Welcome, Marjorie. How did your story for the collection come about?
Once we had settled on the generational idea for our
stories, I started thinking about what time period I wanted. Connie had already
decided to do the first story, and I wanted to do the second one. I wanted my
heroine to be at least 20 years old. That put me into 1918. The year World War
1 ended, the year the Spanish influenza was at its peak in the US . Then I
remembered that my paternal grandmother lost her first husband to the flu. They
had been married less than a year. So I had the first names for my characters
and an historical event on which to center my plot. Everything else in the
story is pure fiction.
What are you reading
right now?
I always have several books that I’m reading for whatever
strikes my mood. Drives my husband nuts. LOL Currently I’m reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson, and Ring of Secrets by Roseanna White.
What other books have
you had published?
This is my first published book.
What is the hardest
thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
For me, it was keeping all the details consistent between
stories. I purposely waited until Connie had written her story before writing
mine. But even though I read through her story several times, there were still
a few details Connie caught that I needed to change. I remember in one place
feeling very frustrated since I had to rework an entire scene near the end.
How did collaborating
with this team impact you?
As the new author in the group, it was a very good
experience for me, one I wouldn’t mind repeating. J Connie and Eileen are
already my critique partners. And Lynette fit in like she’d been part of our
group for a long time. It was great to brainstorm with them and to learn from
them.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Many times I’ve chosen family names or variations of them.
But I also love to walk through old cemeteries and see the names on gravestones
from the time period in which I’m setting my stories. Very interesting to see
some names from two hundred years ago that we think are more modern.
What did you want the
reader to take away from your story?
No matter what storm we’re experiencing in life (and there
are many!), God is always with us walking us through to the other side. Friends
and even family members fail us because they are human. But the Lord never,
ever fails nor does He ever leave us alone. He’s our only true shelter from the
storm.
Are you a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes. I joined when ACFW was still ACRW and was a fairly
small organization. But even then I could see the benefits of being surrounded
with other authors, published and unpublished, from whom I could learn the
most. Back then if we wanted a critique group we were assigned to one. And how
I thank God for the group He placed me with! None of us were published at the
time, but now most of us are. I grew tremendously as a writer those first few
years, and now I’m able to give back. The encouragement and support I’ve
received over the years is priceless.
What is the best
piece of advice you received as an author?
Just write! When I was writing this story, I got hung up on
the research and character studies. I wanted to know everything about Mildred
and Nelson ... and they weren’t cooperating. Finally Kim Sawyer told me, “Start
writing already!” And when I did, the characters started cooperating ... well,
sort of! They kept a few secrets up their sleeves that I totally didn’t see
coming!
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
Twitter: @MarjorieVawter
Blog: The Writer’s Tool www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com
Website: www.marjorievawter.com
Welcome, Connie. How did your story
for the collection come about?
What are you reading
right now?
I just finished TO WHISPER HER NAME by Tamara Alexander, and
THE TUTOR’S DAUGHTER by Julie Klassen, and I just started WHERE WILDFLOWERS
BLOOM by Ann Shorey.
What other books have
you had published?
I’ve published six books with Heartsong Presents: LEAVE ME
NEVER, REVEALING FIRE, SCARS OF MERCY, HEART OF HONOR, HARVEST OF HOPE, and
HARBINGER OF HEALING.
What is the hardest
thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
Of course, the four authors must constantly compare notes to
ensure consistency, but that really wasn’t difficult. For me, the hardest part
of writing a novella is the word count. Getting the story told in only 20,000
words forced me to tighten up sentences and scenes and still make the story
engaging. There is no room for wasted words!
How did collaborating
with this team impact you?
Every writer’s voice and style is different. Working with
three other writers to produce four stories, all with threads that connect them
to each other, is a learning experience. The brainstorming sessions and the
critiquing of each others’ manuscripts taught me to appreciate how much these
ladies had to teach me.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
What did you want the
reader to take away from your story?
In my story, HOPE’S DWELLING PLACE , I want to encourage
readers to follow their dreams, but also be in tune with God’s direction to
take them where they might not expect to go.
Are you a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
I’ve been a member of ACFW since 2000. It was American
Christian Romance Writers back then. I was attending the Blue Ridge Mountain
Christian Writers Conference and had listened to Lynn Coleman speak about this new
organization she and a few other authors had helped form. There is no way I can
put a price on the fellowship and encouragement I’ve received through this
organization. The many opportunities to learn, improve my craft, and connect to
other people in the industry are endless. I owe ACFW a huge debt of gratitude
for helping me achieve my dream of publication.
What is the best
piece of advice you received as an author?
Don’t quit. Don’t give up. God won’t start something in your
life that He doesn’t intend to finish. If God has called you to write, don’t
you dare quit.
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
My website is http://www.conniestevenswrites.com Readers can also look for me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/connie.stevens.378
Here's Lynette. How did your story
for the collection come about?
I knew I wanted to write a WWII era story, since Fredericksburg was the boyhood home of Chester Nimitz,
admiral of the pacific conflict after the attack on Pearl
Harbor .
What are you reading
right now?
At the moment, I’m “between books,” as I’m completing a
deadline this month. When I’m in the homestretch, the most important priority
is my current deadline.
What other books have
you had published?
Sundays in Fredericksburg is my most current title. It’s been a
busy 2013. This year will see the release of my fifth title for Heartsong
Presents, Love’s Stormy Gale, which
is available now for a free download. Then in December my first trade fiction
title releases through Abingdon Press and its Quilts of Love series, titled Tempest’s Course. I call it my take on a
modern-day Gothic romance. Currently, I’ve also independently published a
novella called Spring Comes to Barncastle
Inn. We authors from the anthology Christmas
At Barncastle Inn have started releasing follow-up titles to the original
book, due to readers asking for more.
You must contact me
about the Quilts of Love book. I’ll feature you on my blog. What is the hardest
thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
The storyline, for sure. As a writer, I want to do the best
I can with these characters, showing a moment of their lives and how their
lives are changed—within 20,000 words.
How did collaborating
with this team impact you?
They have been in the same critique group for years and the
“posse” welcomed me in and adopted me for a while. It was very easy to work
with them.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
I think of the time period, especially if it’s a historical
book, and I also think of my characters’ ethnic background. I go to a names web
site and then start trying on names until I feel a name “fits.”
What did you want the
reader to take away from your story?
God is still with us and has good things in store for us,
even during our darkest hours, even when we don’t “feel.” It.
Are you a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes. To me having the support of that group is essential for
every writer, no matter where they are in their writing journey.
What is the best
piece of advice you received as an author?
Never stop writing. Be open to change and working on those
finer points.
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
I’m active on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor,
and on Twitter I’m @LynetteSowell.
And our final author is Eileen Key. How did your story
for the collection come about?
The Romancing America line was looking for unique sites for
stories and we Texans, knew about the Sunday houses. Voila! A team was birthed.
Actually, I’ve been
to Fredericksburg ,
but only near the highway, and I didn’t know about the Sunday houses. I found
it very interesting, and now I want to go check them out. What are you reading
right now?
Allison Pittman’s February Release All for a Song. Her writing sings!
I love reading
Allison’s books, too, but I haven’t gotten that one yet. What other books have
you had published?
What is the hardest
thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
Not stepping on each other’s storyline or theme or using the
same “spots of interest” in a location. This one is generational, so it made it
a bit easier.
How did collaborating
with this team impact you?
We are such good friends, and to know 3 others are praying
for you as you write has a definite impact.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
I have a vague idea of what my character looks like, I then
research a picture, and I suppose you
could say, ask them! Secondary characters might be people I know. For instance,
in this book I featured a friend and her husband, Jo Ann and David Henning, because
she is such a supporter of my writing.
What did you want the
reader to take away from your story?
We are saved by grace. Unmerited favor. And I want the
reader to be entertained!
Are you a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes, I am a member of ACFW because it’s the premiere
organization for Christian authors. That’s where I learned how to write.
What is the best
piece of advice you received as an author?
Write, read, write, read, and then repeat!! Keep on until
you reach THE END. It’s so
satisfying.
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
www.Eileenkey.com
or on Facebook! See you there. Thank you,
It has been a pleasure to host all of you ladies today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sundays in Fredericksburg (Romancing America) - paperbackSundays in Fredericksburg (Romancing America) - Kindle
Today would be a good day to order them, because both the print book and the Kindle edition are at a special sale price.
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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, 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
30 comments:
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville Tx
Thanks, Lena, for hosting us today. I'm very excited about Sundays in Fredericksburg and I love to hear comments from readers (or potential readers) about our stories. It was so much fun to write and to collaborate with the authors. I hope that joy comes out to the readers of Sundays.
Not sure if I've read a book written by 4 authors but I love romances set in Texas so sounds good
cheryl in IL
I would LOVE to win this book, but I'm going to read it even if I don't. I love novellas!
Thanks for the great interviews!
Heidi, CA
I have been wanting to get this.
Amy C
VA
Looks Great!
Katie J. from FL
Would love to learn more about Sunday houses! Especially as my heritage is German but from upper Midwest. Also a huge fan of the Barbour series and Heartsong Presents authors - you are all awesome! Jeanie in Phoenix
Oh I just love a good anthology. Thank you for the chance to win this book.
I live in Indiana.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52ATyahooDOTcom
I would really love to win this book, that has 4 stories and 4 authors. Sounds like a great book 4in1 can't get any better than that, so please enter me. God bless you all.
Norma S. from Ohio
I would really like to win this book and I love the cover.
Wendy from FL.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
So pleased to meet everyone here today!!
I'm looking forward to lots of great reading.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
All these stories in one book! Some great reading ahead. It was a pleasure getting to know a little about each author.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of, Sundays in Fredericksburg.
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
Oh my this sounds delightful. I have always realized that America is a melting pot of peoples, but only recently have I begun to understand the plethora of German immigrants that settled over the territories from the upper regions of the Lake areas to Texas, from religious settlements to farmers and cowboys. Interesting. These Sunday Houses have piqued my interest as well as the gift of writers being able to collaborate on an entire book.
godleyv (at) yahoo [dot] com
North Carolina
Enter me!!
Sarah Richmond
N.C.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL
I would like to win this book.
Rebekah TN
Looks wonderful- 4 novels in one book by 4 authors I have not read as yet! Would love to win this.
sharon, ca
We have the Romancing America series in the church library.
Our library readers love these books.
Thanks for the opportunity to win one.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Love the cover! Looks Awesome! Please enter me!
Blanch, N.C.
I was delighted to see there is a new book about the Sunday houses in Fredericksburg. When we lived in Texas, Fredericksburg was one of our favorite places to visit. We even stayed a couple of weekends in Sunday houses. I'd very much like to win a copy of this book.
Thanks for the chance.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas
Marjorie and I are in the same local ACFW chapter (MozArks--we became official last month), ans we're all so excited about this book. I'd just love to win it!
Andrea in MO
It would be a treat to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Judy C. Louisiana.
I would love to win!!! I'm from NC.
Katie G.
P.S. I'm having a book giveaway on my blog as well if anyone is interested in entering! www.kurlykatiesruminations.blogspot.com
I love historical stories! I'm in MN.
Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
I think this would be great to read a story by 4 authors. Please enter me. Thanks!
Beth from Iowa
love3 these authors and love Texas settings...I lived in Ft. Worth TX for 3 years while hubby went to seminary. I now live in Madison Heights VA
forgot my name in previous post....I am Rhonda Nash-Hall
and live in Madison Heights VA
Ladybugs, due to technical errors on my part I'm sure...I couldn't post here all weekend. Thank you, Lena for hosting us. Let us know the winnner of our awesome novella.
I enjoy hearing how a book with several authors comes together. I love Texas and learning more of it's history through stories. Add me please!
Merry in TX
Post a Comment