THE GOLD DIGGER - Liz Tolsma - One Free Book

Welcome back, Liz. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions? First of all, Becky Germany, editor at Barbour Publishing, was the one who came up with the concept for the True Colors Crime series. She had the ideas for the first several books, and the series took off after that. Also, this book wouldn’t be what it is without the wonderful people at the LaPorte County Historical Society museum. They allowed me to wander their exhibits, read their material, and ask them questions on a very cold and snowy January day. As someone who loves research, it was a fabulous day, and they helped me so much. I also thank my cousins, Steve and Muriel, for letting me spend the night with them. They’re just down the road from the museum. Muriel cooked dinner, and we spent a delightful evening catching up. One of those nights you’ll remember with fondness for a long time.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar? With Covid, my teaching and speaking has been really curtailed. All I have right now is a virtual speech to the Maude Shunk Library in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, in April. That’s been the hardest part of this entire pandemic – not being able to get out and interact with my readers. I hope to be able to add some virtual book club visits soon.

They are fun. I’ve done a couple. If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why? As of right now, it would have to be Austin, Texas, where my son lives. I miss him! I’m looking forward to seeing where my kids end up living and how close we’ll be to them.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be? Find a mentor or an editor who can help you through the process. The publishing field is more competitive than ever, and having someone who can help you polish your work and who can help you secure an agent or a publisher is pure gold.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related]) What fun it would be to have a reader/author cruise! We could have readings, we could talk books, we could sit in the sun and read. Nothing could be better than that. I’d have to invite Kristy Cambron. She’s an amazing speaker. Jamie Wright is just plain old fun, so I’d invite her. All of my critique partners – Angie, Diana, Jenny, and Jen – would have to come too. Chautona Havig would be a hoot. Boy, we would have a great time together!

Tell us about The Gold Digger. In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

Please give us the first page of the book.

LaPorte, Indiana

Tuesday, October 1, 1907

“Where are you taking me?” Ingrid Storset held tight to her sister Belle’s hand. If only Belle hadn’t made her put on this ridiculous blindfold. By the noise of the people around her, the clomp of the sidewalk under her shoes, and the yeasty odor of bread from the bakery, it was obvious they were somewhere in the middle of town.

Behind her, Belle’s two daughters, Myrtle and Lucy, chatted and giggled the way eleven- and nine-year-olds do. Phillip most likely ran ahead of the group, a typical five-year-old boy. Jennie, Belle’s foster daughter, had stayed home today. Almost a grown woman, she likely wanted to steal a little time with Emil, the farmhand and her beau.

 “You’re going to love this.” From where Lucy’s voice came, sometimes ahead of Ingrid and sometimes behind, she must be skipping around. So typical of her.

“Yeah, you’re going to be shocked.”

Ingrid chuckled at Myrtle’s pronouncement. “I’m glad you are learning new Norwegian words. English is very hard for me to speak.” Though she had been in the country for five years, since she was just eighteen, Ingrid struggled from time to time with the strange new language.

 “Mostly I speak English, but right now, I want you to know what is happening. Because it’s a huge, huge surprise.” Myrtle grasped Ingrid’s other hand.

“I can’t wait until I can find out what it is.”

“Now, now. You must be patient. Soon you will see why I am making this such a surprise. I’m very excited to show you. We’re almost there.” Belle pulled Ingrid along.

They continued to weave around what Ingrid assumed was the crowd, sweet perfume and musky cologne filling the air, until Belle pulled her to a halt. Myrtle squeezed her hand.

 “Are you ready?” Even her usually somber sister’s voice held more cheer.

 “More than ready.” Ingrid couldn’t help but raise herself on her tiptoes.

Belle fiddled with the knot on the blindfold, pulling at Ingrid’s Gibson girl hairstyle as she did so. If her sister was going to mess up her coif, this had better be worth it. She sucked in a breath and held it.

 “All right, children, on the count of three. One. Two. Three.” Belle yanked away the blindfold, and Ingrid blinked in the bright light.

She stood in front of an empty brick building, the glass of the store-front window rather dirty, the blue paint on the door peeling. What could this be? How was this a surprise? She passed this place almost every week when she came into town from Belle’s farm to shop. “I don’t understand.” With a furrowed brow, she turned to her sister.

 “This is for you, silly.” Belle’s work-worn face almost glowed. “Your dream.”

Where can we find you on the Internet? Please visit Liz’s website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

Thank you, Liz, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I was particularly interested in this one, because I wrote a book titled The Gold Digger several years ago. I’m eager to read the rest of yours.

Readers, here are links to the book. 

https://amzn.to/2NRNK7z - Paperback

https://amzn.to/2MDJZSe - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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, 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 

REMEMBER THE LILIES - Liz Tolsma - One Free Book

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

I’ve always been intrigued with WWII, especially since I’ve had family members have to endure the horrors of the war. It’s important to tell these stories before those who lived them die out. Me, my children, and future generations need to understand the preciousness and cost of our freedom.

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

There are 4 of them – when I married my high school sweetheart and when we adopted each of our three children. There is no feeling like it in the world!

How has being published changed your life?

It has changed it in ways I never imagined. I’m so much busier with marketing and with juggling having to write another book at the same time. One unexpected avenue is that of speaking. In the past year or so, I’ve been speaking up to 3 times a month and have even begun to do some traveling with it. I enjoy it much more than I would have ever thought. It’s also crazy when someone recognizes me and gets excited to meet little old me!

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Blitz Diary as research for my next series. No fun reading for me until I get this next book written!

What is your current work in progress?

It’s another WWII series that follows three American women journalists in Europe. The first book is set in London during the Blitz. The heroine is a feisty reporter doing everything she can to get noticed.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’m blessed to have taken my dream vacation – a Caribbean cruise. I was pampered, enjoyed warm weather, ate good food. What’s not to love about that? We’re hoping we can perhaps take another cruise, this time to Alaska.

James and I have done two Caribbean cruises and hope to do an Alaska one, but it hasn’t happened yet. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to find WWII stories that aren’t very well known, so the setting comes along with the story. I love exploring different countries along the way.

I have an aunt who was an army nurse in Germany at the time Hitler fell. She has shared stories and pictures with me. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

My husband! I’ve been traveling and he’s been busy at work, so it’s been a while since we’ve had a date. We really need one!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to garden and can’t wait until it’s warm enough for me to get my hands back in the dirt. We also enjoy camping and kayaking. We’re disappointed that we didn’t get to snowshoe at all this winter. We had the cold, but not the snow.

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

Just finding the time and motivation to write can be difficult. I turn off the internet and make myself do it, giving myself little rewards for meeting goals along the way, like a cup of tea or coffee when I reach 1000 words.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write as much as you can, learn as much as you can, and read as much as you can.

Tell us about the featured book.

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

Manila, Philippines

December 8, 1941

The cool breeze off Manila Bay swept around Rand Sterling as he maneuvered his red Mercedes Sports Roadster convertible down Dewey Boulevard, past large Italianate homes and Spanish-style mansions much like his own. They were all on his right. On his left, coconut trees waved their fronds in the wind, and they were accented by the blue of the bay. Salt scented the air, and he took a deep breath, unable to keep a wide smile from spreading across his face. The beautiful woman in the seat beside him, Peggy Brambly, laughed as a gust tugged at the brightly colored scarf on her head.

“Can you go any faster?”

Faster, yes, faster. Rand pressed down a bit on the accelerator, the needle on the speedometer inching up. “Better?”

She sat back against the black leather seat, her cream-colored face lifted to the sun. “I’ve looked forward to this picnic all week. Then you had to break our date . . .”

“Nightclubs don’t run themselves, you know. Something came up at the Azure.”

“Or someone.”

“Comes with being the boss.” He grinned at her.

“No matter.” She waved a manicured hand. “We’re going now.”

That’s the only reason he took Peggy places from time to time. She understood that he wasn’t a one-woman man. Not since Catherine. Peggy made no demands on him, and he appreciated that.

He steered around a slow-moving carromatas, a two-wheeled carriage towed by a single horse, and through the heavy traffic, Studebakers, Packards, and Nashes clogging the roads even at this early hour. Turning onto the side streets, they passed Filipina women in striped skirts and white blouses with full sleeves selling mangoes, camotes or sweet potatoes, and other produce along with such Filipino treats as cassava cake and a steamed rice cake known as puto.

“I was afraid you’d cancel again after I heard about Pearl Harbor. Nasty business, that. At least it’s far away from us.”

A bit of Rand’s own lightness evaporated with Peggy’s words. The Japanese had launched a surprise attack on Hawaii just hours ago. Yes, for now it was far away. But for how long? What was in store for them? MacArthur had promised to protect them. Rand had to trust in that.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

website  www.liztolsma.com/

twitter  http://www.twitter.com/liztolsma/

facebook www.facebook.com/liz.tolsma/

pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/liztolsma/

blog same as website

Thank you, Liz, for sharing some of your life and this new book with me and my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Remember the Lilies - Christianbook.com
Remember the Lilies - Amazon paperback
Remember the Lilies - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

SNOW ON THE TULIPS - Liz Tolsma - One Free Book

Welcome, Liz. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Each of my characters has a little bit of me sprinkled into them. I’ve never been caught up in a war, but I can relate to their fear, their hopelessness, their need for redemption. We can all empathize with them and where they are in their spiritual journey and the struggles along the way.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Boy, this is tough. I’m not a very quirky person. It would have to be asking my cat what the quirkiest thing is I’ve ever done!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always loved making up stories. When I was in 5th grade, I had a great teacher who taught us how to write. I remember writing a tall tale that was super fun because I could let my imagination go wild.

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

I love historicals, romances of all kinds, anything sweet and uplifting.

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

It’s difficult, especially with two teenagers and a special needs child. These years will fly past and soon these days will be nothing but memories. In fact, my oldest has left the nest and is at Marine boot camp right now. This season in my life won’t last forever and I need to cherish these moments – no matter how crazy life gets! We also have a cabin in central Wisconsin that we love. No TV, no internet, no outside world. It’s a great place to get away, slow down, and appreciate all of the blessings the Lord has given us.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I choose names that I like, that don’t have a bad connotation to them, and that I won’t get tired of by the end of the book. I try to make them as authentic to the time period as possible. Because some of my books are set in different countries, I work to choose names that reflect that country but are still easy for English speakers to pronounce.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am so proud of my son and all that he has overcome in his life. He is growing into a fine young man with good goals and plans for his future. But this isn’t my accomplishment, or my husband’s. This is all the Lord’s doing. Without His work in my son’s life, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

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

This discussion comes up in my family with alarming frequency! I would be the pampered indoor cat of an old woman with no grandchildren. I could sleep all day, no one would bother me, and I wouldn’t have to go into the cold to do my business.

What is your favorite food?

Um...didn’t have to think about this one. CHOCOLATE.

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

Time was my biggest problem. I homeschooled our kids for six years which gave me little to no time to write. At one point, I called my agent to quit, but she encouraged me to keep at it and not to worry if I didn’t submit anything to her for a while. I got my first contract three weeks after I sent all of the kids to school. The Lord’s timing was perfect.

Yes, it is. That’s one of the most important lessons for a Christian author to learn. Tell us about the featured book.

The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.

When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.

As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.

She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love and learn to depend on the Perfect Love that drives out all fear? Or will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The province of Friesland, Netherlands

February 1945

            “Schnell, schnell.” A German solider jammed the cold, hard barrel of his rifle into Gerrit Laninga’s back.

Gerrit’s heart throbbed against his ribs like waves against a dike. Any minute now, it would burst through his chest, splitting open as it flopped to the ground.

            He scrambled to keep pace with the nine other Dutch Resistance workers in front of him. If he fell behind, the Germans would shoot him on the spot. Not that it mattered one way or the other.

            Gerrit was on his way to his execution.

            Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up. The words of Psalm 56 that he had memorized long ago. I know, Father, what awaits me on the other side of the bullet. But if it be Your will, let this cup pass from me.

           

The smell of boiled cabbage wafted on the early evening air as people finished their suppers. He sensed their pitying stares as they hid behind their lace curtains, peeping out to spy on the men marching to their deaths. Behind closed doors, these people whispered, wondering what crimes the men had committed to be executed in this way. Tomorrow morning, they would talk about it around their breakfast tables.

            He would not be here in the morning.

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

I’m at http://www.liztolsma.com/;  Facebook; Twitter @LizTolsma; and on Pinterest under Liz Tolsma.

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your book and life with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Snow on the Tulips - Christianbook.com
Snow on the Tulips - Amazon.com
Snow on the Tulips - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS - Jane Kirkpatrick, Liz Tolzma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, Erica Vetch - 4 Free Books

I'm really thrilled to be featuring the authors of this novella collection. It contains nine novellas set during American Pioneer Christmases. We have five of them here today.

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

While working on a history book about a Christian community of the 19th century (to accompany a three book novel series) I read a copy of a quilt historian journal.  It told the story of a signature quilt with all the blocks done by different women for a single man.  That gave me the idea for The Courting Quilt.

What are you reading right now?

I'm reading Sandra Byrd's To Die For, set in 16th century. I'm also reading a biography of Dorthea Dix.

What other books have you had published?

I'm the author eighteen novels (my first contemporary comes out next month!) and three non-fiction titles. This is my first venture into the novella realm and I'll be joining three other others next year for the Midwife's Legacy, also with Barbour.

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

For me it was writing within that 20,000 word limit since a couple of my novels are tomes of 130,000 words -- back when those big books were acceptable. Because we could each write in the setting we wished with the thread between us being the log cabin, we were pretty independent. With the Midwife novella collection, we needed to tie the pieces together more and that was fun and challenging too.

How did collaborating with this team impact you? 

I'd never written what I would call a sweet romance before so discovering how others have done that was a good impact. I read the other authors works (not their contributions to this piece) so I could get a feel for their voice. It was very enriching.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

They just came to me! Mary Bishop and Richard Taylor are the primaries.

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

That our initial reactions to people and events are not always the best judge.  And I hope it's a light story that helps people see that even in the worst of times, there can be a silver lining stitched by the hand of God.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers?

If so, why?  Yes. Mostly to keep up with the business of writing, the marketplace, be exposed to writers at various stages of their career and to help cheer people on (and maybe have a little cheer myself!)

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

Write the best story you can and always have a "story" about the story because people often remember you as the storyteller as much as they will your story.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet? 

My website is http://www.jkbooks.com  where you can visit my blog www.janeswordsofencouragement.blogspot.com  or my dog's blog www.bodaciousbothedog.blogspot.com  who has more followers than I do I think!  I'm also on facebook https://www.facebook.com/theauthorjanekirkpatrick

Now we'll talk with Liz Tolsma. Welcome, Liz. How did your story for the collection come about?

I actually did the research for the story years ago when we were on vacation. As we were in the logging museum, the story came to me. I wrote the first three chapters and it sat in my desk until the call came for a Christmas novella centered around a log cabin. God’s timing is perfect.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m reading several different books by different publishers as I prepare to pitch two projects at the ACFW conference in September. I’m looking forward to reading Sarah Sundin’s WWII novel Blue Skies Tomorrow.

What other books have you had published?

I have two short stories, "A Mother’s Love" and "As American As They Come" in the collection Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families.

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

The word count limit. I struggled so hard with this, but it helped make the story tighter and better in the end.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I’m so privileged to be part of a book with these wonderful authors and humbled that I was chosen to participate with them.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

My neighbor named her daughter Adelaide and I loved the old-fashioned sound of it. Adie is one of my daughter’s friends at school. Noah, also, sounded old-fashioned and yet was a name I loved.

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

I want them to come away with the peace and comfort that God is covering us under his wings. There we can take refuge from all the world’s storms.

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

Yes, I’m a member and have been for many years. My mentor Andrea Boeshaar encouraged me to join when it was still American Christian Romance Writers. I’ve never regretted it. This book wouldn’t have been possible if I weren’t a member.

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

Never give up. It took seven years from the time I wrote the first words of this book until it was published. You never know when or where your story will fit.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at www.liztolsma.com and I’d love to have them join me at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com. I’m also on Facebook and on Twitter.

Michelle Ule has joined us. Welcome, Michelle. How did your story for the collection come about? 

My agent, Janet Grant of Books & Such, heard about the collection and suggested I come up with a story idea. I have a log cabin story from my family history that fit the bill and I wrote two chapters and a synopsis the day I got the invitation. It was a joy to fashion a story about people in my past whom I admired.

What are you reading right now?

The Paris Wife by Paula McClain (I wrote my senior thesis at UCLA on Ernest Hemingway)

What other books have you had published?

None!  This is the first one. For an interesting perspective on my reaction to seeing my name on a book, see my blog here: 

http://michelleule.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/the-humility-of-a-published-book.

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

Knowing the stories written by my co-writers. That was not a problem with this collection, but on two others I've "auditioned" for, it was complicated meshing our story lines together.

How did collaborating with this team impact you? 

It's been fun to share the joy and the honor of publishing with such fine writers.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Most came from my family history, the others were chosen based on popular names in 1836 Texas.

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

It's important to "do the right thing," particularly to forgive, when loved ones are involved.

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

Yes. I've been a member four or five years; for the networking opportunities, to enter the Genesis contest (finalist last year) and to keep track of events in the changing world of Christian fiction.

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

Write out of your heart and emotions. 

Where can my readers find you on the Internet? 

http:michelleule.wordpress.com 

Now we're welcoming Debra Ullrick. How did your story for the collection come about?

My fabulous agent Tamela Hancock Murray contacted me, telling me that Barbour was looking for log cabin novellas. Since I actually lived in an old homestead, stayed in many historical log cabins, and had access to several log cabins and their history, I thought it would be fun. Toss in my Germans from Russia heritage and A Grand County Christmas was born.

What are you reading right now?

A Prairie Christmas Collection

What other books have you had published?

Besides my novella in A Log Cabin Christmas, The Bride Wore Coveralls, Déjà vu Bride, Dixie Hearts, The Unexpected Bride, The Unlikely Wife, and Christmas Belles of Georgia.

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

None of these were hard at all. However, if I had to say something, maybe it was keeping the details straight. In Christmas Belles of Georgia, the heroines are identical quads, so we had to make sure we had the same height, eye color, and the letter from the lawyer had to say the same thing and have the same dates. But, Jeanie Smith Cash, whose idea this was, made it easy by supplying all of us with that information. Thank you, Jeanie!

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

We didn’t really collaborate on A Log Cabin Christmas because they were all individual stories.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

By looking online. I looked around until their names clicked with me.

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

That we need to trust God no matter how dire our circumstances look. Sometimes the biggest blessings come from our biggest trials.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers?

If so, why? Yes. Because it’s a wonderful group of Christian writers, and I’ve made some fabulous friends because of it. Plus, I sold my first book at an ACRW conference. (That’s what the ACFWwas called back then. Those initials stand for… American Christian Romance Writers)

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

If you find someone who understands your voice and your style, who doesn’t try to change them, hang on to them, they are worth their weight in gold.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

On my website at www.debraullrick.com or Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Shoutlife.

The last author joining us is Erica Vetsch. Glad to have you, Erica.  How did your story for the collection come about?

The first story I pitched for this collection didn’t make the cut because it was too similar to the story Margaret Brownley had pitched. Thankfully, Becky Germany asked me to submit another story idea, and this novella popped into my head. I’m so glad it did, as I really love the characters and storyline for Christmas Service.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Anne Mateer’s debut novel Wings of a Dream. It’s excellent!

What other books have you had published?

I’ve had eight Heartsongs, a 3-in-1 collection of Heartsongs called Idaho Brides, this Christmas novella, as well as my debut trade-length novel also releasing this month titled A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas.

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

The tight word count. I always have to watch my story lengths.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I’m really honored to be a part of this group of novelists. Such stellar writers. I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s stories. There’s really a great mix of settings, ethnicities, and writing styles. Though we worked autonomously on our stories, it was really great knowing I was going to be part of such a wonderful group of writers.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

 My heroine is named after my pastor’s daughter, Elizabeth Sorensen, and my hero, Todd Rambek, is named after a family I met a few years ago from Norway. The Rambeks were staying in Rochester for a year on a work project.

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

A fun read that puts them in the mood for Christmas, and that they will be reminded what true service in the Church is all about.

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

Yes, ma’am, I am a member, because of all the benefits I receive and the wonderful fellowship. I’ve made so many friends in the writing business through ACFW.

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

I’ve received a lot of very good advice. For today, since I’m working on this particular thing in the story I’m writing now, I’ll say no conflict, no story. You have to have conflict, or your story is boring.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

On my blog at www.onthewritepath.blogspot.com/

On twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/EricaVetsch

On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Vetsch/168952446490736

Thank you, Jane, Liz, Michelle, Debra, and Erica for the fun interview.

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A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Historical Romances during American Pioneer Christmases


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