IT HAD TO BE YOU - Susan May Warren - One Free Book

Bio: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. 

She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. 

Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. 

She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit.

Welcome back, Susan. Where do you write?

I write on my plush, blue chair in my office. It’s big and has long, wide arms for all my research material.

When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took?

When I first started publishing, self-publishing was just getting started. I really wanted my book out into the world—and hadn’t a clue how to market or distribute—so going the traditional route seemed my only option. I think today’s author has many more options depending on their personality type. I still think traditional publishing is a strong option, with maybe some hybrid publishing to supplement.

What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?

I love to swing dance! Hubby and I used to take classes, and we still go out dancing when we can. And I like to swim—it’s a great workout. I also go to Yoga class, and I love to garden (when it’s warm out!)

What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing?

Read—and keep reading. And then analyze the books to see what works. I always suggest getting a how-to-write book also. We have a great book at My Book Therapy called, From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you. Study story, and see how your favorite authors deliver it—and then write! You have to keep writing if you want to improve.

What is your favorite book? Favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write?

Favorite secular author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I have a lot of CBA favorites: Dee Henderson, Dee Gist, Rachel Hauck, Melissa Tagg, Beth Vogt, Lisa Jordan, Susan Meissner, Lisa Wingate, and too many more to count. We are blessed in the CBA to have so many amazing authors!

Where did you get the idea for It Had to Be You?

I love the idea of falling in love with ONE person who brings out the best in you. This was very much the idea behind the love story of Jace and Eden, so the song seemed like the right fit. I would hear it in my head—and it became the title.

From idea to final revision, how long did it take to write?

4 months.

Wow! That’s quick. Are you working on anything now?

I am writing number four in the series, tentatively titled, Always on My Mind, about a man who is unravelling a mystery, and in search of a lost treasure, only to discover that the answers can be found with the girl he can’t seem to forget. Of course, it’s the one girl he can’t have.

Please tell us about the story.

It Had to Be You is about Eden Christiansen, an Obits writer who feels she has nothing to offer to the world, and Jace Jacobsen, a hockey player/Enforcer who has spent his life as a tough guy on the ice and feels he has wasted his life. These two are thrown together to help find the identity of a John Doe—and in doing so, they discover that they are much more important to this world—and each other—than they imagined. It’s a story for those who feel they are “standing on the sidelines” of life…

Please give us a peek at the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Eden Christiansen’s career, love life–even her car battery, for that matter was frozen stiffer than the late January cold snap freezing the city of Minneapolis. Icy black snow edged the curbs, the pavement glistened with salty grit. Breath hung between every conversation.

The blue-mercury wind chill blew through the frosted, thin-paned windows of Stub and Herb’s, a restaurant located across the street from the offices of her old haunt, the Minnesota Daily Newspaper.

Back then, Eden would wander over for a burger after a week of reporting and find her co-horts gathered around a fresh issue of the paper, newsprint on their fingers, arguing over the editorials and who landed the stories above the fold.

Back then, it was only a matter of time before she found the perfect story to launch her career as an investigative reporter and earned herself a real byline. Back then, her career was hot. Her future was hot.

Maybe, even she was hot.

Now, her love life could send a deep freeze through Texas. In a white down parka, a lime-green woolen cap and a pair of sensible black Uggs she looked like she might be dressed for dogsledding through the streets of Minneapolis.

No wonder her date’s attention fell upon the gaggle of underdressed college co-eds that pushed through the frosted doors, their messenger bags over their shoulders, young and hopeful as they thumbed the screens of their iPhones. They walked up to the long, wooden bar and waved to friends seated at a nearby table. Overhead, a flat screen spilled out the news; another showed ESPN highlights.

She should have tried harder to put a little flame into the after-work appetizers with Russell. What if his out-of-the blue invitation was the real thing and had nothing at all to do with her brother, Owen’s recent trade to the new Blue-Ox NHL franchise in St. Paul?

She refused to read into it.

Not tonight. Maybe Owen’s change of teams meant a new season for everyone. Time to stop hovering over Owen, worrying about every headline, every interview. He’d earned his accolades. And she’d earned an Owen-free night out.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

www.susanmaywarren.com

Thank you, Suzie, for sharing this new book with us. It sounds wonderful. It's on the top of my to-be-read pile, so it is next.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
It Had to Be You - Christianbook.com
It Had to Be You (Christiansen Family) - Amazon
It Had to Be You (Christiansen Family) - Kindle

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Freelance Writing Courses - IT HAD TO BE YOU - Janice Hanna Thompson - Free Books

My friend, Janice Hanna Thompson has started a new endeavor, and I'm pleased to help support her in this. Welcome, Janice. Could you tell us a little about your new venture?


Of course! Thanks for asking. On April 20th, 2010, I debuted my new writing course “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” at http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/ . The sole purpose of this venture is to teach struggling freelance writers how to earn money with their writing. Here’s how it will work: students can purchase one lesson (for $24.95) or all ten (for $199). They don’t have to feel compelled to buy the whole package, though they will get a package price, if they do. Each lesson will include an audio file and a video Power Point presentation of me teaching the lesson (available with just a click of the mouse), a corresponding audio script, a downloadable worksheet, a bonus feature, and full access to the site’s forum, where I will meet with authors for some group mentoring (at designated times). Right now there are ten lessons, but eventually those ten lessons will become ten separate categories with multiple lessons in each. For example, the current lesson on magazine article writing will eventually have multiple other lessons underneath it—all meant to teach writers how to make money writing articles. People who take these courses will have the benefit of meeting other freelancers in the forum and can also chat with me about their projects. Best of all, the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be available. (I’ll be recording new lessons routinely.) I’m so excited, because I know that struggling freelancers can and will learn how to make money with their writing.

What prompted you to set off on this new adventure?

For years I’ve been writing novels and non-fiction books. I’ve been so blessed to have over fifty books published, as well as dozens of magazine articles and even a movie script. It’s been quite a ride. . .and it’s not ending anytime soon! I’m currently contracted through 2011. The longer I’m in this business, however, the more I’m aware of the basic need of the average freelance author to make “better” money. Sure, many of them eventually sell books. They get advances and royalties, (though, not often in the range they had hoped). As a full-time freelancer, I’ve faced this myself. Several years ago, I found myself hollering, “Where’s the money?” I made up my mind to find as many creative ways as I could to bring in money as a freelancer. I’ve learned so much since then, and want to share what I’ve learned with others, so that they can benefit, too.

Why are you so passionate about teaching others how to make money with their writing?

I meet so many struggling writers. So many are just hoping and praying to sell a book. They pour all of their energies into that venture. Most don’t realize that they could be making money much sooner if they would explore other avenues (besides just books). The possibilities are endless. If I can share what I’ve learned about the money-making aspects of writing, then I’ve helped another struggling writer on his or her journey.

Tell us a little about your own writing.

As I mentioned above, I’ve written just about everything! Most of my writing is for the Christian market, so my stories have a clear faith element. Lately I’ve been writing romantic comedies, (most recently the “Weddings by Bella” series), but I also enjoy writing mysteries, kid’s stories, historicals and more. I continue to write magazine articles, because they provide a great financial supplement. I’m also very excited about my many write-for-hire projects, because a huge chunk of my income comes from those. To learn more about my books visit my author site at http://www.janiceathompson.com/ . Books can be ordered directly from the site.

What has it been like, supporting yourself full-time as a freelancer? Is there really money to be made?

As I mentioned, there was a time (back in 2007) when I wasn’t sure I could do it. At that time, I hadn’t set any real goals for myself. That all changed in the fall of 2007 when I began to strategize about the future of my writing. Instead of worrying about the challenges I faced, I got busy and put together a plan. I began to look for non-traditional ways to earn money with my writing. . .and it worked! That’s not to say I’ve “arrived,” but I have managed to support myself full-time from that point till now.

I would think that the writing industry would be very competitive. Why do you want to see others succeed? Aren’t you shooting yourself in the foot when you hand off potential freelance jobs to other authors?

The writing industry is competitive, but that doesn’t mean I am! Sure, I want to make a name for myself, (most writers do), but I’m equally as interested in training up other writers to be the best they can be. Why? I believe that Christian writers have been called by the Lord to spread His love through their writing. How will they get the word out if someone doesn’t show them the ropes? I love to see others succeed because we’re all one big happy family and we care about each other.

I know that you worked for several years as a writing teacher at a school of the arts. Could you share a little more about that?

From 1996 – 2001 I taught creative writing at a Houston area school of the arts that catered primarily to home-school students. What a blast I had! (Truly, these were some of the best years of my life.) Several of my students traveled with me to national writing conferences (like Mount Hermon and ACFW), and a few went on to be published in various genres. My students will tell you that I was the most creative teacher on the block. I was always looking for a new, fresh way to teach the writing craft. My writing lessons have been compiled into a text, which I titled, “Creative Writing for the Christian Student.” It is available to freelance writing course participants. I love stirring up the creative gifts in my students! I hope that shows in these lessons!

If you could list one of the biggest frustrations that freelance writers face, what would that be?

The biggest frustration of all is this: Some markets don’t want to pay. This is especially true when it comes to the Internet. It’s so challenging to make a living when you can’t figure out who pays and who doesn’t! But that’s why I created this course! There are so many markets that do pay, and many of them are relatively untapped. Freelancers can earn money. . .they just have to discover where the money is! (And I plan to help them in that journey!)

You’ve said there’s money to be made. . .but where? What avenues are available to freelancers?

At http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/ , students will explore multiple areas where they can earn money with their writing. Lessons include:

• Setting Career Goals
• Magazine Article Writing
• Write for Hire Work
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Becoming a Public Speaker
• Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher
• Making Money as an Editor
• Writing and Selling the Non-Fiction Book
• Writing and Selling the Novel
• Secrets From the World of the Pros

Each lesson will cover a host of possibilities and will give real, practical suggestions.

You’ve mentioned other lessons that aren’t yet available. Could you share a few here?

Sure! Each of the ten topics listed above will eventually become its own course (with multiple lessons in each). I’ll be heading back into the recording studio soon to cover the topic of magazine articles more thoroughly. I’ll also record lessons covering all aspects of fiction writing. We’ll talk about passive vs. active writing, plotting, characterization, and much more. I’ve also got a host of lessons coming up related to non-fiction books. We’ll delve into specific topics related to write-for-hire work (my favorite!) and will share a host of lessons on marketing and PR. Hang on for the ride! Participants in these various courses will get the tools they need to work as a pro in the industry.

How, exactly, will these courses work?

When participants sign up and pay, they will be granted access to the “inner sanctum” of the site, where they can view the various components of the lessons, (the audio file, audio script, worksheet, power point and forum). I would suggest folks start with the first lesson (Setting Goals) and go from there. They can print up a copy of the worksheet and follow along with the audio and power point presentation. Then, at a designated time, participants can meet with me in the forum to discuss the topic at hand. I love the fact that this is all so user-friendly and participants can work at their own pace.



If you could tell beginning freelancers one thing, what would it be?

Don’t give up. Keep going and keep looking for creative ways to make money. Examine new markets. Learn all you can about the industry. Become friends with editors. The potential for money-making is there, but much of it is relational.

Why do you feel so strongly about stirring up the gifts?

There’s a scripture I love where the apostle Paul speaks to his young protégé, Timothy: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (II Timothy 1:6 NIV) The King James version uses the words “stir up the gift” instead of “fan into flame the gift.” The idea is the same. Gifts need stirring and fanning. As a published author, I make it my goal to “stir the gifts” of those hoping to be published (or hoping to be published in more markets). I know that these lessons will stir people up. I could sense it as I recorded them. Changing lives. . .and encouraging writers. . .what could be better?

I understand you won the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers “Mentor of the Year” award. Could you tell us more about that? What role does mentoring play in your life and how will you incorporate mentoring into your online writing courses?

I have a theory about mentoring. I believe that everyone should have someone they’re mentoring and someone they’re being mentored by. If we ever think we’re too “big” to be mentored, we’re in trouble! And it’s imperative that we pour into the lives of those who are learning the writing craft, especially if we’re published and/or doing well in the industry. I’m tickled that I received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award. I can think of nothing better to be remembered for than mentoring others, to be quite honest. Writing books is great, sure. And getting my name out there is fun, too. But if I don’t mentor. . .if I don’t pass along what I’ve learned, then my writing is nothing but selfish pleasure. I don’t ever want to be known as a selfish author. I want to be known as a giver and an encourager. My prayer is that people who take this course will see my heart for all writers to succeed and earn money doing what they love!

Janice, where else can people find you on the web?

My freelance writing courses site: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/
My book-related website: http://www.janiceathompson/
My blog: http://janicehannathompson.blogspot.com/
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson?ref=profile
My facebook reader’s page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts

Now let's talk about It Had to be You, your latest Weddings by Bella book.
 
Here's the blurb:

Bella couldn't be happier that her long-feuding Aunt Rosa and Uncle Lazarro have finally admitted their love for one another and are getting married. Their forties-style wedding is sure to be a night to remember. But when the Rossi house begins to fill up with family from Italy--and an old mobster from New Jersey--life starts to get complicated. Will Lazarro's friend from the past drive the happy couple apart once more? And will Bella ever have time to think of her own rapidly-approaching wedding amidst the chaos? Full of laugh-out-loud humor, plenty of Italian passion, and a bit of Texas gumption, It Had to Be You is the satisfying conclusion to an entertaining series.

Thank you, Janice, for spending this time with us. I know there are many people who are interested both in the classes and It Had to be You.

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














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 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. Here’s a link.

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