WHILE LOVE STIRS - Lorna Seilstad - One Free Book

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

After I turn in the third book in the Gregory Sisters Series, I have some ideas for a couple of new series that I want to develop further. They would involve going back a little farther in history than this series was set.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband, David, and I will have been married 25 years this February. We have three children. My oldest son graduates from college next week. I have one daughter who is finishing her sophomore year of college and another who is finishing her freshman year of high school.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I think my writing has made a more critical and aware reader in that I notice things I didn’t before. Sometimes I read something and I think, “Oh, I wish I would have thought to say it that way.” But the biggest change has occurred in time I have for reading. When I’m on deadline, I fall way behind with my To-Be-Read pile.

What are you working on right now?

I’m currently finishing the last book in the Gregory Sisters Series As Love Blooms. It’s the story of the youngest sister, Tessa. She’s a lot of fun to write.

What outside interests do you have?

There’s life outside of my office? I almost forgot about that. Truthfully, I love cooking and baking. I do some wedding coordinating and flowers for weddings. I’m a 4-H leader, and I’m passionate about teaching Bible classes. Right now, I have two 5th and 6th grade classes. One on Sunday mornings where I teach Acts, and another all girl class on Wednesday nights. I’ll be teaching at Bible camp this summer, too. It’s my mission field.

We have a lot in common. I was a 4-H leader, and then I worked as a 4-H liaison. And I’ve worked a number of years in children’s ministry, but not now. How do you choose your settings for each book?

Setting is very important to me. I do more research on setting than almost anything else. I like to set my stories in real places and bring out things that the people who live there might recognize. I also like to discover some things they might not know. Certain stories, like those in my Lake Manawa Series, can only happen one place. Other stories just need the right fit.

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

Right now, after writing While Love Stirs, I’d love to spend an evening having dinner with Fannie Farmer. She was the first woman to use standardized measurements in her Boston Cooking School Cookbook. She was also one of the first women invited to lecture to the Harvard Medical School. She spoke to them about improving nutrition for the convalescent.

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

I wish I would have known every heartache, every joy, and every tear I’ve experienced has helped me become a better writer. I wish I’d kept better notes on what I was feeling, too.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

This whole year has been about learning to lean on the Lord and not on my own strength. I often want to protect those I love, and I have to remind myself that God loves that person even more than I do. We met with a hospice worker last week concerning my dad, and as much as I want to change this situation, I have peace knowing God will carry us through.

That’s always a hard time in a person’s life. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

First, I believe you have to feed your writer’s soul, and the best way to do that is through spending time with God and through reading. When writers aren’t reading, they’re starving themselves.

Second, I think authors need to make sure their cup is full and overflowing. If you are always dipping from your cup and not recharging, you’ll get burned out. It’s so easy to lose the joy when your cup is empty.

Third, authors need to protect their “golden hour.” This is the time when you are at your best. It’s not the time to answer e-mails, take phone calls, or schedule appointments. Save the “golden hour” to write.

Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.

While Love Stirs is the second book in the Gregory Sisters Series. It’s a standalone, so you don’t have to have read When Love Calls to enjoy it.

After the death of their parents, the Gregory sisters make a promise to support each other’s dreams. While Love Stirs is the story of the middle sister, Charlotte Gregory, and is set in St. Paul, Minnesota.

As a graduate of Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery, Charlotte is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution—the gas stove. And she certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte's work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made—especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Thursday, May 12, 1910

Charlotte Gregory stared at the elderly doorman. With his arm outstretched, he barred her access to Saint Paul’s recently opened Million-Dollar Hotel.

“Sir, what is the meaning of this?” She fought the urge to shove past him and march inside. Creating a scene was not the way to make a good impression on the hotel’s staff.

In front of her, the revolving door swished, and a stylish couple entered the establishment unimpeded.

Charlotte motioned her head in their direction. Perhaps the doorman would catch on.

He simply smiled.

She glanced down at her outfit. While not as fancy as that of the lady who’d been allowed inside, the cream-colored walking suit was one of her best, and her wide-brimmed hat was practically brand-new. Surely she looked good enough for a day visit to the prestigious hotel. She tried to step around the man, but he moved to block her.

“Sir, I need to go inside. I’m here to apply for a position as the chef’s assistant. Now, if you’ll kindly let me pass—”

When he didn’t drop his arm, she darted to the right. She’d come too far to let a portly little gray-haired doorman stop her.

For a portly, gray-haired man, he moved quickly.

“Miss.” He dipped his head respectfully. “If you don’t have a gentleman escorting you, you’ll want to enter through the door on the side.”

“Isn’t this the public entrance?” She glanced at the curved front of the hotel and reread the signage.

“Yes, miss.” He gave her a disarming smile. “But you lovely unescorted ladies enter through a separate door—for the protection of your reputation, of course.”

“Of course.” Charlotte’s cheeks warmed. Why hadn’t she remembered that? She’d read about this kind of hotel etiquette before, but it still seemed absurd—especially in 1910. “In that case, sir, where exactly do I find this ladies’ entrance?”

“It’s to your left, miss.” He pointed his gloved white fingers to a door on the side. “It’ll lead you directly into the lobby. The hotel’s restaurant isn’t open yet, but the roof garden and the Palm Room Café are. May I recommend a cup of tea to ward off the chill of this lovely spring morning?”

The doorman’s deep, sonorous voice made it difficult to stay cross. Besides, he was simply doing his job. She only hoped this wasn’t an indication of the rest of her day.

“Thank you. Perhaps I will have a cup of tea.” To celebrate when I get the position. Charlotte nodded her head in thanks and slipped around the corner.

I can’t wait until my book arrives. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.lornaseilstad.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorna-Seilstads-Fan-Page/119754468040830?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LornaSeilstad

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lornaseilstad/

Thank you, Lorna, for giving us a peek inside your life and your new book.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
While Love Stirs - Christianbook.com
While Love Stirs: A Novel (The Gregory Sisters) - Amazon
While Love Stirs (The Gregory Sisters Book #2): A Novel - 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

THE RIDE OF HER LIFE - Lorna Seilstad - One Free Book

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

It’s been an exciting time for me, and I feel very blessed. I can’t wait to introduce readers to my next series about three sisters who pledge to help each other live their dreams.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband David and I have been married for twenty-two years. We have three children. Our son will be a junior in college, and our oldest daughter will be starting her freshman year this fall. Our younger daughter will be in eighth grade.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I know some writers find themselves being more critical, but the biggest change for me has been thinking things like, “Wow, what a great way to say that!” or “How did she/he think of plotting it that way.”

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on book 2 of the new series. I’m at the research stage, so I’m spending a lot of time reading old newspapers, looking things up, and trying to picture the city as it was in 1910. It’s one of my favorite stages of the book. When I find something useful, it’s like discovering a treasure or another piece of big jigsaw puzzle.

What outside interests do you have?

Like most women, my life is always busy. Besides being a wife and mom, I’m a Bible school teacher, 4-H leader, fair communication superintendent, and school volunteer. I do some wedding planning and coordination as the need arises. I also do some wedding flowers and have had as many as 400 fresh roses in my house at one time.

I was a 4-H Program Assistant before my girls were old enough for 4-H. Then I became a leader when they were in the organization. How do you choose your settings for each book?

The first series, The Lake Manawa Summers Series, was set just outside my hometown. I’d grown up hearing about it and decided to do more research.

I love finding places that are special in their own way. However, I’m a strong believer that every place has a story to tell. People at the turn of the century worked hard and played hard. Since I just finished the first book in my new series, I can tell you I loved digging up the places where people gathered to play hard and enjoy themselves. I try to bring those places back to life.

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

This is an impossible question for a history buff! I’m guessing this question means besides Jesus because he’d be my first choice. I guess I’d have to say the apostle Paul. For about 15 years now, I’ve taught the book of Acts to 5^th and 6^th graders at our congregation. I’d love to hear about Paul’s experiences from his own lips and hear about some of the stories he didn’t include in his writings.

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

I think I would have liked to realize that there would be a moment when something I loved and wanted to do would become a job and something I had to do. Don’t get me wrong. I still love writing, but it was a strange feeling one day when I realized that I had to write even when I didn’t feel like it. It was my job and had obligations to meet.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

My word for the year is “wonder.” I am humbled and amazed by God’s work both in my life and in the world. The other day, I made a list of all the things God had to orchestrate to bring my husband into my life, to bring my children into the world, and me into the publishing world. I am utterly amazed at the way He has directed my paths and taken me down roads I never even imagined.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Keep a teachable spirit. There’s always more to learn. Soak it up and use what fits you and your work.

When the edits come, realize it’s not about you. The most important thing is the story and whether it’s told in the most effective way possible.

Rest in the knowledge that God’s in control. It’s easy to get swept away with where publishing is going, what’s the next trend, how your numbers are, or if you’re marketing enough. I try to remember how far God had brought me and that He will be faithful no matter where He takes me next.

Tell us about the featured book.

I’d be thrilled to! The Ride of Her Life is the third book in the Lake Manawa Summers series. (It’s a standalone story, but if readers want to read the books in order, the first book, Making Waves, is free on Kindle, Nook, etc. right now.) It’s the story of a practical, no-nonsense widow named Lily Hart who is doing her best to make a home for herself and her six-year-old son Levi. She wants to stay firmly planted on the ground, but the handsome roller coaster designer, Nick Perrin, wants to sweep her off her feet.

If you want a vacation without leaving your house this summer, or you’re looking for a fun beach read, then this is the book for you. I loved learning about roller coasters in 1906, and there’s nothing like falling in love when there are exciting twists, turns, and dips at every turn.

Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER ONE

May 1906, Lake Manawa, Iowa

            “Look, Momma!”

            What had Levi dragged in now? Lilly rolled her eyes as she eased a large slice of peach pie onto one of the diner’s plates. She wiped her finger on her starched apron, before she turned toward her son.

Swinging his arm in a wide arc, he thrust a monstrous writhing snake towards her nose.

            With a shriek, she leapt backwards.

            “Isn’t he pretty?” Levi ran his finger over the snake’s scaly head. “You wanna pet him?

            Inching backwards until her shoulders lodged against the cold, metal pie safe, Lilly fought the fear seizing her voice. The counter between her and that monster dangling from her six-year-old’s chubby fist hardly seemed an adequate barrier. “N—no, I do not want to pet that thing.”

            “Shhh. You’ll hurt his feelings.” He lifted the snake’s head to his cheek. “He won’t hurt you, Momma. See? He’s just a gardener snake.”

             “Get it away from your face! And Levi, he’s a garter snake, not a gardener.”

“What’s the difference?”

She swallowed hard, vaguely aware of the rollercoaster workers seated in the corner chuckling. She lowered her voice.

“A gardener works in a garden and a garter well...uh...holds up a ladies’—.”

“A ladies’ what?”

“Stockings.” She whispered but more chuckles ensued from the men in the corner. She pointed at the front door. “Why don’t you take your friend outside? I think he wants to go home.”

            “Silly, Momma. Snakes are like you and me. He ain’t got no home.”

            “He doesn’t have a home.”

            “That’s what I said.”

            The snake twisted beneath Levi’s grasp, and Lilly scooted even further away. “Please, put your friend back where you found him.”

            “Out front? Under the diner’s front stoop?”

            Lilly’s heart squeezed. Lord, haven’t I been dealing with enough snakes lately? You had to put one where I have to walk every day?

           

I love it already. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from readers! I can be reached through my webpage www.lornaseilstad.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.


Thank you, Lorna. I've loved the books in this series.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Ride of Her Life, The: A Novel (Lake Manawa Summers) - paperback
The Ride of Her Life, A Novel (Lake Manawa Summers) - 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

A GREAT CATCH - Lorna Seilstad - Free Book

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Christian fiction because story is such a powerful avenue to help us see God’s perfect plan for us. I love sharing the stories He places in my head and heart. As for the historical romance part, I grew up going to antique auctions with my parents nearly every weekend. History was a treasure hunt for us and my dad expected us to “know” about what we buying. I’m also a romantic at heart, so combining two things I love seemed like a perfect fit.

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

This is a hard question! At each stage of my life, I’ve had days that left me thrilled. I guess I’d have to say my wedding day. It was truly magical and I enjoyed every minute of it. Of course the days each of my children were born stand out and so does the day I held my first book “baby” Making Waves in my hands.

How has being published changed your life?

When my oldest son was born, I stopped teaching and began to do daycare for teacher’s children. I did that up until last year. I didn’t stop because I was published. The two kids I had went to kindergarten and I didn’t take on any more. My whole day has changed, and I sometimes I really miss the kids!

I think one of the biggest change as a writer has been the transition from writing for pleasure to writing to fulfill a contract. Don’t get me wrong. I still love writing. It just feels a little different.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Dan Walsh’s The Deepest Waters and Mary Connealy’s Sharpshooter in Petticoats right now. Dan’s book is a fascinating, edge-of-your-seat read, and I had to steal Mary’s book back from my 17-year-old daughter. She claims she’s Mary’s biggest fan. I tell her to get in line.

I’m also listening to Kathryn Stockett’s The Help on CD. It is amazing. I received it as a Christmas gift and only allow myself to listen to it while I’m doing dishes. Hey, a girl needs some motivation.

I love books by Dan Walsh and Mary Connealy, too. What is your current work in progress?

Right now, I’m working on book 3 in the Lake Manawa Summer series, Taking the Plunge (working title). It’s about Lilly, who appears in the first two books, and a roller coaster designer. It’s been a real thrill ride to write. Who knew there was so much to learn about a 1906 roller coaster?

What would be your dream vacation?

This may sound cheesy, but I honestly would love any vacation where my husband and I could get away and just enjoy being with one another. We’ve never had the opportunity to travel overseas. He once worked in Thailand for two years before we met, so I know if we went there, I could see the country that so captivated his heart. I’d also love to visit the Bible lands and stand where Paul did. I’ve taught the book of Acts to 5^th and 6^th graders at church for years, so that would be amazing to me.

If that's cheesy, I love cheesy. How do you choose your settings for each book?

When I’m planning a book, I’m looking for something unique—either a location or a job that readers haven’t read about before. That’s why Lake Manawa has been so fascinating to me. Even though I grew up in the area, I had no idea of the rich history it held until I began researching.

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

I’d love to meet with one of the Smithsonian curators. I think any one of them could be a wealth of potential story ideas.

I've been to the Smithsonian decades ago and loved it. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Lena, you mean there is more than that?  I suppose chauffeuring my girls around doesn’t count as a hobby.  I love teaching my Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday. I enjoy baking and gardening. I’m also a wedding coordinator and wedding floral designer on occasion. That’s a lot of fun, but I’m glad I don’t do it every week.

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

I’ve found that the hardest thing for me to do is write a light hearted scene when horrible things are going on in the world. The earthquake and tsunami cost me two days of writing because I felt so overwhelmingly sad for those people. A friend’s marriage crisis cost another day. I’m learning to turn those things over to God more completely and to turn CNN off. To get back in the “romance” mood, I sometime watch a Youtube video of a favorite television couple.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write. Write. Write. There are no shortcuts.You find your voice by writing a lot of material. Try on different styles and try on various genres—just like you would shoes. It may surprise you when a something you didn’t expect fits you well.

Also, learn you are not your writing. When someone says a sentence reads clunky or your black moment isn’t black enough, learn they aren’t criticizing you. They are helping you communicate your idea. It’s all about communicating the message. That’s what is most important—not your feelings. Sorry.

Tell us about the featured book?

A Great Catch is set in 1901 at Lake Manawa in Iowa. Here’s the back cover copy:

She wants to change the world.

He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

Sounds like a story I would love to read. Please give us the first page of the book.

Lake Manawa, Iowa, 1901

Three blind mice.

Three little pigs.

Three days in the belly of a whale.

Emily Graham stifled a moan. Some of the worst things in life came in threes, and she was facing her favorite meddlesome trio right now.

“The right to vote won’t warm your bed at night, dear.” Aunt Millie poured fresh lemonade from a crystal pitcher into four glasses, then blotted her round face with a handkerchief. Even though the table, complete with an heirloom lace tablecloth, sat in the shade of the Grahams’ cabin at Lake Manawa, the late May heat brought a sheen to her aunt’s crinkled brow.

Emily pressed the glass of lemonade to her cheek and watched the sailboats on the lake lazily glide across the rippling surface. “As hot as it is, the last thing I want is a warm bed.”

“Honestly, what are we going to do with you?” Aunt Ethel, rail thin, stiffened in her chair, and Emily imagined her aunt would launch into a tirade concerning Emily’s faults at any minute.

Aunt Ethel turned toward her older silvery-haired sister, Emily’s grandmother. “It’s your fault, Kate. You filled her head with all those ridiculous notions of changing the world, women voting, and all that other nonsense. Now look at her. She’s twenty-three years old, and she’s still not married.”

“I’m twenty-two, Aunt Ethel.”

“But your birthday’s just around the corner.”

Emily rolled her eyes. “It’s six months away.”

“So sad. Almost a spinster.” Aunt Millie shook her head and smoothed her apron. “If we don’t do something soon, no man is going to want a woman that advanced in years.”

“I guess it’s up to us.” Aunt Ethel tsked and patted Emily’s hand. “Even though you’re no great catch, don’t worry, dear. With the three of us on the job, we’ll have a man on your arm in no time.”

“Three?” Emily felt a millstone sink to the pit of her stomach. She turned to her grandmother. “I thought you were on my side.”

Grandma Kate smiled. “I am. That’s why I’m going to help. If I leave it up to your aunts, they’ll have you married off to some spineless simpleton you’d have henpecked in a matter of days, or some bald, solid member of the community that every other bright girl has already discarded.”

“Do I even want to know what these two have in mind?”

The corners of Grandma Kate’s crinkly mouth bowed. “Probably not.”

“Trust us, dear. We have your best interests at heart.” Aunt Millie held out a plate. “Prune cake?”

I love it. Give me more. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers and can be reached through my webpage: www.lornaseilstad.com.

I’m also part of a 10-writer blog www.inkspirationalmessages.com.
I can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter.

Lena, thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog today. You are such a blessing to so many and I pray the blessings come back to you tenfold.

Lorna, the pleasure is all mine. You'll have to come back when book three releases.

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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com