TWICE PROMISED - Maggie Brendan - One Free Book

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

My mother was a huge influence on my faith, so at an early age, I knew who Jesus was. Her Bible was always open on the coffee table. I gave my heart to the Lord when I was nine years old. I memorized all the books of the Bible too, and later had to recite them and was awarded a Bible that I still have to this day. When I was sixteen, I followed with a recommitment and baptism at a little country church in Lyman, MS at the urging of my older sister who was a fine Christian lady.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

I’d want my critique partner, Kelly Marie Long, Rick Bragg (dreaming here!), Lavyrle Spencer and my brother, Jess McCreede. Kelly because we are very compatible at brainstorming and we’re soul mate friends. Rick Bragg, because I admire his writing, and his family background is similar to mine—without the Pulitzer Prize, of course! Although, she’s retired, I’d give anything to spend some time with Lavyrle Spencer. I devoured all her books many years ago. Jess McCreede—my brother, who passed away suddenly in 2004. He was my true mentor, urging me to finish what I start and submit! He wrote seven books and had a keen wit and his own special brand of storytelling.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Not really, however, I was asked to speak about the value of Christian fiction at a Southeast Bookstore and Librarians conference, at my daughter’s church for a Bible study class and I’ll be speaking to my granddaughter advance literature class in October. I also spoke at the formation of the new chapter of ACFW in North Georgia this spring.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

The only thing that comes to mind is when I missed my first critique appointment with DiAnn Mills at my first conference in Denver. I didn’t know a soul at the conference and was horrified that I’d missed this important critique with her. Allison Wilson just calmly called DiAnn who was napping at the time, but graciously agreed to come down meet me five minutes later. I’ll never forget that because she told me that my book, No Place For A Lady, was close to being ready to submit for publication. She’s such a lady and great mentor to writers.

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

Yes, they certainly do that at book signings. I begin by telling them to join a writer’s critique group because it’s so valuable to get input on their writing. Then I tell them to go to writer’s conferences whenever possible and read as much as they can. I also tell them they’ll never write a book by talking about it. Writing is hard work! If they would only write a page every day—very little—then they’d have an entire book written by the end of the year. Last, but not least, connecting with other writers is vital.

Tell us about the featured book.

Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she’s come to know through his tender letters. But when the dust clears, she meets Cora Johnson and discovers she’s not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess. Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess’s affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station—and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for? Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.

I love the cover. Please give us the first page of the book.

Central City, Colorado August 1888

Greta perched primly on her seat clutching her Bible on the train headed to Central City, and stared out smudged window at the moving landscape along the mountain ridges and canyons, where snow capped the distant purple peaks. The ride was somewhat thrilling, and frightening on The Colorado Central that chugged up its winding tracks around the Rocky Mountains and the sparkling Clear Creek. Greta held her breath at their incredible beauty wincing as her ears popped with the changed in altitude. The further up the mountains they traveled, the chillier and drier the air became, so she pulled her woolen cape tighter about her shoulders, thankful that she hadn’t packed it since the coach was drafty.

She contemplated the new venture she’d thrust herself into. The mail order bride ad was tucked safely into her reticule. Greta had hated leaving the crowded farmhouse on the prairie outside of Cheyenne where she’d lived since coming to America. After saying goodbye to her only family, she’d watch as the wheat fields, already ripe with promise, was soon a distant memory. Her eyes flooded with hot tears and an ache planted inside her chest.

But that was yesterday and today there would be no tears. In fact, she was excited about living this deep in the mountains, even after the rumors of the cold and snow, and rugged life where miners, she was informed by Peter, were as thick as fleas on a dog’s back. But that hadn’t deterred her. Greta wanted adventure, and had closed the door to her heart on love once and for all. She had no illusions when it came to love. It may have finally worked for her sister and Peter, but just look what happen to Clara, Peter’s mother! Greta decided when she wed, her marriage would be a marriage of convenience more or less, and if she had to perform her wifely duty, then she must. She twitched her nose in distaste at the very thought.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.MaggieBrendan.com

www.SouthernBelleWriter.com

www.BustlesAndSpurs.com Resident Blogger

Thank you, Maggie, for sharing this book with us. I love mail-order-bride stories.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Twice Promised: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides) - paperback
Twice Promised: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides) - 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

DEEPLY DEVOTED - Maggie Brendan - Free Book

Welcome back, Maggie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I try to explore topics about learning to fully love, trust and have true acceptance of our fellow man using faith and our belief in the one who created us. I want my characters to show empathy and not be judgmental before they know the “whole story” as we so often do in real life. It’s much easier to write about the spiritual aspects than to live it out every day in the “real” world. It’s a struggle every day.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Deeply Devoted, book one in The Blue Willow Brides, just hit the bookstores last week. My next one in the series will be next fall and it’s temporarily titled, Three Little Words and the third one, Timeless Perfection. It’d be great if Revell would keep my titles, but I’ll know later. I was happy that they kept Deeply Devoted and The Jewel of His Heart.

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

No one really comes to mind except Sam Elliot. I’ve long admired all the western roles he’s played through the years and actually modeled my character, Luke, in my first book, No Place for a Lady, after him. He’s got such an incredible speaking voice.

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

Mary the mother of Jesus! I’d like to pick her brain as to what it was like to be the Mother of God and what it was Jesus like raising him. Now that would be a story!

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

Persevere, stay persistent, and don’t give up. Be ready to take good constructive criticism if a publisher gives you feedback after rejecting your manuscript. Part of being able to do handle rejection is to have a good critique partner or group. We’ve all been there. You’ll know you’re a writer when after a rejection, you say, “That’s it! I won’t write anymore,” in anger, then after you cool off and nurse your ego, guess what? You find yourself parked in front of your manuscript because you can’t not do it, if it’s your passion.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Blue Willow tea set, a tragic past, a worn letter, and devotion to her two younger sisters, is all that mail-order bride Catharine Olsen brings from Amsterdam to Cheyenne, WY to meet her future husband. Peter is a gentle, but hard-working wheat farmer, who doesn’t realize the extent his meddling mother will go to in order to discredit his bride after he decides not to marry the lady she chose for him. Will Catharine’s secret past threaten the idyllic life she has created with her new husband?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Cheyenne Territory, Wyoming
Spring 1887

Catharine Olsen sipped the last of her tea from the bottom of her cherished Blue Willow teacup, then carefully placed it on the saucer on the table next to her. She leaned back on the settee, shoving her curls away from her face, and slipped a letter out of her Bible. Though she knew the words by heart, she reread the letter, now worn and discolored from time.

Catharine,

It is hard for me to contain my joy that soon we shall meet and you will be my bride. I feel like I already know you well from our correspondence. I pray you will have safe travel on the Union Pacific. You should have a day to rest after the long, arduous journey. I will promptly call for you at the hotel the next day. Until then, I remain affectionately yours,

Peter Andersen

Had it been just yesterday when she stared from the train’s window at the prairie that seemed to stretch as far as her eye could see? The relentless wind whipped the unending gold-tipped grass, and there was not a tree in sight . . . just open fields with an occasional cabin dotting the landscape and perhaps deer or elk grazing in the distance. Peter had told her to keep a lookout for them, and maybe a herd of bison. She wondered how she would adjust to such surroundings after leaving her beloved Amsterdam with its lush meadows and myriad of tulips . . . and the memories, not all of them good. An image swam before her eyes, and her heart tightened. I can’t think about it today or I won’t be able to go on . . . What purpose could it possibly serve?

Would her heart ever heal? A single tear slid down her cheek, but she hastily swept it away before her sisters could see. She sighed and glanced over at them sitting with their heads together, reading a newspaper they’d picked up at the last stop. She prayed silently that all would work out as she hoped, but she knew from experience that only the Lord could see what was in store.

“Next stop, Cheyenne!” the conductor announced as he walked the aisle. He lifted his pocket watch from his waistcoat. “In about ten minutes.” Passengers began to gather their reading materials, satchels, and personal belongings in preparation for their arrival.

True to the conductor’s word, the train slowed its approach at the Union Pacific depot. Catharine decided that it was one of the most beautiful railroad depots she’d ever seen. The impressive structure looked fairly new with its multicolored sandstone, stone arches, and steeply pitched roofs that resembled a castle. Peter had written in his letters that the stone was quarried from west of Fort Collins, Colorado. Along the opposite side of the train, the rail yard was a profusion of trains narrowly wedged between one another, which could make disembarking dangerous.

Finally, with a squeal of metal on metal and a belch of steam, the engine halted, then passengers immediately scrambled to the exits, happy to have arrived in Cheyenne.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me on my website or blog and I’m a resident blogger on Bustles and Spurs.

www.MaggieBrendan.com

www.SouthernBelleWriter.com

www.BustlesAndSpurs.com

Thank you, Maggie, for the interesting peek into your life and story.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
 Deeply Devoted: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides)


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 LOVE OF HER OWN - Maggie Brendan - Free Book

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

He certainly has, Lena. I want to stay open to whatever and wherever God leads with my writing career. My biggest desire is to subtly point people to Christ. I hope I continue to grow and learn as a writer and be receptive to write what He lays on my heart. I was so thrilled when Christianbook.com asked for an author interview and now I’m on their Author’s Corner. I’ve been asked to sign at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orland June 14th by LifeWay and I’m so honored and blessed.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband is VP of an architectural firm in Atlanta. My daughter lives in Augusta, GA and teaches Kindergarten and has three beautiful children. Her husband is a Judge, attorney and a JAG in the Army Guard. My son is a PharmD and his wife is a pharmacist and they have a precious little girl. They live in Smyrna, GA.

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

I find that I have to read in snatches since I’m writing under contract. I always keep a basket of books by my bed at night to wind down with. Books are piled up in the den, so basically I have several books that I’m reading. I have to make time to read because I want to keep up with other author’s work and it expands my own writing skills. Plus, I’d rather read that watch TV.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a series I call The Blue Willow Brides about a mail order bride from Holland who comes to America with her two sisters. I’m nearing the ending of the first book in the series I’ve entitled, Deeply Devoted. I hope they keep the title, but I can never count on that.

Sounds interesting. What outside interests do you have?

I sing in a large sanctuary choir at my church. I loved to be with my family and grandchildren. I enjoy traveling out West and researching. I enjoying visiting with other writers.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My love of the West and reading about its history gives me the ideas for my books. I lived in Colorado nearly eight years and fell in love with the state. I’ve been to MT several times and came away with the idea for book two. Book three picked up the story in MT. The idea for The Blue Willow Brides came from my love of Blue Willow dishes.

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

Other than Jesus Christ, maybe Sacajawea who travelled with Lewis and Clark or an ordinary cowboy that worked on a cattle ranch out West.

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

The fact that I had a three book contract to begin was enlightening to me. I had no idea, the edits and page proofs and marketing would all overlap with the writing of each book. Somehow I never saw it coming until the deadline of the first book. It just seems that time is so short and the next phase was right on my heels.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

He’s definitely teaching me discipline. Writing a book can’t be written with out showing up everyday and treating it like your job. The other thing, (and this is so hard for me), is I have to let some things around the house go and cut back on outside activities. I try to choose what I will participate in at church, too. So the bulk of my time there is in the choir and that’s a huge commitment right now.

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

1.)Write something every day if you can. Show up!
2.) Read.
3.) Join a critique group for guidance and feedback. The benefits are great! Network with other writers through groups like the ACFW, ACW, RWA. There are many writers groups to choose from.

Tell us about the featured book?

A Love of Her Own is the conclusion of Heart of the West series. April McBride travels to attend her brother’s wedding. Still cautious after a broken engagement, she fully intends to guard her heart. One look around the small mining town convinces April that doing so won't be difficult—just a bunch of dusty shops, bad service, and ill-bred cowboys. But a run-in with horse trainer Wes Owen opens up vast possibilities for frustration, embarrassment, friendship, and . . . love?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Yampa Valley, Colorado
September 1896

The brisk Colorado wind tugged at April McBride’s silky tresses underneath her Stetson hat, tickling the exposed skin at the nape of her neck. She threw her head back in delight, and her laughter spilled across the valley floor, causing her roan’s tail to twitch. There wasn’t anything April would rather do on a fall day than be out riding with total abandonment. She pushed her mount higher up the slope.

A half hour later she reined her horse in as she reached the crest of the craggy ridge overlooking the Yampa Valley. Her gaze traveled down to the rumbling Blue River below where a familiar figure on horseback had stopped to give his horse a drink. Luke Weber. But this time her heart no longer thumped with excitement.

Luke paused at the river’s edge and rested his arms across the saddle horn. He glanced up to her on the ridgeline above him and lifted his hat in greeting. April returned the greeting with a wave. After a brief moment, Luke gave his horse a nudge and continued on downstream.
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com/
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/  Resident Blogger

Thank you, Maggie, for spending this time with us. Be sure to contact me when you have a pub date on the Blue Willow books.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using the link when you order,  you help support this blog.














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

THE JEWEL OF HIS HEART - Maggie Brendan - Free Book

I've really been looking forward to featuring this book. I was given the opportunity to read the manuscript for endorsement. I loved it. I think you will, too. Maggie, welcome. What kind of books you do write?

I write historical romance novels.

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

The happiest day in my life was when my daughter and son were born, separately, of course! They add incredible meaning to my life, and are even more fun as adults now that they have their own children that I am smitten with.

I spent time yesterday with my first great grandson. He's two years old. How has being published changed your life?

It has certainly become an adventure! I’ve had to rearrange my schedule within the home and I let a few things go that took up too much time. The bulk of my work day is writing, researching, etc. I’ve met new people and God has opened many doors along the way where I can be an influence of for him through my faith in speaking and book signing. I’m enjoying the ride!

I am, too. What are you reading right now?

Tammy Barley’s novel, Love’s Rescue, but I have an entire stack of books on my credenza.

What is your current work in progress?

I’ve just finished the 3rd book, A Love of Her Own, in The Heart of the West series so now I’m beginning a new series called The Blue Willow Brides. It’s about three sisters from Holland who become mail order brides in the 1880’s in the West.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’d love a cabin in the Rocky Mountains in either Colorado or Montana overlooking a lake.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I really love the West so it’s natural for me to pick one of the western states. But I usually base it on something that I read that happened there or loosely base it on an historical character.

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

I thought a long time about your question. I’d have to say LaVyrle Spencer. I believe she was the greatest romance novelist of all time. I’d love to get writing tips from her and hoped that one day someone would tell me that I write like her. Now that would be an honor.

I know what you mean. Readers have told me I write like Tracie Peterson and Lauraine Snelling. What a compliment. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to singing in my church’s choir, and when I have a chance I like to oil paint or scrapbook, but I’m finding little time for that now. I love being outdoors with nature and meeting new people.

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

Maybe the most difficult obstacle for me is my attention to detail and having enough time for everything that needs to be done. I like everything in the house in order and kept nice and tidy. Trying to keep meals cooked, laundry, errands and still have a bit of free time left over is hard to juggle, much less the daily writing time.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

My advice to a beginning author is to keep a schedule for your writing. For some, it’s in the morning for others, especially with young children, it’s during their nap time or after they go to bed. But be consistent and never give up. Decide what’s important to you. Get to know other writers and join a critique group. You’ll find enormous support with other writers. Attend writer’s conferences and read, read, read!

Tell us about the featured book?

The Jewel of His Heart is set in 1890’s Montana. It is here that Juliana calls home when she meets Josh McBride, a handsome, gentle sheepherder. When he discovers a rare kind of sapphire on his property and considers striking out on his own path in the world, he is forced to decide what’s most important to him: the world’s riches or the eternal value of love in a woman whose eyes rival the rarest gems.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Jewel of His Heart
Utica, Montana 1896

I need a wife.

Josh McBride had ridden down the grassy slope to the sparkling creek, allowing his horse a drink while surveying with a keen eye the parcel of land that he’d purchased three years before.

It’s pretty here—the best spot on God’s good earth.

But that didn’t keep him from feeling lonely.

He was enjoying the beautiful Montana Mountains this morning, and the satisfaction of pursuing his own dream and place in the world instead of his father’s. On these solitary rides, he treasured the peace and privacy with his Creator in the morning, feeling his presence.

Earlier, he had taken his bandana from his neck and dipped it into the cold stream to wipe his face. The stream narrowed at this juncture to not much more than a trickle, or Josh might have missed the handful of small blue pebbles collected there. Reaching into the icy water, he scooped the pebbles up for a closer look. The sunlight reflected off the small translucent blue pebbles, their hue unlike anything Josh had ever seen. Instinctively, he knew these were not just blue pebbles or ordinary stones, but what he did not know, was how they would ultimately change his life forever.

Josh slipped the handful of blue stones in his leather vest pocket and mounted his horse. He headed back to the grassy rise, overlooking the valley, pausing to gaze out at his sizeable herd of sheep with pride. Suddenly, Josh’s white and amber colored dog, Shebe, ran up to gaze at him lovingly, her tongue lolling from the side of her mouth. “Hey, girl. Looking for me?”
Shebe’s short sharp was her answer and Josh laughed. “We’ve sure been through some lonely times, haven’t we, girl?”

“McBride!” A rider below waved his hat at Josh and pushed his horse up the grassy ridge.

Josh called back a greeting to his youngest sheepherder and nudged Pete’s flanks with the edge of his boot heel. He’d left his spurs behind when he rode off his father’s cattle ranch. Besides, he and Pete understood each other perfectly. Josh sometimes thought Pete and Shebe understood him better than anyone else, and his affection for his horse and sheepdog ran deep. But still he wanted a wife. A dog and horse could not take the place of a companion to fill this lonely space in his heart.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

southernbellewriter.blogspot.com

http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/ resident blogger

Thank you, Maggie, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

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

Author Maggie Brendan - NO PLACE FOR A LADY - Free Book

We have another debut author today. Welcome, Maggie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I’m sure there are parts of me that seep into my main characters, but not physically though. That’s one thing I don’t believe a writer is conscious of doing until their critique partners tells you that you did. I think most writers write from their own life experiences, and how it has shaped them will find its way into our characters.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I guess I’m pretty quirky when I play with my grandchildren. I have tea parties with them and always speak with a British accent or rich southern drawl while holding their dolls as if they are speaking. I get behind the doll and move her arms this way and that and it makes them giggle. They forget that it’s me speaking and watch the doll instead. I take my teddy bear that sits on my bed and prop him up under the covers, put my reading glasses on his eyes and place my Daily Light devotional book in his lap. I enjoy pretending with them in a make believe world. There you can do just about anything.

Make believe is what authors do, too. Right? When did you first discover that you were a writer?

That’s easy. I was in the 3rd grade and the teacher saw me writing on a piece of paper during our “free homework” time. She encouraged me by giving me ruled paper to write my story down. It was a pitiful story that I still have today. My second story I wrote in the 5th grade, a mystery. I’ve always had stories in my head and was constantly thinking what would happen if…
And "what if?" is what authors use as they build stories. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

What can I say? Almost everything except sci-fi. I love historical, suspense, biographies, and apologetics and of course, my Bible.

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

Sometimes it seems as if there is no sanity at all in our hectic world of cell phones, Internet, media, family, church, etc. Music and singing have always been a huge part of my life. Prayer keeps me centered and focused. Sometimes I focus on other people when they have a need, and it takes my mind off myself, which is healthy. Another important thing that I do for myself is maintain some form of exercise. I walk 2 miles 5 or 6 times a week and lift weights every other day. This actually gives me more energy, and some of my best ideas come while I’m outside walking.

I have an I-Touch but I don’t walk with it every time so that I can empty my brain or talk to God on my walks. Staying connected with my family is very important to me. I try not to spend much time in front of the TV—but I’m addicted to "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars" and I enjoyed the "Celebrity Apprentice." The Hallmark channel and TNT is my favorite to lose myself in good stories or westerns, but I must admit that I am a HUGE Tyler Perry fan! He is brilliant and got his start right here in Atlanta.

I like Tyler's work, too. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I’m not really sure other than sometimes I’ll hear a name, or read it somewhere and mentally take note or jot in down for future reference. Writing a historical is a little different in that a lot of names used today would not be in use then, so those are harder to come up with. Once I start using the name in my story, I read it out loud. It has to have the right ring to it for the particular make-up of my character as a whole.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’d have to say completing my book. A lot of people say, “Oh, well, I could write a book.” But it does take persistence and desire to finish what you create. Winning the 2004 American Christian Writers Persistence Award validated my writing and was a huge encouragement to me. Raising a fabulous son and daughter, now adults with their own children, is so incredibly rewarding.

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

Probably a tiger or lion. I’m fascinated in the beauty of a tiger’s eyes and his striking face which is always observant and watching. The Lion represents power and strength and that makes me think of the Lord and his majesty. But I do love the horse with his unleashed energy, form and gracefulness. Maybe I could embody all of them. LOL.

What is your favorite food?

This is a hard one to answer, but the first thing that comes to mind is red beans, and rice with sausage, (or big white lima beans), cornbread and sweetened iced tea. I love crowder peas, mustard greens, fried okra and skinless fried chicken, topped off with homemade banana pudding. See why I have to make sure that I work out. Lol. I’m a true southern girl.

Tell us a little about your journey to publication.

I wrote off and on throughout high school and when my children were small. I submitted poems and a short story that was rejected. Then it seemed that life and raising children were front and center, so I placed my dream of becoming a writer in the background of my mind. My brother was a western writer, and he always encouraged me to keep working it at it. He was the greatest influence on my writing.

One day, I was going through my Bible and throwing out last week’s bulletin and saw a tiny blurb that said a study for people who were interested in writing would be starting up and gave the phone number. Somehow I had missed seeing that the first time around but decided to call. The teacher was really encouraging over the phone and said the study was, Write His Answer. During that study there were questions that would help to decide if you were called to write. That pushed me into making a decision to finish my book and write for Christian publication. By the way, that teacher, Jennifer Schuchmann, is the co-author of Your Unforgettable Life and has written more articles that I could ever count. My brother, Jess McCreede, was one of the guest speakers and so was Cecil Murphy who impressed me so much. Out of this study, I co-founded a writers group and I have been leading my critique group now for 5 years.

I attended the Atlanta ACW conference, the ACFW Denver and Nashville Conference and a screenwriter’s workshop in my area last summer. I met with Tamela Hancock Murray in Denver and she like my story, but decided not to take me on as a client then. DiAnn Mills critiqued my first three chapters and said it was almost ready for publication. I didn’t even know who she was at the time! What a fabulous writer and encourager! My author interview was with Colleen Coble who gave me direction and support as well. My mentor was the lovely and talented suspense writer, Brandilyn Collins.

One of my current critique partners, Caroline Friday, loved my manuscript and wrote a screenplay that has been optioned by Starz Media to Hallmark for a TV movie. Later, I met Tamela again at the ICRS in Atlanta and she asked me to submit my manuscript. She liked the story and chose to represent me as her client and we have signed a three book deal with Revell. God is Good! I am being quoted in an upcoming book, Word Weaver: The Successful Writers Critique Group by Eva Marie Everson and Janice Elsheimer.

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

Probably finding time to myself or permitting myself to have time to pursue a writing career while taking care of the gazillion needs of my family. Women tend to be good caretakers of everyone except themselves, and feel selfish and guilty if they want to carve out time alone. I had a lot of other jobs from the time I got married until last July—some part-time and full-time.

It’s gets a bit overwhelming when your husband has his own high stress job and doesn’t take your writing seriously until things start to happen with your work. Even then, I think it’s hard for most men to see what needs to be done because it’s a never ending job to run a home smoothly. But women are expected to continue to do it all, along with their job, and I’m sure many writers can relate to that.

In the mix, there needs to be time out for and fun and relaxation, too. When we don’t get that a part of the equation our health and everything else suffers. It’s hard for us to do this in our culture in this country, because we are told to make every minute count for something.

My brother, who was my mentor and a writer suddenly died 4 years ago, and I still struggle with his loss even now. It wasn’t a roadblock, but it sure set me back for a period of time, with shock and grief. But I can still hear him encouraging me onward. He believed it me. I have every scrap of letters and rough drafts of his novels that I pull out and look at to lift me up from time to time.
What advice would you give to others who are trying to get their first book published?

Be persistent and finish what you start. Never give up on your dream. Keep plugging away and it can happen. Read, read, read. Especially in the genre that you are writing. That helps you learn your craft. Join a critique group to get feedback and connect with other writers and learn to take criticism without thinking that it’s a personal attack. It’s not. Attend workshops and conference where you can learn as much as you can about this crazy world of writing. Good reading for honing your writing skills are books like, Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain, and Writing Novels that Sell, by Jack Bickham, and of course, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

No Place for a Lady is based on the scripture Jer. 29:11; that the Lord has a plan for our lives.

The heroine endures the hardship, danger and fatigue of a cattle drive. There are few recordings of a female on a cattle drive. She has very human failings such as personal prejudices and petty irritations. She has to rely on her faith in God for strength and guidance, which ultimately shapes her character and her future. I think readers will find it high entertaining, romantic and inspirational.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com/

http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/

Maggie, thank you for spending this time with us.

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