ALWAYS REMEMBERED - Janelle Mowery - One Free Book

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Welcome back, Janelle. Tell us about your salvation experience.

Every evening after supper, the family would gather in the living room where my mom would read a devotion and my dad would close in prayer. At the age of seven, during one of those devotions, I realized I needed to ask Jesus to be my Savior. My mom led me in the prayer where I accepted Christ as Lord of my life.

I was seven when I asked Jesus to be my Savior, too. You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

The first would be my friend and co-author Elizabeth Ludwig because we’ve shared everything during our writing journey since we met in 2003. Narrowing down a long list to the final three is difficult. I’d love to spend time with so many authors. But I think I’d love to have Kim Sawyer, Francine Rivers, and Tracie Peterson at a retreat because I so admire them, their faith, their writing, and their work ethic.

I love all those women, too. Do you have a speaking ministry?

If so, tell us about that. I wish I had a speaking ministry but I can’t seem to get past my fear of speaking in public.

A lot of authors are like that. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

I’m really struggling to come up with something embarrassing. I seem to do a much better job of embarrassing others … like, I just asked my son if he could think of anything embarrassing about me and he said other than the fact that I manage to mangle my toes from clumsiness, he couldn’t think of anything either.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I’d tell them that writing a book is an admirable ambition. Then I’d add that they will need to be prepared for plenty of hard work and even more patience because there’s nothing easy or quick about becoming published.

So true. Tell us about the featured book.

Always Remembered is set during the time of the very-well-known battle at the Alamo. It begins a month before the battle and ends shortly after the Battle of San Jacinto, when Texas won its independence from Mexico. Much like the movies Pearl Harbor and Titanic, I placed fictional characters into actual historical events in an attempt to help readers see the struggles that were faced during such a turbulent time as they unfold through the eyes of the characters.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Early February 1836

“Let’s go, Mama.”

            Rosa Carter paced in front of the table where her mother sat darning a sock. “Let’s get away from this place. There’s so much of the world yet to be seen. Places much safer than this.”

            “Don’t be silly, Rosa.” Mama glanced up briefly from her sewing. “You know I just got married.” She worked the needle and thread more quickly. “I can’t leave now.”

She stopped directly across the table from her mother, hands on hips. “Didn’t that battle here a couple months ago scare you? It did me. We need to leave before something worse happens.”

            “Battles scare everyone, child. You can’t run from conflict.” She jabbed the needle into the material with force and winced. “Besides, I’m married…”

            Rosa planted her hands on the table and leaned across the worn, wooden planks. “Yes, I know you’re married, but I don’t know why. How could you marry a man who was probably a member of the group who killed my father?”

            Her mother’s slap snaked out faster than a rattler, but Rosa refused the impulse to massage her stinging cheek. “You watch your mouth, Rosa. You may be my daughter, but I’ll not let you speak of my husband like that. Carlos swore to me he wasn’t a part of that massacre. He’s done nothing but work hard to take care of us. You should be thankful rather than sully the name of a good man.”

I can’t wait to read the rest of the story. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me on my website, www.janellemowery.com . I’m also on Facebook and Goodreads.

Thank you, Janelle, for sharing this book with us. As a Texan, I'm always interested in books set in Texas, and I love the historical tie-in.

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

Always Remembered (American Tapestries series)


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.)

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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.

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WHEN TWO HEARTS MEET - Janelle Mowery - Free Book

Welcome, Janelle. How wonderful to have two books release the same month. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? 

I like to write about the spiritual issues I’ve dealt with, like trust, judging others, hope, grace, doubts, fear, and forgiveness.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I only have one other book yet to be released. It is titled Inn Plain Sight, book three in the Massachusetts Mayhem Mystery Series. All three of this mystery series will be released as e-books in November and December as part of the Spyglass Lane Mysteries line. Readers can learn more about this mystery line at http://www.spyglasslanemysteries.com .

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? 

I think I would enjoy an evening with Barbara Bush (and George). They’ve had so many unique experiences, some time with them would be interesting and informative.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? 

This is such a difficult question because there are so many I’d like to meet. I chose Corrie ten Boom the last time. As an author, I enjoy spending time with other authors, so I guess this time I’d like some time with either Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott. They made a great impact on the writing world.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Don’t look at rejections as a negative thing but as a chance to keep honing your writing skills. The agents or editors aren’t saying ‘no’ but ‘not yet’. Take the time to read the how-to books as well as attend writer’s conferences or workshops. Join critique groups. The give and take you get in a critique group are incredibly beneficial. Don’t give up. Everything worthwhile takes effort.

Tell us about the featured book. 

When Two Hearts Meet is about a heroine who has studied to be a nurse, mainly because of how her brother died and she wanted to learn how to help others, but Rachel also has a heart for those who are hurting. The hero is a man who lost his sheriff father in a gunfight. Several years later, Luke becomes a lawman to try to stop the outlaws before they can hurt anyone. But Luke is angry at God for allowing his father to die and has built a wall around his heart. When an unknown assailant makes several attempts on Rachel’s life, she finds herself in need of Luke’s protection. As he hunts for her attacker, he finds he has fallen in love and is faced with the fear that he might lose another loved one. He must decide whether he can learn to rely on God to save her, or run from the love both God and Rachel offer.

Please give us the first page of the book.

 

Warned by the clatter of breaking glass, Luke Mason flung himself from his saddle. Seconds later the sound of gunshots reached his ears. The bullet splintered a branch behind his head. He pulled his pistol and rolled toward the protection of a large pine tree.

 Crazy Sally wasn’t so crazy after all. Her ravings during the past week about strange smells and noises didn’t come from an over active imagination but from the cabin in front of him.

The strong odor of cooking mash proved the presence of a working still inside. Luke stood and peeked from behind the tree. A shadow passed in front of a window followed by more shattering glass and clanging. A string of curses drifted toward him as two men argued. Time to establish some kind of communication with those inside.

“Hello in the cabin!” Silence. “This is Deputy Mason. I’d like to come in and talk.”

Two quick, successive shots were his answer. Luke fired back and moved to another tree to get closer. A bullet landed a foot over his head. Chips of bark pelted his hat. Luke took a deep breath and plunged toward a boulder as he fired several rounds. A thin stream of smoke drifted skyward from the cabin.

Luke hunkered down and reloaded as he prepared to dash toward the structure. He couldn’t believe they’d burn their still on purpose. The fire must have started by accident or else they were planning their escape.

With a tug on his hat, Luke spun around ready to make his move. The thunder of horses’ hooves and wagon wheels coming down the trail made him freeze. He squatted lower and waited.

Way to leave us hanging. How can readers find you on the Internet? 

Readers can find me at www.janellemowery.com or on Facebook.

Thank you, Janelle, for the fun interview.

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

When Two Hearts Meet (Colorado Runaway Series)


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.
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WHEN LOVE GETS IN THE WAY - Janelle Mowery - Free Book

So good to have you back, Janelle. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? 

I’ve written about trust, hope, God’s grace, and the way we judge others. I guess I write about the spiritual issues I’ve struggled with in the past…and I guess at times can still wrestle with.

What other books of yours are coming out soon? 

The final book of this Colorado Runaway series, When Two Hearts Meet, has also released this month. Then after my last mystery, Inn Plain Sight, releases in December, I have no other books coming out, but I do have several proposals out that are being considered.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? 

I think it would be fun to spend some time with the oldest man or woman alive so I could ask questions about their life, get their story and thoughts about what history was really like.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? 

I guess the first person on my list would be Corrie ten Boom. I’ve admired her since I was a young girl. She went through so many struggles and still maintained her faith.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?  

Don’t look at rejections as failures but a chance to learn more. You want your readers to enjoy your stories and if the publishers see a need for more work and growth, take the time to find your weakness and make it stronger. Never give up. Even the multi-published authors can learn and must continually work on improvement.

Tell us about the featured book. 

When Love Gets in the Way was such a fun book to write. Grace was such an accident-prone character, but she wasn’t the only one affected by her clumsiness. Poor Cade spent most of his time ducking and wanting to run, but he couldn’t seem to pull himself away from spending time with the awkward heroine. But I think my favorite part of the story is when she finally learns the true meaning of grace and sacrifices her freedom for the sake of those she loves.

Please give us the first page of the book. 

Her mama once said that men thought with their hands long before the reaction reached their brain. Now, with this scowling fellow pointing a gun at her, Grace Bradley had to agree with the voice of wisdom.

He cocked his pistol. “Show yourself. And no sudden moves. I ain’t afraid to shoot.”

How on earth was she going to talk her way out of this one? Maybe hiding under the tarp tied of Cade Ramsey’s wagon wasn’t one of the brightest things she’d ever done, but desperation forced extreme measures.

Truth be told, it was his own fault she’d been discovered. He was the one who’d managed to hit every stinkin’ hole in the road. Each bump jarred her bones into an unmerciful meeting with the lumber stacked in his wagon bed. The last jolt forced a loud gasp from her, and her final shred of hope for freedom had vanished with the click of the gun hammer.

“I said show yourself or I’ll shoot.”

“Hold your horses. I’m coming out.” Hair draped over her face, and she puffed it away from her mouth. “Put that gun away before you hurt someone.”

How can readers find you on the Internet? 

They can learn more on my website at www.janellemowery.com and also on Facebook.


Thank you, Janelle, for visiting with us today.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
When Love Gets in the Way (Colorado Runaway Series)


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

WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE - Janelle Mowery - Free Book

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Welcome back, Janelle. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’ve always loved history and would read pretty much anything from days gone by. I also love mysteries and grew up nearly memorizing Nancy Drew stories. Combining history and mystery seemed a natural step as I wrote my stories.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Oh goodness. There are so many sweet and happy days. I dearly love my husband and am thankful the Lord blessed me with him. I believe it’s because of our union that all the other happy days came into existence.

How has being published changed your life?

Creating and writing novels has certainly filled any down time I used to have. I’m much more busy than I used to be. It’s also made me think about doing a better job of organizing my life, but organization has yet to take hold.

What are you reading right now?

I just received Raider’s Heart by Marcia Gruver. She has a very unique and enjoyable writer’s voice.

I love Marcia's books, too. What is your current work in progress?

My work in progress is currently titled Comes a Storm, about yet another tomboy heroine, but this one is out for revenge. I’ve written several stories about feminine heroines. I was ready to get back to a heroine who is a bit more rough and tumble.

What would be your dream vacation?

Oh, I love this question. My husband asked the very same thing. I would love to drive from northern New Mexico up through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and over to Idaho, then on to the west coast and catch a cruise ship to Alaska and spend a few days there before heading home again. We hope to do this within the next two to three years.

Sounds like a lot of fun. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I love the states west of the Mississippi, preferably one with mountains. My next work in progress is set in Wyoming.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I used to paint with oils and acrylics, but that hobby fell by the wayside when I discovered my true love of creating stories. I guess now my only other real hobby is just spending time outdoors, though every once in a while I also enjoy looking through antique shops. My mind goes wild when I pick up certain items and wonder who used to use them and what their life might have been like.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Description is what I wrestle with the most. I know it’s necessary to entrench a reader into my setting and help them see what I’m picturing, but I like writing action and description slows me down. I usually have to go back and put it in as I’m editing.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

This is not an easy road you’ve chosen. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and patience. But don’t give up. Keep working at improving. Get involved with a critique group and attend conferences when you can. When the time is right, meaning in God’s time not yours, you’ll be blessed with a contract.

Tell us about the featured book.

Bobbie McIntyre is chasing her dream of owning a ranch. Jace Kincaid is trying to fulfill his father’s dream of running a large and successful ranch. As the two deal with hardships, rustlers, and distrust, they see their dreams disintegrate.

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Colorado Territory 1872

I’ll be dead in a minute. Maybe less.

Bobbie McIntyre spurred her horse. “Faster, Mack. Hurry.” She peeked over her shoulder, saw the man’s gun poised at her back. Her heart thudded harder than the beat of Mack’s hooves.

“Go, Mack!” The wind swallowed her plea.

The bandit was gaining ground fast. She leaned lower over the saddle. The cold mountain air blurred her vision and whistled past her ears. Mack’s chest heaved and sweat streamed down his neck. He stumbled, then righted again.

She veered left toward the boulders, pulled her pistol from her holster, then turned in the saddle and aimed.

Something slammed into her back. Her gun blasted before it slipped from her grasp. She hit the ground, knocking the breath from her. A heavy weight pressed her down, then rolled off her. She lay dazed.

What happened?

The click of a gun hammer set fire to panic. She scooped up a fistful of soil and stones, pushed to her knees…and stared into the steel barrel of a pistol. The dirt in her hand trickled through her fingers to the ground.

She peered around for her own gun and faced another barrel. Two men. At least that answered her question of what threw her from the saddle. The second man must’ve been hiding behind the boulder she’d planned to use for protection. She stilled while her mind scrambled for a way out of her mess.

The tall, scruffy man grinned. “Well, looky here, Jace. We chased a man and caught us a gal.”

Wow! I can hardly wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I can be found on my website: http://www.janellemowery.com/ and also on facebook.

Thank you so much, for the fun interview, Janelle.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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 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.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

LOVE FINDS YOU IN SILVER CITY, IDAHO - Janelle Mowrey - Free Book

Now I'm featuring Janelle Mowery with a solo book. Welcome, Janelle. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think there’s a little bit of me in each of my heroines. I’m a bit of a tomboy and that’s in a couple of my characters. I love to laugh and make others join me. I’ve written that in some of my characters. Just little things like that go into each story.


What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh goodness. I guess jumping out of an airplane could qualify as being quirky. Not to mention the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed my skydiving adventure.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I tried to start writing novels the beginning of 2001. At the ACFW conference in 2003, I had an editor, a copy editor, and a published author tell me I had a great story. That’s when I started believing I really was a writer.

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

I love reading mysteries, suspense novels, as well as historical romances. I’ve ended up combining all of those in my historical stories. Most of my historicals have a touch of mystery.

I love that. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m glad you didn’t ask my friends this question because they’d probably tell you I’m not sane. :-) But when I need some down time, I spend time out on our property. We have some areas that are almost completely devoid of modern noises. There have been many times I’ve gotten to watch the deer romp, or when they notice me, they will wander close to check me out until they get too nervous. But I also take a great deal of pleasure in just sitting with my husband out there enjoying God’s creation in the peaceful silence.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I use names that seem to fit the area of the country I’m writing about. There are also times I’ve used names that I’ve always loved or the names of people who have meant a lot to me and I want to pay tribute to them. Other times, I’ve used names that have a similar meaning to my theme or strong character trait.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I would have to say our two sons. They have become amazing young men.

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

I think I’d want to be one of Kim Sawyer’s cats. She treats them like royalty.

That's right. What is your favorite food?

I love prime rib, especially from Texas Roadhouse.

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

I have two. Note that I used the word "have." I still fight with the rule about R.U.E…"resist the urge to explain." I have a tendency to over explain in my stories rather than have dialogue and action tell the story. The other is myself…my self-doubt that tends to crop up every so often. I’m thankful for friends that continually encourage me.

Tell us about the featured book.

Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, is about a young woman, Rebekah Weaver, who was burned in what she thought was an accident. She thinks she’s healed both inside and out until her father’s handsome new assistant arrives on the scene and she worries he won’t see past her scarred exterior. Nathaniel Kirkland is working undercover to investigate a series of explosions in the mines and businesses of Silver City. As the two work together to uncover the perpetrator, what they find will lead them to the source of true beauty.

Sounds really interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Summer 1869

“The next time I get my hands on him…”

Whump.

“…he won’t stand a chance.”

Rebekah Weaver took careful aim at the dark green oval in the center of the rug, then swung the beater with all her strength.

Whack! That was better. Right on target and sure to be felt. She struck the rug two more times for good measure, then stood back and observed her handiwork with a satisfied smile.

“You keep hitting the rug that way, Rebekah, and there won’t be much of a pattern left.”

At her mother’s voice, Rebekah’s smile dissolved. She turned and lifted her apron to wipe the perspiration from her forehead and neck. “I didn’t hear you get back.” She must look a sight—what with all the dust she’d removed from the rug reattaching itself to her skin. “Do you need help unloading the supplies?”

“If it keeps you from stripping my favorite rug of every thread, yes.” After setting one large basket on the porch, her mom headed back for another. “What’s got you riled? I know that poor carpet is innocent.”

Rebekah leaned the rug beater against the house and emulated her mother’s regal walk as she followed her to the buggy. “Your son...” She blew out a breath that could start a windstorm.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can learn more about me on my website, http://www.janellemowery.com/. I’m also on Facebook and Shoutlife.

Thank you for spending this time with us, Janelle.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.














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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

A WOODLANDS CHRISTMAS - Ramona Cecil, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowry, Tamela Hancock Murray - 3 Free Books

Today, we're talking to the authors of another Christmas novella collection--A Woodlands Christmas. First we'll talk to Ramona Cecil. How did your story for the collection come about?

I actually wrote the basic story several years ago. In 2005, it won first place in a novel contest sponsored by the East Texas Writers’ Association of Longview, Texas.

What are you reading right now?

The Overton Window, the new political thriller by Glenn Beck. Though quite a departure from the Christian romance novels I usually read, I’m finding the book both riveting and informative.

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

(A.) Larkspur, a romance set in an Indiana prairie settlement in 1835. It was published in 2006 by Vintage Romance Publishing after winning first place in their 2005 Vintage Inspirations Contest.
(B) Brooksbury, an unpublished romance novel set in 1505 England.
(C) London Holiday and Train To Eden, two unpublished contemporary romance novellas set in England.
(D) Orion’s Daughter, an unpublished Christian historical novella set on an 1859 whaling ship out of New Bedford, Massachusetts.
(E) Sweet Forever, Christian historical novel published in 2008 by Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents line.
(F) Everlasting Promise, Christian historical novel published in 2008 by Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents line.
(G) Charity’s Heart, Christian historical novel published in 2008 by Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents line.
(E), (F), and (G) comprise Freedom’s Crossroad, Barbour Publishing’s three-in-one collection of Indiana historical romances just released in May.
(H) The Heritage, an unpublished full length Christian historical romance novel.
(I) The Healing, an unpublished full length Christian historical romance novel.

I’m presently working on another full length Christian historical romance novel set in 1870 and inspired by the history of the southern Indiana town in which I live.

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

In my case, it was rewriting my already written story to fit the theme of the collection. My story, which was originally set near Dallas, Texas, had to be rewritten to fit East Texas, which has a much different topography and history from the northern central part of the state. I also had to write into my story the character of Gabe Noell, the itinerate woodcarver/preacher who appears in all four stories of the collection and make sure my description of him coordinated with that of the other authors.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I really enjoyed it. It was fun to see how Darlene, Janelle, and Tamela wove their own Christmas stories around our common character, Gabe.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

My heroine’s name is Bridget O’Keefe. I knew I wanted her to be a petite red-head with green eyes and be of Irish heritage. I’ve always liked the Irish girl’s name, Bridget. I’m not sure how I came up with O’Keefe. I’m thinking I might have heard it on TV around the time I began plotting the story. My hero’s name is Seth. It’s a name from the Bible I have always liked, but had never used in one of my stories, so I thought this was a great place to use it. I wanted to give Seth a Germanic sounding surname because his backstory was inspired by the true story of the son of Goodleck Koozer of Henrietta, Texas.

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

That holding grudges enslaves the heart and spirit, while forgiveness is freeing. Also, don’t fight against God’s will, because He always wants the best for us.

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

Yes. I joined in 2002 because I knew I needed help and support if I was to ever realize my dream of becoming a published writer. As a writer of Christian fiction, ACFW was a no-brainer. I’m quick to testify that joining this group of wonderful writers—many of whom are now dear friends—was key in helping me on my road to publication.

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

Two, really; have an open, teachable heart, and never, never, never give up.

Thank you, Ramona. Now we're going to talk to Darlene Franklin. How did your story for the collection come about?

I was intrigued by the idea of an artist searching for a woman with Mary’s face—and character (I had worked on earlier proposal with the same theme). So when we decided that each story would include an itinerant woodcarver, I knew he would carve a nativity set and my hero would paint Mary’s face.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading the other Carol finalists in the mystery category (My books, A String of Murders, is a finalist as well). So I’m reading The Case of the Mystified M.D. by A.K. Arenz. I’m also reading The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis, Dakota Cowboy by Linda Ford and Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs. I’d say that a fairly representative selection. I read mysteries for fun; romances for fun and business; and nonfiction for edification.

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

I have several unpublished books, since I wrote about one book a year while waiting for that elusive first sale.

Heartsong Presents has published 3 of my romances so far:

Romanian Rhapsody (with the sequels, Plainsong and Knight Music, due out next year), all contemporary romance
Beacon of Love (one of three stories in the newly released Seaside Romance), a historical romance set in a Rhode Island light house during a hurricane.
Prodigal Patriot, the first of three historical romances set in Vermont. Books 2 (Bridge to Love) and 3 (Love’s Raid) are on their way.

Like Janelle, I had the privilege of writing for Heartsong Presents Mysteries. Two of the books have already been released: Gunfight at Grace Gulch and A String of Murders (the Carol award finalist). I’m hopeful that the third book, Paint Me a Puzzle, will come out next year.

I’ve also been in two previous novella collections: Snowbound Colorado Christmas and Wild West Christmas.

And I was in both of the last two collections with Darlene. What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Working with other writers always involves adjusting to everyone’s schedules and writing styles. But that’s part of what is wonderful about it. Together, we make a dynamic team!

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I was awestruck when I read our stories. Together, we have created a collection that will touch lives. It’s such a great way to invest in the lives of other writers.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Given my take on the story of Mary and Joseph, I chose rather obvious names. My hero is Joseph “Joey” Carpenter. I used the nickname Polly for my heroine, Mary Jessup.

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

I hope the readers will learn to look for character over outer beauty, and to seek to develop the qualities that set Mary apart for themselves.

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

I joined ACFW in 2005. I guess I waited to see if this upstart organization was going to take off, and oh, boy, it did! (I’ve been writing since 1991.) It provides an international fellowship of writers who support each other. I learn, I fellowship, and I keep up with trends in my profession. If you’re a writer of Christian fiction, you should belong to ACFW. It’s as simple as that.

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

Perhaps it’s to grow tough skin. Rejection and bad reviews are part of every writer’s life.

Thank you, Darlene. Janelle Mowry is coming up next. How did your story for the collection come about?

I had a story idea sketched out but had yet to start writing it. When we decided on our story theme, I adjusted the story to make it fit.


What are you reading right now?

LOL. Believe it or not, I’m reading Dwight Swain’s Techniques of the Selling Writer. I feel it never hurts to refresh one’s memory about proper writing techniques.

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

I’ve written a three book series, The Colorado Runaways, for Harvest House, the first titled When All Your Dreams Come True to be released Feb. 1, 2011. Books 2 and 3 of this series will also be released in 2011. I’ve also written Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, for Summerside Press to be released Oct. 1, 2010. I’ve also co-authored a three book mystery series, Massachusetts Mayhem Mysteries, with Elizabeth Ludwig. The first book, titled Where the Truth Lies, was published in 2008. Books 2 and 3, titled Died in the Wool and A Black Die Affair, will release in 2011. I’ve written three other stories, two of which will probably never see the light of day. The other may find its way back to my computer screen one day.

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

The hardest part for me was making sure the character who appears in each of our stories both looked and sounded the same. But the ladies I worked with are great and simplified the task.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

They taught me how to write much tighter, how to find the sentences that weren’t necessary and delete them without too much pain. This was the first short story I’d ever written, so new lessons were involved for me. Tamela, Ramona, and Darlene were great to work with.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I use names I’ve always loved. Other times, I try to make them sound like the region they’ve come from. For my heroine in this story, I wanted a southern-sounding name, which led to Emma Rose Pickett. It just seemed to fit.

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

I hope the readers will learn that anger and vengeance only hurts the one holding tightly to them. That walking in God’s will with a spirit of love and forgiveness brings freedom and healing.

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

I joined ACFW in 2002 after an author I’ve admired for years told me about the group. The authors taught me much and what I learned was a significant part of my journey to becoming a published author.

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

Besides the need to join ACFW? Never stop learning.

Thank you, Janelle. Now I'm going to talk Tamela Hancock Murray, one of my favorite people. How did your story for the collection come about?


I love how Gabe is present through the book, and I felt led to write about him as a long-lost grandfather. Often people inspired by great preachers don’t think about the fact that the ministers have family lives, too. Since Gabe is mysterious, I thought readers would be interested in learning more about Gabe and from whence he came, since for this set we had decided not to go with the “Is he really an angel?” route.

What are you reading right now?

In additional to my devotional reading, I’m one of those crazy people who reads several novels at once. I’m reading THE GLASSBLOWER by Laurie Alice Eakes, A PROMISE FOR SPRING by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and next on my list is BECOMING LUCY by Martha Rogers. I am proud to be a literary agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and I am blessed to represent all three of these authors.

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

My credits include many novels, novellas, and some Bible trivia bools. I invite you to find out about them at: http://www.tamelahancockmurray.com/. I am excited that two of my Bible trivia books, BIBLE SURVIVAL and LOST AND FOUND, have just been reissued as a set in one book. I am honored that my most recent Heartsong Presents novel, THE MASTER’S MATCH, was among readers’ top picks for the year. The cover also received recognition. I am grateful to the talented people who put together such beautiful artwork.

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

Writing about settings other than where you grew up or where you have travelled often presents a challenge to me. I want to be sure to make the setting as authentic as I can, at the very least including landmarks and appropriate plants, birds, and temperature. I have enjoyed visiting Texas but for me, writing the setting wasn’t as organic as writing about my home state of Virginia. For example, I’m cold-natured so my impulse when writing about winter is to have everyone bundled in heavy coats, maybe even fur, but the part of Texas in question here meant people dressed for moderate winters.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I am so blessed to be friends with all my collaborators. The set went quite smoothly. It’s great to work with professionals such as Ramona Cecil, Darlene Franklin, and Janelle Mowery.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

We chose the last name to fit the Christmas theme, and Gabriella is named after her grandfather, Gabe. I try to stay with the time period for all my characters. For example, if I am writing a story set in 1880, I try to find popular baby names for the year 1850 or 1860. I have several books to help me.

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

Gabe’s son wants to reconcile with him after years of unforgiveness. I hope that my story will encourage readers not to put off reconciliation, forgiveness, apologies, or simply contacting a long-lost person to be back in touch. All of us have someone in our lives we need to contact. As soon as you read the last two questions of this interview, please do so! :-)

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

Yes. They are a great organization comprised of many publishing professionals. I like that they welcome beginners as well as people who’ve been in the business for decades. Some organizations have such stringent rules for admission that gaining entry is next to impossible. Other organizations charge high fees for admission. Since so many CBA writers are in ministry, this can be a burden. I appreciate ACFW’s openness to all types of writers, and the fact that for most people, dues are affordable. I also appreciate that they run critique groups, a prayer loop, a main loop, and other loops and forums to help people who want to focus on a specific need or topic. They also run a top notch conference each year.

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

Write 1000 words a day. If you do, you will complete a trade-length novel in three months.


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