POSTMARK: CHRISTMAS - Kathy Kovach, Paige Winship Dooly, Paula Moldenhauer, Darlene Franklin - Three Free Books

Kathy Kovach, one of the authors of the collection, is with us today. Her co-authors are Darlene Franklin, Paige Winship Dooly, and Paula Moldenhauer.

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

Mine is titled, A Blessed Angel Came. I lived in Florida for ten years and Darlene Franklin knew that. She asked me if I’d like to write another story with that setting, (my other was Merely Players now in the compilation, Florida Weddings,) and I said yes. Christmas is a real town in Florida, so when I researched what was in that area, I found a fun little place called Jungle Adventures Nature Park, home of “Swampy”, the World’s Largest Gator. I thought it a good place to set a Christmas story. lol 

What are you reading right now?

Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer in paperback and Perfect by Harry Kraus, M.D. on Kindle.

What other books have you had published?

My latest is one I co-authored and self-published with Paula Moldenhauer. Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal is a contemporary with a historical frame. Here’s our tagline – A secret. A key. Much was buried when the Titanic went down, but now it’s time for resurrection. For fun stuff and ordering info, visit www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com. Besides the one story in Florida Weddings, I wrote all three stories in Oregon Weddings. Also Cookie Schemes in the novella anthology, Love Letters. All published with Barbour Publishing. For all my books visit my Amazon page at http://amzn.to/NDDg23.

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

All of our stories revolve around a fictitious Christmas festival. You take four different authors writing four different stories and you get four different interpretations of the setting. We had to adjust several things to pull our ideas into one solid festival.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

These are a great bunch of ladies. I know Paula and Darlene personally, and have a connection to Paige because she lives in NW Florida, not far from where my husband and I spent ten years stationed at Hurlburt and Eglin air force bases. I’m not sure I would call it an impact, but I did enjoy the experience.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I always like my names to mean something. The heroine is Gabriella Archer. Her character has an important message, much like the archangel Gabriel. But, unlike Gabriel, she is too shy to be effective. Enter David Levine. Levi means praise and so does Judah. Bethlehem, the city of David, is in Judah. See my thought process?

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

To step into the gift God gave you, whether you feel worthy or not. He will equip you for the task.

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

Yes, I’ve been a member since 2002 and have attended every conference and volunteered in various positions. I’m currently the Rocky Mountain Zone Director. Ten years ago, when I started writing for a career, I was told by three separate people about this wonderful organization for Christian fiction writers. It was then called American Christian Romance Writers. You know how it goes. A person needs to hear something at least three times before they act. That’s what happened with me, and I have never looked back. I love ACFW! It has taught me craft and helped me network with important people in the industry as well as given me a writing family.

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

I have to pick only one? Probably to write my passion and not worry about the market. I have stepped outside the normal in some of my stories, a fortune cookie maker, a female charter boat captain, a talking parrot who plays cupid, and in each case have heard wonderful things from my readers. Often when a publisher releases several books a year under a certain division, (i.e. Heartsong Presents or the Barbour novellas,) the stories start to look alike. This is a common complaint among readers. I hope that I’ve been able to give them more variety.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Website – www.kathleenekovach.com.

Blogs – www.katleenekovach.blogspot.com and www.craftcinema.blogspot.com. 

Welcome, Paige. (Readers, I'm always teasing Paige that her husband doesn't know how to spell Dooley.) How did your story for the collection come about?

I’ve always wanted to do an RV story and this one felt right for this set. Once we started tossing around ideas for the title, the story grew from there.

What are you reading right now?

A Love Inspired Suspense and a Love Inspired Historical. I love to read more than one story at a time—it depends on my mood what I pick up at any given time.

What other books have you had published?

Georgia Brides is my latest 3-in-1, and I have a couple more contemporary Heartsong Presents coming out in the next few months, Sweet Lullaby and Special Delivery.

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

The hardest part for me is during the planning phase when we’re trying to figure out how much of a tie in we want with the other stories. It’s fun to revisit characters and locations in the different stories!

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I had a great time working with Darlene, Paula and Kathy! I’ve worked with Darlene before, but this is the first time we’ve sold something together. I had fun getting to know Paula and Kathy as we went. The stories and ideas just flowed.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I keep on ongoing file of names that I like, and I start with that. If I don’t find what I like for a particular character, I’ll keep searching until I find the one that clicks. My names usually come up as I envision the characters and start to get to “know” them.

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

We aren’t created to be alone. I think God wants us to have companionship with other people and definitely with Him. Trusting God to be there for us and trusting others to share our burdens helps us grow as people.

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

I am a member. I like the fellowship and I like to keep in touch with other authors as we share about the industry.

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

Do it now! If you put off trying to write that next book (or starting the first book!) you’ll never get anywhere.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook

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

The collection was the brain child of our leader, Darlene Franklin, who saw a newspaper article about the postmaster in Christmas, Florida. When I joined the team already in place they had a list of ideas for the collection. I fell in love with the postmaster idea and combined it with an idea already suggested about a police officer who dressed up as the Grinch to raise money for charity. When Rick Stanton was born in my imagination he arrived retired with a caring heart bigger than Texas, broad policeman shoulders, quoting Dr. Seuss, and head over heels for Edie. I still don’t know how feisty Edie resisted him as long as she did. His charm really does come from the inside out—thus the title, You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch.

What are you reading right now?

Okay. This question makes me want to cry. I’m a voracious reader, but was in a car accident last June which caused a concussion, and it makes me sick to curl up with a novel! I feel like part of me was cut away! But I’ve survived in part by listening to books on tape. I spent most of my summer with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is so much better than the movies. I’m blown away.

What other books have you had published?

You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch is my first published romance. One of the authors in this collection, Kathleen Kovach, and I co-authored my other published novel, which released in April. It’s called Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal. Your readers can find information on it in your blog archives, Lena, at http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2012/04/titanic-legacy-of-betrayal-kathleen-e.html . We so appreciated your willingness to tell them about it last spring. It’s a full-length contemporary novel with a historical frame based on a hundred-year-old secret from the RMS Titanic.

                                 

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

I wanted to be sure I connected my story in some way to the other stories and that I accurately represented the characters created by the other authors. Since we were all meeting different deadlines on other projects, it was sometimes crazy to know these kinds of things from each other because the stories weren’t all completed at the same time. But it worked, and we all were willing to adjust here and there to make the collection fit together.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I have deep gratitude for Darlene and Paige’s willingness to take a chance on me, as I was an unpublished novelist when they invited me into this collection. My friend, Kathy, was on their team, and they experienced an opening. Kathy suggested me. We’re in the same critique group, and she felt my writing was strong enough for me to hold up my part of the collection. Darlene and Paige didn’t know as much about my writing, so I was incredibly honored to be welcomed into this circle of successful, seasoned authors. There were a couple of times Kathy had to talk me down when I got nervous. I wanted so much to do well that I freaked out here and there. But my Kathy K. was there to remind me that I really did know what I was doing.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I actually grew up in the south and my character, Rick, talked to me with an accent. I decided he was raised in Tallahassee since central Florida doesn’t necessary have that southern flair. As he talked he reminded me of some distant cousins back home who spoke with a strong accent. Their names were Rick and Stanton. Thus Rick Stanton was born. I have no idea how Edie was named. She just walked onto the pages knowing her name, I guess!

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

Part of Edie’s journey is that she’s been through a lot of hard knocks which made her protective of her heart and afraid to believe life can be better than it has been. When I got this contract I’d just come out of several years of intense struggle, including the near death of my husband. I think I was exploring this for myself—how to hope again, believe again that life can sparkle despite multiple set-backs. My novella is a joyful little story and perhaps my own statement of faith in the belief that God truly has an abundant life for us, not just a life of survival.

There’s also a scene my husband suggested that happened between Rick and a secondary character. I love this scene! It shares a little of the truth of the loving Father-heart of God. One of my personal greatest discoveries is that Father God isn’t a demanding authority who is always disappointed in my imperfections, but a God who loves me just as I am even as He empowers me to be more like Christ. It made me weep when my character discovered this for herself. I pray there are readers out there who will find this truth in my story and make it their own.

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

Absolutely! Becoming involved in ACFW was one of the very best decisions I made as an unpublished author. It provided me with some of the most valuable learning and networking opportunities out there as well as with a place to find support and encouragement. I don’t know if I would have made it without the love and prayers of the ACFW prayer loop. I got my contract at the 2011 ACFW national conference in front of everyone and couldn’t help but feel this first fiction contract was a collective achievement, not just mine, because so many ACFW friends had impacted my journey. ACFW was such an impact on me that I’ve chosen to give back, hoping to empower others new to the industry. I served several years as a local chapter president and right now I’m the Colorado Coordinator for ACFW.

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

This is hard ’cause so many have given me such great guidance and encouragement, but the first thing that springs to mind isn’t so much human advice as something the Lord gave me after I finished my first (still unpublished) novel about ten years ago. I was euphoric at the accomplishment and totally committed to my story. I asked the Lord if it would ever be published. He never answered me other than to point me to Psalm 32:8: “I will guide you on the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Hanging onto His Sovereignty through the often difficult waters of finding a publishing niche kept me sane. I watch many unpublished authors strive and worry and grieve and stress. Of course I did some of that, too. We are emotional creatures. But my underlying truth was always that verse, and I clung to the knowledge that God would do what was best when He deemed it best. My job was to learn the industry, to develop craft, etc., but that elusive contract was up to Him.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I’d love to connect with readers at my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PaulaMoldenhauerAuthor and on my personal website, www.paulamoldenhauer.com

Thank you, Darlene, for coming up with this idea and putting together this team. Can't wait to read this book. I just finished reading your book, A Brides Rogue in Roma, Texas. I loved the novel. I look forward to our interview with you in November. 

How did your story for the collection come about?

A few years ago I heard of a family who sent leftover Christmas cards to random people in the phone book. Since we knew we wanted all of stories to have connections to the post office, I decided to borrow that idea. Ever since the death of my heroine’s husband, she has sent cards to military personnel around the world. In my book, one of the soldiers she has befriended over the years seeks her out after he retires.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished The Preacher’s Bride by Laurie Kingery. It’s a must-read, and I don’t say that lightly. I am dabbling in a book called The World of Downtown Abbey since my son brought me five nonfiction books to read and not one of my beloved novels!

What other books have you had published?

I won’t list them all, since the number now approaches the two dozen mark!

A Bride’s Rogue in Roma, Texas, was released at the same time as Postmark: Christmas; and I have two books in the Texas Trails series, Lone Star Trail and A Ranger’s Trail.

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

Waiting to hear if the editor wants to buy it? No, that’s true of any writing. Probably the hardest part is completing a group project, which has overlapping elements, when we are all work with different time tables. Paula had questions before I started mine, and Kathy had questions after I finished mine, and so forth. But as long as the authors communicate—which this group did—it’s not too bad.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Paige and I have made several joint proposals, but this was the first time one sold. So it was a dream come true for both of us, and she was as much fun to work with as I hoped. Kathy, Paula know each other from way back in Colorado, and writing with them cemented a friendship begun when we were all writing neophytes.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I was working on this proposal when I taught a workshop on naming characters!  I used one of the class’s suggestions, Michael, for my heroine’s son.

The heroine’s name required special thought. She is known as “Randi Pearson” but she signs her Christmas cards as “Aranda H.” – her given first name and the initial of her maiden name. It takes the hero some time to put “Aranda H.” and “Randi Pearson” together.

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

Since her husband’s death, Randi put her life on hold. She’s forgotten about romance and raised their son, now a troubled teenager. Mike is about to graduate from high school and Troy appears in her life.

How do we respond when one chapter of our life ends and we’re not sure what the next one holds in store? Randi has to trust God to light her path one step at a time.

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

Absolutely! In my opinion, it is the professional organization for writers of Christian fiction. It’s also a digital meeting place, learning forum, and support system.

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

Aside from the basic, read, read, read and write, write, write, I’ll share a quote from James Michener that made me nod in recognition: “I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter.” An author must be persistent, and she must be willing to rewrite. Talent doesn’t matter as much as perseverance and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I am on Facebook. You can also follow my blog at http://darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/. I run weekly contests for free copies of my books. 

Thank you, Kathy, Paige, Paula and Darlene, for visiting with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Postmark: Christmas (Romancing America) - paperback
Postmark: Christmas (Romancing America) - Kindle

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CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING - Debby Mayne, Paige Winship Dooly, Elizabeth Goddard, Elizabeth Ludwig - Free Book

Here's another Christmas novella collection. I'm loving all of these. I'll be reading and reviewing them in October and November. As with the last interview, I'll add the photos of the authors in the order that they answer the questions. Now, tell us how did your story for the collection come about?

Debby Mayne: I liked the idea of connecting these stories through family, which is where love starts. To give it a unique twist and show that people can find love at any age, I wanted to write about a widowed grandmother.

Paige Winship Dooly: Our stories feature three granddaughters coming home for their grandma’s wedding. Each has been away for various reasons, and I decided to do a rebel with a deep heart who felt she didn’t deserve happiness after she left her fiancé at the altar. I gave her a redeemed hero, the fiancé, to work with. It was a fun story to write.

Elizabeth Ludwig: Brainstorming with such a talented group of writers is a wonderful thing. When we first started tossing around ideas for a Christmas anthology, ideas were flying fast and furious. Thankfully, Debby has a solid head on her shoulders and got our group to focus on one particular theme that flowed throughout all four stories. I firmly believe that it’s because of her guidance we were able to put together a proposal that snagged Barbour’s interest. Anyway, using Debby’s idea of a common thread, I created a character whose passion for publication had driven her away from home. It’s only when she learns that her grandmother intends to remarry that she dares return to face the people she loved, and who she’d desperately disappointed.

Elizabeth Goddard: My teenage daughter was on a missions trip in South Africa, soon to return. I knew immediately that mine would start with a missionary returning home for Christmas. The fun thing was that as I was writing the summary—I think it was midnight as the group worked together on this—Rachel called. She had just stepped onto Texas soil—her return destination.

What are you reading right now?

Debby Mayne: I have a stack of Christian chick lit, Southern humor books, romances, and quirky mysteries.

Paige Winship Dooly: Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Elizabeth Ludwig: I read a lot of books that are similar to my own—call it research. Recently, I finished The Wiles of Watermelon by Lynette Sowell, Of Mice and Murder by Mary Connealy, and Misfortune Cookies by Linda Kozar. These are all very talented ladies, so I knew when it came to writing cozy mysteries, I had my work cut out for me.

Elizabeth Goddard: Sahara by Clive Cussler, and I’m looking forward to reading George Bryan Polivka’s Blaggard’s Moon.

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

Debby Mayne: My published works include mostly romances, one mystery, and a devotional with other authors. My upcoming releases are Peachtree Dreams, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida, Noah's Ark, Be Still…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry, and this anthology (Christmas Homecoming).

Paige Winship Dooly: Heart’s Desire, Treasure in the Hills, The Greatest Find, Carousel Dreams, and The Petticoat Doctor (scheduled for release in Spring of 2009); all with Heartsong Presents. Lilly’s Pirate from the Sweet Liberty anthology, Cornerstone from the Church in the Wildwood anthology, Seeking Shade from the Christmas Duty anthology, Head over Heels from the Sweet Home Alabama anthology, and The First Noelle from the Christmas Homecoming anthology. Treasure in the Hills has been released in a 3-in-1 anthology titled Prairie Hills in February of 2009.

Elizabeth Ludwig: Believe it or not, I started out writing historicals. My first was a western I titled The Surrendered Heart. From there, I went on to create a series of Scottish historicals, none of which will probably ever see the light of day, though I thoroughly enjoyed writing every word. My published works include Where the Truth Lies and two more cozy mysteries in that series, Died in the Wool and A Black Die Affair, respectively. This novella, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, was quite a difference experience for me, but I loved doing it, and hopefully, I’ll write many more novellas in the years to come.

Elizabeth Goddard: Seasons of Love released in 2007 and as part of a 3-in-1 as Cranberry Hearts in 2009, and Portrait of a Murder, 2009.

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

Debby Mayne: The timeline and consistency among the characters.

Paige Winship Dooly: Making sure the characters are consistent in each book, and that the stories flow well.

Elizabeth Ludwig: I really felt the pressure of writing something that was up to not only my own standards, but of the other authors in this collection as well. I don’t know why I felt that way—these ladies were completely supportive the entire time and I enjoyed working with them. Still, I did not want them to be disappointed.

Elizabeth Goddard: Making sure the stories flow well together, we’re all on the same page even in the small details.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Debby Mayne: I became very good friends with them.

Paige Winship Dooly: We worked together on proposals before, and through this experience I was able to get to know all three women better.

Elizabeth Ludwig: This was a whole new experience for me. Aside from making three wonderful new friends, I really learned what it takes to collaborate effectively on a project that all four people have a vested interest in.

Elizabeth Goddard: It was the first time for me to meet and work with these ladies—now I have wonderful new writing friends!

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Debby Mayne: We started out using Christmasy names. However, when another name was needed, I used my baby naming book.

Paige Winship Dooly: It varies. For this story, I used Noelle in order to blend with the Christmas carol title, and Rocky, the solid hero, just seemed to fit with Noelle and the setting. Sometimes the names are in my mind first, and I build the story around the characters. Other times I have the story in mind, and have to write using “H” for hero and “h” for heroine until I know the characters well enough to name them. Then I use baby books or online searches to find the best name and meaning for those characters.

Elizabeth Ludwig: Our main characters all had Christmasy sounding names, so that part was easy enough—I mean, how many “Christmasy” names can you think of, right? For the others, it was a matter of choosing a name that fit the character’s personality. I usually spend a few days rolling possibilities around in my head until I come up with something that fills the bill.

Elizabeth Goddard: That was easy enough—I just stuck with names that fit in with a Christmas theme.

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

Debby Mayne: Since my heroine and hero are in their 60's, I wanted to show that people can find love at any age.

Paige Winship Dooly: I love the thought that you can always come home again, and that it’s never too late to make amends and communicate with people you love.

Elizabeth Ludwig: My story is loosely based on the parable of the Prodigal Son. With this in mind, I tried very hard to achieve a modern retelling that would speak to anyone’s heart who knows what it feels like to wander away from home. Ultimately, I wanted the reader to realize that with God, there is no distance too great that we cannot return to Him.

Elizabeth Goddard: That sometimes God’s will for our lives can change direction, and we need to be receptive to that.

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

Debby Mayne: The professionalism of this organization keeps me on top of the needs of the market. I've also made some wonderful, lifelong friends.

Paige Winship Dooly: Yes, I’m a member, and I enjoy the people and the connections that are built. We have a conference each year, online groups for each area, the e-mail loop, etc. It’s a wonderful way to network.

Elizabeth Ludwig: I am a member of ACFW, and have been since 2002. I joined because having received so many rejections to the proposals I was sending out, I knew there was still something I needed to learn. I figured an experienced group of writers like the people I would find in ACFW could only help. Boy, was I right! For those authors just starting out, I say align yourself with others who have the same goal. You will be encouraged, challenged, uplifted. . .everything it takes to make it in this competitive business.

Elizabeth Goddard: Yes, I’m a member and joined in 2001. I don’t think I’d be writing a thing if it weren’t for the encouragement I’ve received in this organization.

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

Debby Mayne: Don't take revision personally.

Paige Winship Dooly: Do it now.

Elizabeth Ludwig: If God has called you to write, don’t give up, no matter how trying the effort. While waiting for publication, I grasped onto Habakkuk 2:2-3 and repeated the verses to myself often. Now, whenever I autograph a book, I add the reference as a reminder that God is faithful to fulfill that which He has called me to do.

Elizabeth Goddard: Never give up.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending this time with us.

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

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Paige Winship Dooly - PRAIRIE HILLS - Free Book

I'm happy to feature my "Dooly Sister" from Barbour publishing. But she just hasn't learned how to spell our last name. Just kidding. I've teased her about that before. How wonderful for you to be in a collection with Susan May Warren and Linda Ford. Now, Paige, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I’m sure there’s a little bit of me in every character. But there are also characteristics of how I’d like to be. That’s what makes writing fun. You get to have your characters do whatever you want them to do.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

When I was a teen I went on a float trip with some friends. We found a road we had to lift the canoes across. The road had several cement tunnels under it so that the water could pass through. We had the brilliant idea to drop down and shoot ourselves through the tunnels. Looking back…I know it was a totally stupid idea! The water went so fast and as I went my leg caught and I scraped it. I thought my leg was going to break. The pressure shot me on through, but I had a moment of realization that it wasn’t the wisest choice we’d ever made. And what if something had blocked part of the tunnel and prevented our passage? Shudder. At least I was smart enough not to be the first person through. Now I allow my characters to do the quirky stuff, and I try to think things out in real life a bit more carefully.

That does sound scary. I went spelunking in a cavern where I worked during the summer. Many of the most beautiful formations were in places that you had to crawl on your stomach to reach. I found out I don't like tight spaces. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always written, from the time I could hold a pencil. I wrote my first “novel” when I was seventeen. I can’t imagine not writing.

That's how I feel. If I'm away from writing for too long, I get restless. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love reading romance, romantic suspense, historical, romantic comedies, and adventure stories.
What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have five books with Barbour Publishing with their Heartsong Presents line, and five novellas in anthologies, also with Barbour. I have others that may or may not see the light of day, but I hope eventually they all do.

I hope so, too. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I don’t really have time to think about it. We have a houseful of children, including two babies under 13 months old, and with homeschooling and writing, etc, it gets kind of crazy. I’m trying hard to focus on priorities and to cut out the non-essentials. Someday I’ll hopefully figure out which things those are!

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Usually I’ll have the characters’ names from the start. They just show up in my head. The ones who don’t…I do an online search or look them up in a baby book. I try a lot of names until I find the perfect one to suit that particular character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My family and completing books! I love being a mom and wife and raising the kids, but I also love having my imaginary world to slip into. It feels really good to get a full book finished while in the midst of dealing with everything life throws at us.

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

Does a dolphin count? I’d love to live in the water and swim freely and see the sights from a dolphin’s viewpoint.

What is your favorite food?

Anything Mexican. Yum! And Italian. And Thai. And anything chocolate…which deserves its own food group listing.

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

Years ago, I had a really rough rejection that set me back for a long time. I finally realized it was only one person’s opinion, and that I needed to go forward with what I loved to do. I focused on all the positive reviews I’d received on other books instead.

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

Put your fingers to the keyboard and get words down every day. Expect criticism and accept that not everyone will like your stories. Ask for feedback and take it to heart. The positives will outweigh the negatives by far!

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

I’d love readers to know that we all make bad decisions at times, but God forgives all. Everyone is redeemable.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m in process of having a new website developed that will be up and running soon. http://www.paigedooly.com/

In the meantime, I have a blog that’s sadly out of date at the moment: http://www.paigewinshipdooly.blogspot.com/ (See above comment: two babies in the house under 13 months!) We’re getting back on track, but babies, writing deadlines, and homeschooling are the priority!

Thank you, Paige, for spending time with us. I'll be looking forward to another book from you.

Readers, here's a link where you can buy Prairie Hills:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Prairie Hills. Don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you have won. I won't be contacting you any other way than through the blog.