story will fit.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
They can find me at www.liztolsma.com
and I’d love to have them join me at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com. I’m
also on Facebook and on Twitter.
Michelle Ule has joined us. Welcome, Michelle. How did
your story for the collection come about?
My
agent, Janet Grant of Books & Such, heard about the collection and
suggested I come up with a story
idea. I have a log cabin story from my family history that fit the bill and I
wrote two chapters and a synopsis the day I got the invitation. It was a
joy to fashion a story about people in my past whom I admired.
What are
you reading right now?
The
Paris Wife by Paula McClain (I wrote my senior thesis at UCLA on
Ernest Hemingway)
What
other books have you had published?
None! This
is the first one. For an interesting perspective on my reaction to seeing my
name on a book, see my blog here:
What is
the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
Knowing
the stories written by my co-writers. That was not a problem with this
collection, but on two others I've "auditioned" for, it was
complicated meshing our story lines together.
How did
collaborating with this team impact you?
It's
been fun to share the joy and the honor of publishing with such fine writers.
How do
you choose your characters’ names?
Most
came from my family history, the others were chosen based on popular names in
1836 Texas .
What did
you want the reader to take away from your story?
It's
important to "do the right thing," particularly to forgive, when
loved ones are involved.
Are you
a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes.
I've been a member four or five years; for the networking opportunities, to
enter the Genesis contest (finalist last year) and to keep track of events in
the changing world of Christian fiction.
What is
the best piece of advice you received as an author?
Write
out of your heart and emotions.
Where
can my readers find you on the Internet?
http:michelleule.wordpress.com Now we're welcoming Debra Ullrick. How did your story for the collection come about?
My fabulous agent Tamela Hancock Murray contacted me,
telling me that Barbour was looking for log cabin novellas. Since I actually
lived in an old homestead, stayed in many historical log cabins, and had access
to several log cabins and their history, I thought it would be fun. Toss in my
Germans from Russia
heritage and A Grand County Christmas was born.
What are you reading right now?
A Prairie Christmas
Collection
What other books have you had published?
Besides my novella in A Log Cabin Christmas, The Bride Wore Coveralls, Déjà vu Bride, Dixie Hearts, The Unexpected Bride, The Unlikely Wife,
and Christmas Belles of Georgia.
What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella
collection?
None of these were hard at all. However, if I had to say
something, maybe it was keeping the details straight. In Christmas Belles of
Georgia, the heroines are identical quads, so we had to make sure we had
the same height, eye color, and the letter from the lawyer had to say the same
thing and have the same dates. But, Jeanie Smith Cash, whose idea this was,
made it easy by supplying all of us with that information. Thank you, Jeanie!
How did collaborating with this team impact you?
We didn’t really collaborate on A Log Cabin Christmas
because they were all individual stories.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
By looking online. I looked around until their names clicked
with me.
What did you want the reader to take away from your story?
That we need to trust God no matter how dire our
circumstances look. Sometimes the biggest blessings come from our biggest
trials.
Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers?
If so, why? Yes. Because it’s a wonderful group of Christian
writers, and I’ve made some fabulous friends because of it. Plus, I sold my
first book at an ACRW conference. (That’s what the ACFWwas called back then.
Those initials stand for… American Christian Romance Writers)
What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?
If you find someone who understands your voice and your
style, who doesn’t try to change them, hang on to them, they are worth their
weight in gold.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
On my website at www.debraullrick.com
or Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Shoutlife.
The last author joining us is Erica Vetsch. Glad to have you, Erica. How did your story for the
collection come about?
The first story I pitched for
this collection didn’t make the cut because it was too similar to the story
Margaret Brownley had pitched. Thankfully, Becky Germany asked me to submit
another story idea, and this novella popped into my head. I’m so glad it did,
as I really love the characters and storyline for Christmas Service.
What are you reading right
now?
I’m reading Anne Mateer’s
debut novel Wings of a Dream. It’s
excellent!
What other books have you had
published?
I’ve had eight Heartsongs, a
3-in-1 collection of Heartsongs called Idaho
Brides, this Christmas novella, as well as my debut trade-length novel also
releasing this month titled A Bride’s
Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas.
What is the hardest thing
about writing a part of a novella collection?
The tight word count. I always
have to watch my story lengths.
How did collaborating with
this team impact you?
I’m really honored to be a
part of this group of novelists. Such stellar writers. I’ve really enjoyed
reading everyone’s stories. There’s really a great mix of settings,
ethnicities, and writing styles. Though we worked autonomously on our stories,
it was really great knowing I was going to be part of such a wonderful group of
writers.
How do you choose your
characters’ names?
My heroine is named after my pastor’s
daughter, Elizabeth Sorensen, and my hero, Todd Rambek, is named after a family
I met a few years ago from Norway .
The Rambeks were staying in Rochester
for a year on a work project.
What did you want the reader
to take away from your story?
A fun read that puts them in
the mood for Christmas, and that they will be reminded what true service in the
Church is all about.
Are you a member of American
Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes, ma’am, I am a member,
because of all the benefits I receive and the wonderful fellowship. I’ve made
so many friends in the writing business through ACFW.
What is the best piece of
advice you received as an author?
I’ve received a lot of very
good advice. For today, since I’m working on this particular thing in the story
I’m writing now, I’ll say no conflict, no story. You have to have conflict, or
your story is boring.
Where can my readers find you
on the Internet?
On my blog at www.onthewritepath.blogspot.com/
On twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/EricaVetsch
On
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Vetsch/168952446490736
Thank you, Jane, Liz, Michelle, Debra, and Erica for the fun interview.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Historical Romances during American Pioneer Christmases
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
39 comments:
Four stories in one book sounds great!
Annette in PA
This book looks absolutely amazing. I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance to win this.
I am from Oklahoma.
A collaboration of spectacular authors! I love the sound of this book! Please sign me up!
Salena
Texas
LOVE holiday stories - great cover too
Cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
Thanks for asking me about my writing and for the interviews with my sister authors! It's great to see where their stories came from and makes their work more personal. It's great to be a part of this collection!
What a great deal! All these stories in one book...
Patty in SC
It's so great. Christmas anthologies are coming again.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I love Christmas stories.
I know some of these authors.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Trinity Rose from OH
I love Christmas stories and love to read books by different authors in one book. Thanks for the opportunity of winning this book.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
What a great batch of interviews. Loved reading about each one of you. Your collection of novellas sounds like just the thing to cozy up in front of a fire and read.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
I love to read Christmas books. I am looking forward to reading this one.
Mississippi
I love reading Christmas stories. I hope some of these will make me cry. (For joy that is!) I am familiar with Jane, Debra, and Erica's books. Liz and Michelle are new authors to me. I would love to win a copy of "Log Cabin Christmas". It is time to start reading Christmas books! I've been listening to Christmas music on my morning walks, well over a month now. My husband just gives me that look!
Blessings to all!
Judy B from Indiana
I really enjoy reading Christmas stories especially going into this time of year. Would love to read Log Cabin Christmas.
from South MS
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
WOW! I totally love that cover! I start collecting Christmas books around this time every year for the cold winters here in SC. Cuddling up by the fireplace, with a good Christmas book, and hot chocolate makes the winters here a little more pleasant! Thanks!
dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com
SC
this looks like a interesting book. I would Love to win it.
God Bless
Joanna Richmond,
Blanch, NC.
This is a perfect book to read curled up in a blanket next to a fire. I can't wait to read it.
Julie Arduini, Ohio
juliearduini(at)juliearduini(dot)com
I loved A Prairie Christmas last year and I know this one will be great too! Thank you.
Carly in NC
Sounds like some very good stories I would love to win. Thanks for giving me a chance to be a winner!
God bless you!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
sounds like a wonderful winter read. love to win it. thanks for the chance. I live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Great to have so many authors collaborating in one book...what fun:)
Would love a chance to win!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
Looks interesting. Please enter me in the drawing. I have an amazon wish list and this is one of the items that I have on it.Thanks , for the chance to win!
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
It looks and sounds interesting!
I like Christmas time.
Please enter me in the drawing.
Sarah Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
Looks cool! LOL
All the books sound interesting!
Would love to win,please enter me in the drawing.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, NC.
What a fun bunch of interviews :) I can't believe how close Christmas is getting! Looks awesome :)
crazi.swans at gmail dot com
From South Dakota
Most definitely would love to win this week....4Free Books, wow! love it.....Lucky Lady/Oh
Two of my favorite things in a collection. It doesn't get much better than Christmas and pioneer life in one story. But you did it with more than one story in a book!
I would love to win one of these books.
Thanks for the interviews.
Shirley
What fun interviews! Sounds like a great book to cuddle up with on a rainy/snowy day in front of the fireplace. Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win!
Blessings,
Kelly Y in Virginia
kelly*at*dkcountryarts*dot*com
I love Christmas stories! Thanks for the great advice too!
Amber S.
Larspur, CO
4 books in one?! Sounds great!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Courtney from WA state
This sounds like a great selection of Christmas stories. I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the interviews with some of the authors and for the opportunity to win.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas
I would love to win. Thank You for the chance.
angela from KY
I love the idea of reading all of these pioneer Christmas stories! Thanks!
Julie in MN
Would love to win these, Lena. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
mitzi_wanham@yahoo.com
from Peace River Country, Alberta
A nice collection of stories in time for Christmas! Please enter me in the giveaway.
I live in New York
I'd like to win this one. Ohio here
I keep looking at this book each time I go in my bookstore. I've really been considering getting it, winning it would be even better!
Darlene NC
Huge congratulations to these authors for making the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list this week.
Lena, thank you so much for having us on your blog, and for the congrats on the NYT listing.
I'm sorry I was out of town when this blog post first went live, and I wasn't able to respond individually to each of the commentors.
Thank you, everyone, for commenting, and good luck in the drawing!
Log Cabin Christmas sounds like a perfect book as the holidays draw near. Please add me!
Merry in TX
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