THE POTTER'S LADY - Judith Miller - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve long been a fan of Judith Miller’s books. She writes the kind of romantic historical novels that I like best. I think you’ll love them, too.

Welcome back, Judith. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’ve recently completed the Refined by Love series set in West Virginia, and truly enjoyed that project. In addition, I joined with Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson for the recently released Christmas novella collection, A Basket Brigade Christmas. As for the horizon, I’ve recently signed a contract for another book with Bethany House, and I’m considering several other projects that have piqued my interest.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband, Jim, passed away five years ago so I’ve been adjusting to a new normal, but am finally adjusting to life on my own. I have three adult children, one in Iowa, one in Missouri, and one who lives here in Topeka. Most importantly, I have a 20-month old granddaughter who keeps me smiling and busy.

They have a way of doing that. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, my reading habits have changed. I try to read as much as possible between projects, but much of my reading ends up being research. While I love research and combing books for nuggets of information, it’s not the same as enjoying a good novel. While I’m working on a project, I tend to read in another genre. When I’m between projects, I read historicals.

What are you working on right now?

I’ve just begun my new book, and it will be set in the early 1900’s. The rest is a secret for now, but it entails an interesting slice of history that I think readers will enjoy.

I’m sure they will. What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy Bible studies, walking, knitting, volunteer work, and spending time with my children and friends

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Many times my settings have developed as I’ve discovered information through research for other books. Some of the others have occurred because I visited the setting or a reader recommended a particular setting to me. Many of my books have developed due to setting. If I have no interest in the setting, the story doesn’t captivate me.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

The amount of time I would need to devote to studying the craft and the amount of self-discipline it takes to complete a novel.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To work toward being my best self all of the time.

We all need that. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Study the craft by attending conferences and studying good books on writing

Read, read, read

Develop self-discipline so you meet deadlines and have a less stressful writing experience

Tell us about the featured book.

The Potter’s Lady is the second book in the Refined by Love series although readers can read the books on their own. There’s enough information that they won’t feel they’ve miss out on something if they begin with book two.

This book features Rose McKay the oldest of the McKay sisters. She has just completed her education at the Philadelphia School of Design and convinces her brother and his wife that the family should invest in a pottery in Grafton, West Virginia.

With her talents and education, she believes the business can become successful. Rylan Campbell remains as a valued employee of the company. He likes Rose, but he dislikes change and he certainly doesn’t trust Joshua Harkness, a man from Rose’s past.

 

When the company begins to lose their bids and it appears Rose’s dreams of success will fail, she convinces her brother they should enter a contest announced by the Franklin Hotels. Rose and Rylan work together to create something magnificent, but Rylan must convince Rose her trust in Joshua has been misplaced.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 1872

Rose McKay stared out the narrow window of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. Her gaze darted between passing buggies and wagons before perusing the pedestrians traversing Broad Street. Where was Ewan? Her brother said he’d be here by two o’clock. If he didn’t hurry, they’d miss their train.

“Why don’t you sit down, Rose? Staring out the window isn’t going to make your brother appear any sooner.” Mrs. Fisk, director of the school, nodded toward one of the perfectly arranged chairs in the sitting room.

Inimitable paintings and sculptures, all of them fashioned by students who had attended the school, adorned the entry hall and sitting room where visitors were received. To have a creation displayed in either place was considered the most prestigious award any student could achieve. Each year, one student received the Excellence in Design Award. Along with the plaque came the honor of having one piece of work on display. Rose’s heart warmed at the thought of her own work joining those of the previous students.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is at: www.judithmccoymiller.com Readers can email me through my website and also sign-up for my newsletter. 

Thank you, Judith, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Potter's Lady - Christianbook.com
The Potter's Lady (Refined by Love) - Amazo
The Potter's Lady (Refined by Love Book #2) - Kindle

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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE BRICKMAKER'S BRIDE - Judith Miller - One Free Book + Much More

Readers, I absolute loved The Brickmaker’s Bride. I haven’t read many books set in this time period, but the setting was so vivid, I felt as if I were walking through the countryside. And the characters were walking right beside me. I highly recommend this book.

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

I have a deep interest in history and a deep love of the Lord. Writing inspirational historical fiction gives me the opportunity to research history, study God’s word, and then to share what I learn with my readers. What a blessing!

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

Wow! That’s a difficult question. There are so many good things that have happened to me, but I would have to say the day I married my husband, Jim.

How has being published changed your life?

When I first began writing, I was working full time as a compliance analyst with the Kansas Insurance Department. After several years being published, I was able to quit my job and write full time. Also, I now have more time to conduct travel and conduct research. Another thing that has changed is that I’m frequently asked to speak to different groups regarding my books and my faith.

What are you reading right now?

I just completed Laura Frantz’s latest book, Love’s Fortune, and I would highly recommend it. 

What is your current work in progress?

I am just beginning the synopsis for the third book in the Refined by Love series. I turned in book two, The Potter’s Lady, a couple weeks ago and am awaiting rewrites on that book.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’m planning a European River Cruise next year, so I suppose that would be my dream vacation. However, I have to add that one of the highlights of my traveling life was going to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic with a group of descendants from the Amana Colonies several years ago. I’d done so much research about Amana that it made the trip very exciting for me.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Setting is extremely important to me. In fact, I usually have a setting before I have a story. I do my best to discover unique settings for my novels and/or unique trades or professions for my characters. Sometimes readers will suggest a particular area and I’ll always check out what they suggest. My last six books were set in the Amana Colonies in Iowa, because of the suggestion of friend. She suggested I visit for myself and decide if the area would provide a good setting. On my first visit, I knew she was correct. I discovered the rich cultural and spiritual beliefs of the people and stories were soon emerging in my head.

My current series is set in West Virginia for several reasons. Much of my paternal heritage is in West Virginia and I wanted to reveal the beauty of the northwestern and central portion of the state as well as some of the interesting professions of the area. In The Brickmaker’s Bride, the rich clay deposits become important to the brickmaking profession of the male protagonist who is Scots-Irish and comes to the United States, just as my Scots-Irish ancestors came to this country and settled in the area of Virginia that later became West Virginia.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Beth Moore. She is such a godly woman and her teachings never fail to touch my heart and reveal new truths to me. I’d love to share a pot of tea with her.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I used to do a lot of scrapbooking, but recently I’ve been knitting for my little granddaughter. I’ve made far more blankets and shawls than she’ll ever need.

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

I plot my books in advance, but sometimes a character takes off to do his or her own thing. When that happens, I sometimes find myself uncertain how to get out of the predicament. I can think more clearly if I stand in the shower with the water running over me, so that sometimes will give me a solution. If that doesn’t work, I take a long walk and do the “what if” game with myself.

Oh, yes, I’ve used shower times that way. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Study the craft of writing and don’t be in a big hurry. Instead, be sure that the proposal you submit to an agent or publisher is the very best you can make it.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Brickmaker’s Bride is set in the hills of West Virginia, where two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brickmaking business. Their venture leads them into bad business deals, betrayal, heartbreak, and love. If Hugh Crothers has his way, his nephew, Ewan McKay, will never become a full partner in his brickmaking business, but a budding romance between Ewan and Laura Woodfield may thwart Hugh’s plans.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Along the banks of the Tygart Valley River, West Virginia

September 1868

An unexpected rush of sentiment caught Laura Woodfield by surprise. She tightened her grip on Winston Hawkins’s arm as she stepped down from the carriage. Why did entering the brickyard, even the one established by her father, provoke such an awkward show of emotion?

            Winston patted her gloved hand. “You have more strength in that small hand than I would have ever imagined. Don’t falter now.”

             “I’m sorry.” Laura loosened her grasp and forced a smile. “This place holds many memories, and I haven’t been down here since…” The final words caught in her throat.

            Her father hadn’t returned from the war. Still, the Tygart River continued to flow, and the seasons still changed without fail. Fall had arrived and the ancient trees that surrounded the Tygart River Valley were already bursting with color. Her father had often declared God had given him the most beautiful place in the world to perform his labor, and Laura agreed.

            While her friends had longed to move to Wheeling, Allegheny City, or Pittsburgh, Laura remained content, feeling more at home in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains.

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.judithmccoymiller.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjudithmiller

Thank you, Judith, for sharing this new book and giveaway with us.

Readers, 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

A PATCHWORK CHRISTMAS - Stephanie Grace Whitson, Judith Miller, Nancy Moser - 2 Free Books

It's that time of year again. Christmas stories and novella collections are coming out. I'm happy to host three of my favorite authors with their novella collection.

How did your story for the collection come about?

Stephanie: Many years ago I read an anecdote written by a sod house pioneer involving a snowbound train. It was only a couple of paragraphs of a pioneer’s memory, but the idea captivated me. When I heard that Barbour was open to new ideas for Christmas collections, I remembered that snowbound train on the prairie, and I contacted my agent to see if she thought Barbour would be interested in an anthology with a quilt theme. The answer was yes, so I invited two of my best writing friends—and two women whose historical fiction I admire—Judith Miller and Nancy Moser to join the project. 

What are you reading right now?

Judith:  I just finished Laura Frantz’s new book, Love’s Reckoning—I highly recommend it!

Nancy:  I’m rereading A Tale of Two Cities.  I love Dickens.

Steph: I’ve been re-reading A Patchwork Christmas, now that I have the actual book in my hands. It’s fun to see how Judy and Nancy’s stories ended up, after all our brain-storming and after the final edit. I’m also reading My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok.

What other books have you had published?

Judith: Since all of us are multi-published, it might be best for readers to take a peek at our websites where they’ll find complete lists of our books. www.judithmccoymiller.com  www.stephaniegracewhitson.com and www.nancymoser.com

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

Stephanie: For me personally, the “extras” were the hardest part about this project. Finding recipes our readers would enjoy, coordinating the craft projects, and then working out the details of the give-away associated with the book’s release took a lot more time than I thought it would. And I still have to make the doll quilt we’re giving away!

Nancy:  Writing short!  I’m used to writing over 100,000 words, so to write a story in 33,000?  That was a tough one.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Stephanie: It helped me a lot, because it was like having two extra editors, since we critiqued each other’s work as we developed our stories. I loved that part of the process.

Nancy:  I agree I like having two other pairs of eyes.  Plus, considering Judy and Steph are my best buds… it was a joy.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Nancy:  I go to the social security site, and put in the birth year for the most popular names: Names by Birth Year  This is for years 1879 and after, but many are applicable to earlier years too.

Steph: I collect names from local histories related to my setting and around the era that my story takes place. I also collect names from cemeteries.

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

Nancy:  God’s ways are not our ways.  And He is patient and will achieve His will even if we get on the wrong track!

Steph:  God is often doing His best work when, to us, it looks like circumstances out of our control have ruined everything.  

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

Judith: Yes, I joined back when the organization first began and have continued my         membership ever since. I enjoy the fellowship of other writers.

Steph: Yes, I’m a member. It’s a great resource, both for information and for fellowship.

Nancy:  Yes, I’m also a member.  It’s amazing how many writers there are, all with the same goal to publish for Him.

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

Nancy:  Be willing to edit, to take criticism.  Actually, editing is my favorite part because I finally get some feedback.  Often I’ve thought a story was right-on, when an editor showed me how it could be much, much better. 95% of the time, I implement their suggestions.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

www.stephaniewhitson.com, www.Facebook.stephaniegracewhitson.com, www.footnotesfromhistory.blogspot.com

www.judithmccoymiller.com, https://www.facebook.com/JudithMcCoyMiller

www.writespassage.blogspot.com

www.nancymoser.com, https://www.facebook.com/nancymoser.author

Thank you, ladies, for the interesting article. And I just love the quilt samples you shared with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Patchwork Christmas: Three Christmas Romances with Bonus Handcraft Patterns and Cookie Recipes - paperback
A Patchwork Christmas: Three Christmas Romances with Bonus Handcraft Patterns and Cookie Recipes - Kindle


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

SOMEWHERE TO BELONG - Judith Miller - Free Book

This is the first time to have Judith on my blog, and I'm thrilled. Judy, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think there is a portion of me in all of my main characters. I don’t do it intentionally, but it does come through. Sometimes they’re a mixture of me, friends, acquaintances, my children or other relatives. Because we’re all impacted by people in our lives, I think those characteristics tend to come through as we’re writing—at least they do for me.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Since researching and writing The Carousel Painter, I’ve become a carousel enthusiast. I attended the National Carousel Association convention in Philadelphia and made it my business to ride as many different animals as possible during our visits to eleven different carousels. We were able to ride several times at each carousel, so I think I’ve managed to ride all of the ones on my list except the flirting rabbit. But I’m determined to ride one of those in the near future. For anyone interested, a flirting rabbit is a rabbit that has one paw in the air as if waving or flirting with you.

I could go for several carousel rides. I love them. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Not until 1995. I have always been a prolific readers, but it was during the time that I was commuting over sixty miles each way to work that I began developing a story about a young girl who came west in a covered wagon. I couldn’t get the story out of my head and decided I had to write it. My husband grew weary of me talking about it and finally told me I should either write it or quit talking about it—so I wrote it. That book was my first and was published by the Heartsong Presents line in 1996. I’ve been writing ever since.

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

I truly enjoy historicals more than anything (I know—go figure), but I do read contemporary—both secular and Christian. I also like to read biographies and non-fiction history books. I don’t read anything that is extremely scary—I can scare myself enough without going to scary movies or reading scary books, although I enjoy a good mystery. I don’t read sports books and I rarely read science fiction. I do try to keep abreast of what’s going on in the market, and read books that are current.

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

I have authored or co-authored (with Tracie Peterson) more than twenty-five books. Most of them are listed on my website at http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/

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

By spending quiet time with the Lord. I think we need to take time to be alone with God if we’re going to accomplish the tasks He’s given us.

I so agree. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I enjoy walking through cemeteries. I keep a small notebook in my purse so that when I travel and am able to stop at a cemetery, I can write down the name of the cemetery and unique names and inscriptions I find on headstones. For instance, while researching for the Daughters of Amana series, I visited cemeteries in the Amana Colonies and used a few names I discovered there. Usually I’ll mix a first name with a different last name. When writing about different ethic groups, I’ll sometimes search on the internet and have found some names in that way, as well.

I’ve come up with a few names when I’ve met people at book signings or speaking engagments, as well. The main character in The Carousel Painter is named Carrington Brouwer. During a book tour through Canada, we signed at Dove Book Store in Lethbridge. The storeowners’ granddaughter and grandson came into the store to meet us. Her name is Carrington Brouwer and her brother’s name is Tyson. I used both of their names in that book, although I had to change Tyson’s last name. I did ask permission of both the children and their parents, and they were delighted to have their names in a book.

In my next book, I borrowed (with his permission) one of our friends' last name for the villain. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My marriage to my husband, Jim, and my children.

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

I think I’d have to be a zebra so I could have those vertical stripes to make me look a little thinner.

What is your favorite food?

Oh, my. That depends on when you ask me. Unfortunately, I like almost any food, but warm homemade bread, biscuits, and rolls with butter come close to the top of my list.

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

Comparing my writing to others. I’m not sure I have it completely under control, but God is working on me. I now accept that every author has a different and unique voice and that comparing one author to another is much like comparing apples and oranges. While reading another author’s book, I’m forced to keep reminding myself of that fact.

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

Attend writers’ conferences, purchase and study craft books, get into a good critique group, and write, write, write.

Tell us about the featured book?

Somewhere to Belong is the first book in the Daughters of Amana series. Each book in the series is independent, but they will all be set at different times and in different villages that make up the Amana Colonies in Iowa. I hope readers will enjoy a look at this unique group of people who left Europe to escape religious persecution and settled first in New York and then moved to Iowa. I found great pleasure researching and writing about these wonderful people. And for anyone who hasn’t been there, the Amana Colonies are a wonderful place to visit! Most of the structures are still in existence and woolens are still produced at the woolen mill and handcrafted and other handmade items can still be purchased there.

From the Back Cover:

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Now she must make difficult choices about a new life and the man she left behind.

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, and when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, Berta’s rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1
March 1877
Amana Colonies, Iowa

Johanna Ilg

Rigid as a barn pole, I stood planted in the parlor doorway with my gaze fixed upon the pink feather-and-plume bedecked hat. Sparkling pins held it atop wavy dark tresses that crimped and coiled. The girl’s hair reminded me of the curly leaf lettuce we forced to early growth in our hotbeds each spring. An artificial rose peeked from beneath the curvy brim like a vigilant watchman. Although the visitors to our villages sometimes adorned themselves in outlandish costumes, the hat perched upon this young lady’s head surpassed anything I’d ever seen. She appeared rather young to be wearing such an ornate headpiece. Not that I could imagine anyone ever attaining any age where they thought that hat becoming.

Touching her fingers to the garish chapeau, the girl’s lips curved in a patronizing smile. She’d obviously noted my attention. “The latest fashion from England. My parents purchased it for me on their last visit.”

My mother waved me forward. “Come in and meet our guests, Johanna.” I tried to force myself to look away from the hat, but my eyes betrayed me as I stepped into the room. I couldn’t stop staring at the unsightly mixture of fabric and fluff. My mother cleared her throat. “Come, Johanna. Meet Dr. and Mrs. Schumacher and their daughter, Berta. They arrived only a short time ago. You remember we’ve been expecting them.”

I turned toward the well-dressed couple who sat side by side on our horsehair-stuffed divan. Berta, who looked to be sixteen or seventeen years old, had obviously inherited her dark curls and fine features from her mother. As if prepared to take flight at the earliest possible moment, the girl sat balanced at the edge of her chair. And given the size of her hat, it would take only a slight wind to carry her aloft.

I can hardly wait to get my copy of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is located at http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/

Also check out http://www.writespassage.blogspot.com/  where I blog with five other historical authors. Wednesday is my day, but come over on and day and pay us a visit. We all love to hear from readers.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to visit with your readers through your blog, Lena. It’s been a genuine pleasure. ~Judy

And thank you, Judy, for the interesting peek into your life and writing.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you're helping 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.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/