LOVE FINDS YOU UNDER THE MISTLETOE - Irene Brand, Anita Higman - 2 Free Books

Readers, I've read this book, and you'll love it.

Welcome back, Irene. How did your story for the collection come about?

Originally, I wrote the story as a full length book. The editors decided that my story about Mistletoe, Kentucky, and one by Anita Higman with a Noel, Missouri, setting would be suitable for a test-run to see if readers were open to a series of Christmas novellas.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading an anthology, Ozark Weddings, written by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson. I’m also reading an “old” title, The Ivy Tree, by Mary Stewart.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have 46 titles in print (this doesn’t include reprints). These include historical, contemporary, some suspense titles. As for unpublished books, I probably have as many partial or completed manuscripts unpublished as I have published books. I don’t have a listing of all those titles.

What is the hardest thing about writing a novella collection?

Making one word take the place of two or three words. To tell a full story in a limited amount of space. When the two stories were connected, I had to be sure, the few times I referred to Anita’s plot, that it was compatible with what she’d written.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It’s always a challenge to write as a team; however, Anita and I worked well together, keeping in touch by e-mail and telephone. We both considered the other’s viewpoints, and our individual stories were strengthened by input from the other. We respected the work ethic of the other and became long distance friends.

Anita is a friend of mine, too. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I keep a running list of names I’ve used in other books, so as not to repeat the main characters’ names. I never use the name of an acquaintance I don’t respect, unless it’s the villain’s name. When writing historical books, I check the internet for listing of names used in that particular time period.

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

That God-given love is something to accept and cherish in spite of extenuating circumstances that seem to endanger that love.

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

Yes, I have been a member for several years. The conferences offer valuable learning and fellowship experiences. It’s a good organization to keep in touch with others who are like-minded.

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

Two slogans that I have prominently displayed in my office. “Footprints in the sands of time are not made sitting down,” and “Success isn’t given to the talented, it’s taken by those who struggle, sacrifice, and reach for it.”

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.irenebrand.com/

Welcome back to my blog, Anita. How did your story for the collection come about?

My novels are more character driven, and so my characters tend to move the story along. The idea for Once Upon a Christmas Eve may have started with my interest in the fairy archetype. I loved the movies Cold Comfort Farm and Chocolat for that very reason. There was something enchanting about those two heroines as they whirled around, fixing people’s lives. I gave my main character, Holly Goodnight, some similar fanciful qualities.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m reading, A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle. It’s been interesting to read about her writing journey, her struggles, and her triumphs.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have written 26 books in a potpourri of genres. Some of my books have been one-act plays, books for kids, inspirational nonfiction, and gift books. But for the last seven years I’ve concentrated on inspirational novels for women, and this is where I want to stay as a writer. Well, that is, if readers keep buying my books.

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

I didn’t find the process difficult at all. Irene and I had fun tying our two stories together.

 How did collaborating with this team impact you?

As I mentioned, it all worked out well. Irene Brand is not only a good writer, but she’s also easy to get along with. So, with all her positive attributes, collaboration was a delightful experience.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I spend a lot of time choosing my character’s names, especially the main character. In the case of this novella, Once Upon a Christmas Eve, I came up with the name Holly Goodnight, and I think it fits the heroine perfectly. I hope readers think so too.

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

I want people to be uplifted by the story, of course, but my novella is also a romantic comedy, so I hope readers will be entertained too. I want them to walk away and think, “I really like that Holly Goodnight. Maybe I’ll invite her over for a Christmas brunch!”

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

I joined ACFW some years ago, and it has been worth every penny of the membership fee. I have grown as a writer because of the valuable input I’ve received on their online loop as well as from the annual conferences.

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

Write what you know about and keep at it. That advice came to me decades ago from the famous playwright, Horton Foote.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I’m at http://www.anitahigman.com/. I would love for you to drop by. I have a book trailer on my site and a free ebook with Christmas thoughts, recipes, favorite family memories, and traditions. I hope you and your family have a joy-filled Christmas!

Thank you, Irene and Anita, for this holiday visit.
 
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Author Irene Brand - LOVE FINDS YOU IN VALENTINE, NEBRASKA - Free Book

We're talking to another Summerside Press author, and you won't want to miss this book. Welcome, Irene. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

My faith in Christ shows plainly in my characters as they live out their lives on the pages of my books. I’m also a very determined, disciplined person and many of my characters are like that.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Flying in a helicopter over Niagara Falls. Also, taking a sailing boat ride with my husband during a storm when we were in Tahiti.

Sounds like you've lived an interesting life. When did you first discover you were a writer?

When I was eleven years old, I had my first nudge to be a writer. I’d read a book that appealed to me, and I remember wishing that I could do for readers what that author had done for me. The desire to write (fiction, in particular) has never left me from that day to this.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My favorite subjects are suspense (think, Mary Higgins Clark or John Grisham), historical fiction (think Patricia Veryan), Regency and Georgian periods. I also like all phases of United States History from Colonial America through World War II. I like light mysteries, too. I read very little non-fiction, except when I’m doing research.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I’ve been a published author since 1984 when I published a non-fiction book (Today’s Women) with Standard Publishing, Cincinnati in July, and a launch title of Thomas Nelson’s Cherish romance series in August (A Change of Heart) The publication of Love Finds you in Valentine Nebraska, will mark my 46th book title in print. Only 4 of these were non-fiction.
I have no idea how many books I’ve written which haven’t been published.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

By putting first things first. My commitment as a follower of Christ is my first priority. I believe sincerely in His promise, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” I interpret “these things” to be my family, my writing and other secular pursuits that benefit others. I hold several offices in the local church and attend regularly. I also claim another promise, “My peace I leave with you.”

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I have books of baby names. I scroll through the telephone directory. I look on an internet site and find names that were popular in various periods of time. If I use names of people I know, then I’m very careful that the personality of that person I know doesn’t come through in my books.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Perhaps the publishing of my first inspirational romance. I’d been trying for 10 years to have a book published, and when I got the first copy of A CHANGE OF HEART out of the mailbox, it was an exciting experience I’ve never forgotten.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’d like to be a dog. In general, they’re good natured. They have a wide capacity to love others. They always seem glad to see their owners when they come home. They’re dependable.

What is your favorite food?

I don’t have one favorite food, so I’ll mention a menu that I often prepare when guests come. I’m a “from scratch,” cook. Baked steak in gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, hot rolls, chocolate pie for dessert, and iced tea. I like all of those things.

I'd love to be a guest at a meal like that. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I’m not an observant person by nature, and I’ve had to learn to take a lot of notes on people and places or I wouldn’t remember. I also notice descriptions in other people’s books

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

“Success isn’t given to the talented; it’s taken by those who struggle, sacrifice and reach for it.”
This isn’t original with me. I read it in a writers’ magazine years ago, and the slogan has been on the bulletin board in my office since then. I think of it often.

I've read Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska, and loved it. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

My contemporary book is Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska. It’s one of the easiest books I’ve ever written. Normally, the first draft of a book is very difficult for me, but it seemed as if the words formed in my mind as quickly as my hands would move on the computer keys. I personally believe that it’s one of my better books. I hope it will bring as much pleasure to my readers as I received in writing the book.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.irenebrand.com/
I also prepare a bi-monthly newsletter which can be accessed from my website.

Irene, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order a copy of this book using this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

Irene Brand

Today, I'm introducing you to an author many of you might be familiar with. She's written Christian fiction for many years. I've enjoyed reading her books. Then we became online friends and met at conferences. I'm sure you'll love her and her writing as much as I do.

Irene, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I believe that my Christian faith comes through in the characters I create. I’m conservative in my interpretation of the Bible, and I believe that shows in my books, for I use Bible quotations often. I try not to be “preachy,” but I like for readers to know whose side I’m on. To some extent, I believe all of our work is a composite of what has happened to us in life, but I don’t write about real experiences or real people, except in historical books.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Quirk has several definitions, and to answer the question, I’ll use the following interpretation: “a strange and unexpected turn of events.” When I was 18 years old, I took a notion to research and compile the history of my father’s family – the Beards. My ancestors came from Scotland, settled in Virginia and then moved westward. Our branch of the family stayed in West Virginia. Others moved on to Iowa and Nebraska. My dad kept in touch with one branch of the family that moved to Nebraska, and he gave me names I could contact. Strange as it might seem, my husband of 51 years was one of the twigs/leaves on that particular limb of the family tree. We became pen pals when he was in Korea. When he came home, he took a vacation to Washington, D. C. stopped in West Virginia to see me, and the rest is history . . . .

I'm sure it's a wonderful history indeed. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I was about eleven years old, I read a book that inspired me, and I suddenly realized that I wanted to do for others what that writer had done for me. The next day, I started my first book. I don’t even remember the subject, how many pages I wrote, or what happened to that first scribbling. But from that day on, the desire to write stayed with me. I wrote poems for special occasions, plays which we presented at our church, and I wrote news items for newspapers.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I particularly like westerns, historical novels, mysteries, suspense. I tend to prefer books that are intermediate in length.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Colonial Christmas Brides, in which I shared authorship with Lauralee Bliss is my 43rd book, and I’ll refer blog participants to my website for the names of my published works. www.irenebrand.com Some of the books I’ve written, which haven’t been published, include a book on women’s prisons, a biblical novel, a historical novel in medieval Europe, some books on Colonial America, at least one book on the Civil War, and a few non-fiction books.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

By constantly reminding myself that Christ is my Guide, Comforter, and Savior. One verse that I find meaningfully in this context is Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (meaning food, drink, clothing) shall be added unto you.”

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I go to a website listing names that were popular in the era of which I’m writing. I skim through the telephone book for family names. I often choose names I see in the newspaper, or people I’ve met casually. For instance, a young woman waited on me in a department store. I noticed her name was Summer, and that gave me an idea. I created three sisters whose names were Spring, Summer, Autumn.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’ve been a member of the same Baptist church since I was eleven years old. During that time God has given me the privilege of serving Him in many capacities through the local congregation. I’ve worked with youth since I was a youth myself, and I have an exceptional rapport with our present young adults (20-30 years). I’ve been the treasurer for years, and I’ve played either the piano or the organ since I was sixteen. I’m not overly talented, but the Lord had graciously given me this field in which to serve. I hesitate to speak of my accomplishments, but when those accomplishments bring glory to God (as the above) and not to me, it’s okay.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A giraffe. I’m only 5’3” tall, and it would be nice occasionally to be able to look over the heads of other people and have a good view of the world.

I completely understand., since I'm not much over five feet tall. What is your favorite food?

I’m not a picky eater, and I like MANY foods. My stomach expects to be fed three times a day (6:00 a.m.; Noon; 5:00 p.m.) I’m a meat, potato, vegetable, salad cook, rather than a gourmet, so I suppose that is what I prefer. Pie is probably my favorite dessert, but I can’t choose a favorite out of the many I like to eat.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I passionately dislike writing the first draft. And there’s only one way to deal with it---just sit at the computer and write.

And I love the first draft. Isn't it wonderful how the Lord made us all so different, yet similar. What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Do a lot of reading in the genre you want to write. And I have some adages (mottos) posted in my office that give some good advice. One is “Footprints in the sands of time are not made Sitting Down.” And I like the Chinese proverb. “To accomplish anything, keep seat on seat.” Perseverance is very important. I need to remind myself of these things constantly.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

I co-authored Colonial Christmas Brides with Lauralee Bliss. The anthology consists of 4 novellas. Each of us wrote a novella on Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, and each novella took place during the Christmas season.

I love to read books by Lauralee, too, so I'm sore this novella collection will be a wonderful read. Barbour published several Christmas books this year. I will read all of them in December. They help set the holiday mood in my house.

Thank you, Irene, for taking time to visit with us today.

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