SUNDAYS IN FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS - Marjorie Vawter, Connie Stevens, Lynette Sowell, Eileen Key - Three Free Books

Four of my friends have written a delightful book set in Fredericksburg, Texas. I've read it and loved it. They are our guests today. I'll be introducing them one by one.

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?

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MarjorieVawterAuthor

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?

Fredericksburg, Texas, is such a quaint town, and I was fascinated by the unique history of the Sunday houses. The area is steeped in German culture, and the generations of German farmers who settled the area clung to their heritage tenaciously. My main character is Amelia, a school teacher with innovative ideas on how to teach and what to teach, and she stirs up controversy with the parents and the school board

chairman. In addition, she speaks little German, so she ruffles feathers among the traditionalists who insist the old ways are the best ways. The young man who lives in the Sunday house next door is Hank. As the oldest son, he is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and work side by side with his father on the family farm. But his heart’s desire is to craft fine furniture. Amelia chose to become a school teacher because the occupation requires that she remain single. Hank’s heart is turned inside out by three orphaned children. So I’ve carved plenty of conflict into this story of two people who dare to break with tradition and do that which their hearts, and God, tell them to do.  

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?

I have one of those “what to name the baby” books that I picked up at a yard sale for fifty cents. It lists the most common names of different historical eras, accompanying nicknames, different spellings, ethnic origins, and the meaning of each name. I browse through the book for names that speak to me. Then I make a list of possibilities based on the meaning of the name and whether or not the ethnic background works for my story. My only “rule” in choosing names—both given names and surnames—is that I don’t use names that end in S.

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?

Door County Christmas, Cedar Creek Seasons, Dog Gone, Forget Me Not

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, Lena! 

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) - paperback
Sundays 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.


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