Sharlene Maclaren - Through Every Storm

I'm going to introduce you to Sharlene today, and we'll learn some interesting things about her. I do recommend that you also go to her website:

www.sharlenemaclaren.com

Sharlene, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

That is an interesting question and one I’ve needed to ponder. I think there is probably more of me in my characters than I realize, particularly when it comes to my values and the way I view life. I always want to portray Christ as being the answer—not that we can tie up all of life’s difficulties into a neat little bow and be done with them—but that we can know with all certainty that no matter what struggles we may have to experience, God is there in our midst, lending strength, peace, and comfort. Romans 8:28 is my life’s verse, and it’s proof that no matter what we face, God has our best interest in mind. All He asks is that we trust Him. I try to weave this truth into all my stories and my characters’ lives.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I don’t know about quirky—absent-minded maybe. One story comes to mind immediately, so I’ll go with that one! Several years ago, I was hurriedly preparing the evening meal, hurrying because we were expecting guests. I had just peeled a dozen potatoes, several carrots, and a couple of large onions for my good-sized beef roast. Upon finishing, I swept the potato peelings, carrot shavings and onionskins into an empty Wheaties box that had been sitting there since breakfast. When done, I shoved the box aside. Later, I went about cleaning up my cluttered kitchen—emptying the dishwasher, stashing away a week’s worth of mail and a couple of old newspapers. It was a mad rush because I still had to vacuum and dust! (You know the routine we ladies get into before company arrives.) Well, in my rush, I grabbed the Wheaties box and – you guessed it – put it up in the cupboard. It was, after all, where I always stored the cereal. About a week later, my husband went to the kitchen for his favorite evening snack, a bowl of Wheaties. I will never forget that howling sound, as I was relaxing in the living room with a cup of tea and my Better Homes and Gardens magazine. “Honey!” he wailed. “What is this gross crap I just poured into my bowl?” And believe me, it was gross. Not to mention smelly.

I'm sure it was. I've not done anything like that, but I have put some strange things into the refrigerator that didn't go there, because I was plotting a book in my head. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have always been quite the storyteller, so my friends tell me. As a kid, I weaved many a tale around a cozy campfire, taking special delight in scaring my listeners with surprise endings. I was also known for inventing a few whoppers, like the time I convinced my best friend I’d spotted a big black bear in the woods out behind our house. Of course, I didn’t intend for her to pass on my “news”, but she did, and before I had a chance to blink, the entire neighborhood wanted details. Oh, it was a tangled web I’d woven, but that’s another story entirely. Back to the question… I didn’t actually take novel writing seriously until the summer of 2000. As a mom who’d thrown her life into raising her two daughters, I wasn’t taking the “Empty Nest” too well, and so I pleaded with God to give me a new purpose. And He did! One summer day I sat down at the computer to see if I could get past page one of a story that had been stirring around in my brain. The rest is history. My passion was born that day. In three short weeks, I completed a 90,000-word manuscript. (My husband kept me watered and fed, bless his heart.) Incidentally, I have never written that fast or furiously since…and I don’t intend to try.

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

I enjoy a wide variety of genres, anything from autobiographies, to mysteries, to inspirational studies, to romance. Of course, romance is my favored writing genre, so it’s also what I enjoy reading most. But I think it’s important for writers to drench themselves in all kinds of styles and genres. It’s how we learn. Right now, I’m doing a Beth Moore Bible study (very challenging) and a small-group study on the Book of Matthew (very intense). I’m also reading Coming Home by David Lewis, husband to Beverly. It’s about family issues, past hurts, relationships gone sour—and God’s sustaining grace and healing power. Of course, there is a thread of romance woven throughout the story, which keeps me turning pages!

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

Oh, I probably have four or five completed manuscripts waiting for a home, and a hundred or so stories stirring around up there in my head. (tee-hee) I’m currently working on a three-part historical series. I’ve signed contracts for the first two in the series with an option on the third.

That's wonderful! How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

You know what? I’m retired, so it’s wonderful. I gave 31 years to the wonderful profession of teaching and loved almost every minute of it. Although my writing keeps me busy, as do the two weekly Bible studies I’m involved in, and a host of other volunteer-type activities, I am at a point in my life where I can go at my own pace. Obviously, some days are zanier than others, but for the most part, I’m living a slower lifestyle than when I was working full-time. Praise the Lord!

How do you choose your characters’ names?

A lot depends on the period in which I’m writing. Through Every Storm, which is set for release in January ’07, is contemporary. My Little Hickman Creek Series (three-book set) takes place in Kentucky in the late 1800s. You have to do a bit of research to determine popular names of that era. One of my favorite websites belongs to Sandra Petit, www.sandrapetit.com. On it, she has a name generator. I have no idea how many names are in that generator, but I’ve never run across the same one twice. I always go into that site when I’m searching for names for my characters.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

You ask tough questions! I know what the pat answer might be—meeting and marrying my wonderful husband and still going all ga-ga over him after 31 years. Or maybe it’s giving birth to two of the most beautiful girls that ever lived, then watching them grow to be women of God and, best, marrying men of God. Or might it be that I chose a career (education) that allowed me the opportunity to invest in the lives of hundreds of kids, then have them visit me years later to say those incredibly rewarding words, “You were my favorite teacher.” And then I can’t forget that wonderful feeling of elation when you first lay eyes on a hot-off-the-press book and it has your very own name on it!

Yes, these are the pat answers, but now that I think about it, they’re also my greatest accomplishments.

That moment you hold your new book in your hands is priceless, and I feel it with every one. Right next to that is seeing it on the shelves of a bookstore or Walmart. Now for some fun. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Whew! Finally, a not-so-deep question! Ha-ha. Well, it certainly wouldn’t be a mouse, since, of all God’s creatures, I hate those things the most! I don’t even like the fact that way back when some computer guru decided to call that little gizmo we shove around with our hand a mouse. What’s wrong with “kitty” or “puppy”? The nerve! Anyway, I’d probably be a dog. I cannot live without a dog! Dakota, my 100# collie lies at my feet while I type away. He’s my bud.

What is your favorite food?

CHOCOLATE! That qualifies, right? In fact, in the typing of that word just now I started thinking about whether or not I have any more chocolate chips up in my cupboard.

Chocolate is a writer's or a girl's comfort friend. I love dark chocolate best.

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

I’m so humbled to think this book is going to print. Of all the books I’ve written, it’s one of my favorites. Its premise is sad, a young couple (Jeff and Maddie Bowman) losing their only child to a tragic crib accident. But the outcome is a good one, finding Christ in the middle of their turmoil. While they suffered greatly for their loss, including the near crumbling of their marriage, one little boy (Maddie’s seven-year-old cousin) with a heartful of faith helped them see that there is life after tragedy.

The story, while rather gloomy in concept, carries a hopeful tint and, of course, Timmy, the young boy who comes to live with Jeff and Maddie on a temporary basis, adds buoyancy and bits of humor and life to the mix. In essence, he teaches them to smile again.

Although I’ve never experienced a loss of this magnitude, I have tasted grief, and I know how hard it is to struggle through the emotions day in and day out. I hope this story will inspire my readers to trust Christ through the good times as well as the bad, knowing that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

To find out more about the book, go to Sharlene's web site. Thank you, Sharlene, for spending this time with us.

Remember, readers, leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of Through Every Storm.

Teresa Slack, You Are a Winner!

. . .of cyndy Salzmann's book, Dying to Decorate.

Just click on the e-mail link under my picture and send me your mailing address.

Readers, there's still time to leave a comment on Wanda Brunstetter's interview for a chance to win a copy of A Merry Heart. Someone will be a winner next week. It might as well be you.

A Merry Heart by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I've known Wanda online and at ACFW conferences for several years. We are both published by the same publisher, too. You're going to love getting to know her.

You received wonderful recognition last year. Tell us about it.

My novel, The Storekeeper’s Daughter, won the 2006 Christian Retailer’s Choice award in the women’s fiction category. The announcement was made during the International Christian Retailer’s Show in Denver on Monday, July 10, 2006.

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

Some of my characters have had various aspects of my personality, but I’ve also based many of my characters on other people I know or have met.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I learned ventriloquism when my husband and I first became involved in a puppet ministry over twenty years ago. I bought a book on the subject, practiced every day in front of a mirror, and six months later I was talking for two.

My daughters and I started the puppet ministry in the church we attended when they were teenagers. I wrote the scripts. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I wrote a poem to go with a picture of a moth I had drawn in the second grade. My teacher was more impressed with the poem than the picture, and from that moment on I began writing poems and short stories.

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

I enjoy reading historical novels, as well as mystery, and suspense, and I always enjoy a bit of romance.

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

I have written several romance novels for Heartsong Presents, as well as some novellas that have been included in collections with other authors. More recently I began writing women’s fiction novels, and I’ve also written an Amish devotional, entitled The Simple Life. This spring, I will have an Amish cookbook published, as well as a series of children’s books with Amish characters that will come out in July.

I can hardly wait to get the cookbook. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I try to keep my focus on God, asking Him daily through prayer and my devotional reading to guide me and give me wisdom. I try to make some time to spend with my grandchildren every week, and I find that a simple thing like sitting on our patio glider, watching the birds and listening to the trickle of our backyard pond, helps me relax. I also enjoy riding on our son’s boat, which I do as often as possible during the summer months.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I keep a notebook full of names I’ve heard, or sometimes I use names from someone I know personally.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of beside your family?

Having my books being on the CBA bestseller’s list, because I know this is a sign that the books are being read and someone out there might have read something that could help them through a difficult time.

I'm sure you've received, as I have, letters from readers telling you how one of your books changed their lives. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I have never had a desire to be an animal, but I suppose if I had to choose, it would be miniature poodle dog, because they are so cute and lovable.

What is your favorite food?

I like many foods, and I’m not sure I have a favorite, but a couple of things I really enjoy eating are crab, prime rib, and Southern fried chicken.

Wanda, you're making me hungry. Is it time for dinner yet? What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

A Merry Heart is a revised/expanded version of my first novel, which was originally published with Heartsong Presents. It was later put into a collection with three of my other Amish novels, and that book was entitled Lancaster Brides. The book has since gone out of print, so my publisher asked me to revise and expand by 20,000 words, each of those four book, which were released as separate full-length women’s fiction novels in a series entitled The Brides of Lancaster County. A Merry Heart is about Miriam Stoltzfus, an Amish schoolteacher who was jilted by her first boyfriend and who is now struggling with a bitter spirit. Amos Hilty, a widowed Amish man, wants to court Miriam, but she’s certain he only wants a mother for his daughter and a wife for convenience sake. Miriam’s heart warms to a more interesting friendship with Nick McCormick, an English newspaper reporter, as he’s easy to talk to and makes her smile. Miriam knows she needs to let go of her bitter spirit and surrender her will to God, but can she do that within her own community, or will Miriam leave the Amish faith and find what she longs for in the outside world?

Wanda, thank you for spending this time with us. We'll be on the lookout for your books. I've seen them all over the place, even in Walmart.

Readers, be sure to leave a comment on the interview for a chance to win an autographed copy of A Merry Heart. There's still time to leave a comment on Cyndy Salzmann's interview for a chance to win Dying to Decorate.

Mary (Marylin) You Are a Winner

You've won a copy of Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy. be sure to e-mail me your mailing address so we can get the book out to you.

Wow, Mary Connealy, this is the most comments we've had on any of my interviews. By the way, I just finished reading Petticoat Ranch, and it is wonderful.

For those who didn't win it, go out and buy a copy. You won't want to miss it.

By the way, I've just joined Shoutlife.com. Come over and check out my profile:

www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley

Cyndy Salzmann - Dying to Decorate

Cyndy is another of my online friends. She's written other things besides fiction, but today, we're featuring a mystery novel. If you want to find out about her other published works, go to www.cyndysalzmann.com . She has lots of help for those of us who are domestically challenged, to use her words.

Cyndy, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Okay – I’ll 'fess up. Liz, the main narrator in my Friday Afternoon Club mystery series, is pretty much me. In fact, the idea for the series came from my own group of friends that has been meeting on Friday afternoons for the last 15 years. And yes – we call ourselves the Friday Afternoon Club, too.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Frankly… I couldn’t think of answer to your question, Lena. That was until I asked my husband. His response was, “Where would you like me to begin?” Here are a few examples off the top of his head.

Since my real name is Cynthia, I rotated the way I spelled my nickname (Cindy, Cindi, Cyndi, Syndy. Sindy, Cindee, Cyndy, etc. ) depending on my mood. My publisher insisted I make a decision before my first book came out. Now it’s Cyndy. So boring…

When my husband admitted he didn’t like that his birthday was so close to Christmas, I convinced him to start celebrating it in June instead of January. His mom was NOT impressed with this idea when I told her about his “new birthday.”

I make a BIG deal out of celebrating Flag Day each year. It’s not that I’m overly patriotic or like red, white and blue. It’s just fun to celebrate a holiday that most people forget.

Okay… I guess I do have a quirky side. ; )

Yes, you do, and I like you even more for it. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

My first book was nonfiction – written in 1964 to celebrate the Beatles arriving in the U.S. It was cleverly titled The Beatles Book and bound with rubber cement. The description and illustration of Ringo Starr is particularly insightful. I still have the book.

You must have been just a baby then. :-) Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Maybe this explains my quirky personality. I enjoy reading humor – laugh-out-loud fiction that makes strangers stare at you – and really scary suspense. John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas is the reason I started writing fiction. I still laugh when I think about that “Free Frosty” picket line.

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

People always ask me how I do all that I do. Here’s what I tell them...

Let go of perfectionism and focus on what you CAN get done – not what you CAN'T. For example, I wrote my first book while waiting for my daughter at soccer practice instead of driving back and forth. It may have not been the ideal “writing space” but it worked.

Give yourself permission to do the best you can within your personal limits. When I get behind on laundry, I take great encouragement from Genesis 2:20. "They were naked and not ashamed."

It is also very important for me to observe the Sabbath. As a Type A personality, this one was tough for me. But I force myself to take Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset as my Sabbath and always find that it restores and prepares me for the week ahead. I've also found that giving this time to God in obedience brings a spiritual blessing that I find words inadequate to describe. : )

All very good advice. How do you choose your characters’ names?

So far, I’ve named “good” characters after my friends and family. I know this is not very creative but it makes them feel special – I think. The “bad” characters are a bit more interesting. My husband warns people not to cross me or my “evil twin” may write them into a story. Heh. Heh.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My marriage. John and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary this year and I just adore him. He can be a curmudgeon at times – but I know he will always be there for me. And he is my cheerleader and unfailing supporter. I still marvel at being so blessed!

I know what you mean. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would like to be my dog. We have a Westie, Daisy, and she is so adorable – and adored. We all fight over who gets to pet her, sit by her and sleep with her. Plus, whenever she is out – people stop to pet her and tell her how cute she is. And she’s never had to use a smidgen of age-defying cream, shave her legs or pluck a hair from her chin. : )

What is your favorite food?

That’s easy. Dark chocolate. Now, if you’ll excuse me, a bag of Hershey’s Kisses is calling my name…

Welcome back, Cyndy. Thanks for bringing one for me. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Dying to Decorate is the first book in my Friday Afternoon Club mystery series – which is part of Howard Books’ Motherhood Club line. It’s a lighthearted mystery with a mom lit feel – and since I’m also a cookbook author – I included 45 of my favorite recipes that go along with the story. A reader wrote me recently that her husband said my Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pot Roast was the best thing she had cooked in 20 years of marriage. As I mentioned, the series is based on my own group of friends. We have no agenda for our get-togethers. No crafts. No book club. Just a time to relax and recharge with women who get me – and don’t care if I’ve shave my legs. : )

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

I started writing nonfiction – home management books that offer “encouragement to the domestically challenged.” Three have been published by Horizon Books: Making Your Home a Haven (2001), The Occasional Cook (2002) and Beyond Groundhogs and Gobblers (2004).

The second book in my Friday Afternoon Club mystery series, Crime & Clutter, is scheduled to be released by Howard Books in April, 2007. And I’m just finishing up the third book, The Killer Karpool.

Not sure if you call it lucky or unlucky but, so far, I haven’t written any books that weren’t published.

Good for you, Cyndy. I do have an unpublished manuscript in the file cabinet. Thank you for spending this time with us today.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Dying to Decorate, and go by Cyndy's web site for more information on her other books.

Jackie C., You Are a Winner

. . .of Violette Between by Alison Strobel Morrow. Contact me with your mailing address, so I can get your book sent to you.

Remember, Readers, you could be the next winner--if you leave a comment on an interview.

There's still time to leave a comment on Mary Connealy's interview for a chance to win a copy of Petticoat Ranch.

If you want to be sure you don't miss any of the posts about the winners, subscribe to Feedblitz in the column on the right. You will receive notice of each of the posts on this blog. There's also a link to Signed By the Author where you can order signed copies of my books and those of several other authors.

There's even a writing tip of the day in that column.

Six Weird Things About me - More or Less

Rachel Hauck tagged Kristy, then Kristy tagged me--telling us to blog about six weird things about ourselves. I could write a book. How do I choose only six?

Of course to authors, some of these things aren't weird.

1. There are always people living their lives in my mind. Sometimes, I really get immersed in what they're doing.

2. Until I was a senior in high school, I was painfully shy. (Don't laugh. It's true.)

3. I hated blind dates. I had one when I was in college that was a real clunker. Then I met my husband on a blind date. We were married three months and three days later. (Don't laugh. We've been married over 42 years.

4. I didn't know that the highlands in Guatemala are cool, even in the middle of summer. I'll bet you didn't know that either. I thought that since Guatemala is in Central America and closer to the equator, the whole country would be hot in the summer.

5. I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Don't knock it until you try it. I put peanut butter on both pieces of bread, slice the banana and place the slices on one side, then squish it all together.

6. I'm going to be a great grandmother this summer. That isn't weird. I just thought you'd like to know.

I've Been Waiting Anxiously to Run This Interview - Mary Connealy

I want you to meet a very special friend. I've known Mary online a long time. I was even privileged to help her get a manuscript ready for submission. Now she's sold several books. Way to go, Mary.

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

I don’t think much. Instead I write my characters to be how I wish I was. Fearless, sassy, saying out loud all the things I keep inside. That works in books, but mostly is messes up a real life.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Hmmmm….quirky? Me? My idea of life on the edge is taking an hour off for lunch. I feel like a madwoman, so daring, sometimes I even…brace yourself…drive to a town with a mini-mart that sells sub sandwiches. Okay, calm down. Sorry if I’ve shocked you.

Good grief. I’ve got nothing. I’m going to go do something quirky if I can think of anything, then I’ll finish this question. Okay, I’m back. I tied my shoelaces together (after I took them off) and threw them up until they snagged an electric wire. I’m now barefoot. At work. I hope you’re happy.

Mary, you are so funny! When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I wrote my first book at age twelve. Long lost (no doubt for the best.) But I’ve always loved writing. Always. You should see my daughters’ baby books. I wrote all over them. I always thought the words were more important than locks of hair and pictures.

I'm sure they love them. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read widely and in all genres. I think every genre can be well done. Ummm…I haven’t really read too many vampire books. Did you know there are lots of vampire books out there? So, I don’t read EVERYTHING.

I'm an eclectic reader, too, but I'll pass on the vampire books as well. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have around fifteen unpublished novels on my computer. A lot of them are earlier work and need a lot of attention but I still love those stories. For a while I just entertained myself by trying my hand at everything. Jumping from genre to genre. Historical, contemporary, sweet romances, police drama, action/adventure, gothic. I’ve got a book about a demon-possessed serial killer that is one of my most spiritual books, but it’s too bloody. I’ve got to tone it down. It’s also very funny. I can’t seem to write anything without comedy. Despite saying I write everything, I don’t see any vampire books in my future.

I'm thankful for that, I think. I don't want to have to read one just because you wrote it. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I live a very quiet life, actually. I work as a GED Instructor. I’m in one small room all day, five days a week. My lunch is, more often than not, a peanut butter sandwich, an apple and a can of Diet Coke in my car listening to KLOVE or Rush Limbaugh depending on my mood. I’m usually home with my husband in the evening, and occasionally my 17-year-old daughter gives us a break and stays home with us. I read and write for hobbies. Watch some TV, but I don’t care about much of it. I’m also really good at crossword puzzles and I’m hooked on Sudoku. That’s it, my run, run, run life. Now I’m wondering how I keep my sanity with my dull life. I like it this way, though. In my experience, excitement is usually bad. Something’s on fire. Someone got hurt. Spare me from excitement.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

That’s actually tricky. I have a huge family. Between Ivan and me we have one hundred people in our immediate families. That’s brothers and sisters, their spouses and children. All the names are taken! So I can’t name a villain after one of my nephews, now can I? I’m also aware of how a name sounds.

Clay, the hero in Petticoat Ranch, sounded strong to me. But is Clay strong? Or is it Play Dough? Sophie the heroine had an old sound to it and strong and wise and pretty. Beth, the daughter who loved animals, sounded gentle. Judd the villain sounded coarse and tough. But maybe I just thought that after I made them be that way.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

If you knew my four daughters you would never ask that. They are my life’s work and they are wonderful. I’m not sure if I can take all the credit for that, but I’m sure I’d get the blame if they were messed up, so I’m going to go ahead and take the credit.

Wow, your husband had to live with five females. James and I only have daughters, and I've told him that I believe there is a special place in heaven for men who live with only women in the house. If you were an animal, Mary, which one would you be, and why?

Funny question, Lena. (insert a two hour long pause here while I think) I’d be a deer. Not because I am fleet of foot and graceful. Because I startle easily and I’m the type to just stand there, frozen, while headlights are bearing down on me. But give that deer a typewriter and…okay, I’ve taken this analogy as far as I can.

Funny answer, Mary. So, what is your favorite food?

This one isn’t even nice. I didn’t get into this shape by being all that picky. My favorite food in the world? I love this apricot torte from the Lithuanian Bakery in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the best food in the world. But I can be very content with many, many, many different foods.

Sounds like I would enjoy that torte, too. I love anything apricot. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I think my … disconnectedness. Is that a word? I live in rural Nebraska. If the world were flat, the edge would be about a half mile over the hill from my place. I did most of my learning alone. For the first five years I wrote alone. No writer’s how-to books, a few very old and dusty college creative writing courses. No critique groups, or writers groups or on-line groups. So I had to learn it all by trial and error. Heavy on the error. Then I started to get connected, mainly through the internet and found out I still had a long way to go.

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

Petticoat Ranch is what happens when a man with six brothers—like my husband Ivan, has a wife and four daughters.

Ivan spends a lot of time flinching over the talk in our household. I’ve seen him watch us in horror as we discuss the ins and outs of control top panty hose. He goes nuts when one daughter or another goes on some drastic diet when she’s so slim and beautiful. He can’t stand it when the girls cry over nasty boyfriends. For a while he’d give the girls money whenever they’d cry. He used to just pull out his billfold and hand them a twenty.

I love that, Mary.

I told him that was a bad precedent to set, but he would just do ANYTHING to get them to stop. So I thought, what if it was even worse? Ivan at least got to start with one wife, then one baby daughter. He at least had a mother and classmates and girl cousins. What if Clay, a mountain man, raised by his father, surrounded by other mountain men, grew up in a remote corner of the Rockies and had hardly seen a woman. Then in one short shocking day, he ends up married to a widow and her four daughters. What would that disruption in his universe be like?

Throw in a heroine with a very dim view of men because her first husband was worthless. Sophie’s been taking care of herself in a hard land for a long time. Then watch the culture shock. Petticoat Ranch is a (keep track of the genres now) historical, inspirational, romantic comedy, action novel.

When the genre is almost as long as the book, you know there’s going to be a lot going on. My main goal was to make it fun. My prayer was always to have my work be worthy of God. I hope that I’ve accomplished both in Petticoat Ranch.

Your genre sounds almost like the one I made up for spoof at the Barbour dinner at conference last year.

Mary, thanks for taking this time and letting us have a glimpse inside your life. I look forward to many more wonderful books from you.

Readers, be sure to leave a comment on the interview for a chance to win a free copy of Petticoat Ranch. If you want to see a slide show about this book, go to www.myspace.com and do a search for Petticoat Ranch. Or do a search for Mary Connealy.

Cherie - You Are a Winner

You won a copy of Legend of the White Wolf by Max Elliot Anderson. Please e-mail me your snail mail address, so we can get the book out to you.

Readers, there's still time to leave a comment on Alison Strobel Morrow's interview for a chance to win Violette Between.

A Very Different Book - Violette Between

I met Alison Strobel Morrow online, through ACFW--a recurring theme throughout my blog posts. I think you'll enjoy getting to know her better through this interview as much as I have.

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

Quite a bit, I think, at least into certain characters. Grace, the heroine in my first novel, had my personality, and even a little of her backstory was autobiographical. I have to work sometimes to not write aspects of myself into my characters; I don’t want for all my protagonists to start looking and sounding alike!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I tend to be VERY literal. Someone asked me once what frozen pizza I liked, to which I replied, “Ew, frozen pizza, why on earth would you eat frozen pizza?!” My dad once asked me to hand him the phone (back in the days before cordless handsets), and I took the entire unit off the wall. Unfortunately, I do that kind of thing all the time.

Interesting. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I started writing down stories in first grade. Composing narratives has always been something I’ve done; I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making up stories, if not on paper, then in my head. I think it really hit me that writing was a passion when, in fourth grade, I went through every writing prompt my teacher had in the “writing folder” in about a week. Kids started asking to read the stories I’d come up with, and I thought, “Hey, I really love this!”—not just the writing, but having people want to read what I’d written, and seeing them enjoy it so much.

I know what you mean. I'm that way. Maybe it's my drama background. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I tend to stick with plain old fiction, although I also love the occasional science fiction story, especially by William Gibson. I always snatch up the newest releases from Amy Tan, Douglas Coupland, and Jodi Picoult—they’re definitely my favorites. And once in a while I get into a biography; I have Kate Remembered in the car, and I read it when we’re out driving and the baby falls asleep and my husband has to run in somewhere. It’s taking me awhile to get through, as you can imagine!

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

Other than a truly embarrassing teen saga I wrote over the course of a year’s worth of junior high homerooms and algebra classes (math has never been my strong suit), all of my books have been published.

Check her out at http://alisonstrobel.com/. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I refuse to let the world rush me. My husband and I both work from home, so we don’t have to work on anyone else’s schedules but our own, and that definitely helps. And given that our daughter is still just a baby, we don’t have one of those zany extracurricular schedules for her yet—I’m sure the time will come, though, when I feel like I’m running a taxi company!

Oh yes, I remember feeling like the chauffeur for the world. How do you choose your characters’ names?

If a name hasn’t hit me already when I start to write, then I get out a baby name book and start flipping through it. Usually the sense of a name just fits with a character’s personality, and when I hear it, I just know that’s it. However, in Violette Between, I chose the names of the main characters based on the names’ meaning in French. I chose Violette because I think of that as a strong but fun color, and that combination meshed well with the main character. Saul means ashes, Alexine means helper, and Christian means redeemer, and once you read the book, you’ll probably be able to figure out why each character has their particular name.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Actually finishing two books. I had started many, many books in the past, but never once did I get all the way to the end of one until I finished Worlds Collide. It was quite a shock to realize I’d completed an entire novel. Then, with Violette Between, I ended up deleting (on purpose) my entire manuscript—about 140 pages—three months before my deadline, because the story just wasn’t working. So finishing that book on time was also quite a shock.

I know what you mean. I'm really proud of a friend who had been a book of the month author, starting a new book every month and never finishing any. She's nearing the end of her second completed novel. A very good feeling. Let's turn another direction. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat, probably—and I’m not even much of a cat person! But, like cats, I like to lie around and just chill, and then, once in a while, I’ll get a burst of energy that sends me tearing around the house (usually cleaning, however, and not chasing mice or little lights).

What is your favorite food?

Right now, anything with bread or processed sugar in it is my favorite food, because those are the foods I’m trying desperately to avoid. I’m borderline hypoglycemic, and for the past four months I’ve been trying to completely revamp the way I eat. I’ve been a cereal and bread girl my whole life, and I’ve always had a wicked sweet tooth, so going from that extreme to the high-protein, high-fruits-and-veggies end of the spectrum has been a real challenge.

I'm sure it is. Now what would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Violette Between asks the question: If you had the chance to relive your life with someone you’d lost, would you take it, even if it meant giving up your future? The story was born out of a friend’s loss—her husband of just a few years, who was only 30 at the time, died of an undetected heart defect—and “The Painter Song” by Norah Jones. One of the song’s lyrics is, “If I were a painter, I would paint my reverie, if that’s the only way for you to be with me.” I heard that song just a couple weeks after my friend’s husband died, and one day I got this image of a widowed painter painting her deceased husband into a mural, and then getting pulled into the mural to be with him. That was the original idea for the book, but you’ll see that I took quite a different tack when I started over.

Readers, I told you this is a different book. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy. But if you don't win, you must buy one and read it.

Alison, thank you for this peek into your life. I hope you're busy writing the next one.

A New Winner!!!

I just love announcing winners, and I'm sure you are anxious to know who this one is. Susan Page Davis just won a copy of Hell in a Briefcase by Phil Little. Congratulations, Susan, please send me your mailing address. There's a link to my e-mail under my picture in the right column of this blog.

Every week we have a new winner. Any of you who stop by could be that winner if you leave a comment on an interview. I know a lot of people come by and don't. There's still time to leave a comment on Max Elliot Anderson's interview.

Max Elliot Anderson, Prolific Author of Young Adult Adventures

Max, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I was a pretty wild kid growing up. It used to be said of me that I may not have been the cause what just happened, but I was never very far away, and probably had something to do with it. I grew up in a family of seven children. I was number five. In that position, a person does all sorts of things in order to get noticed.

When I write, I literally enter the scenes and become one of the characters. Since these are children around the ages of eleven or twelve, a lot of that childhood experience and background finds its way into the story and dialog. That’s a pretty scary thought since there is quite a bit of crime in my stories. Makes a person wonder what might have happened if God hadn’t gotten a hold of my life from a very early age.

One of my goals was to construct stories that would reach out to boys who might not have a father in their lives, or a positive male role model. I know that this is one aspect of myself entering the stories. But I believe that, during the writing process, this is an unconscious element from my perspective.

I also never read a manuscript until the first draft is finished. So I get pretty surprised sometimes when I see some of these things carefully woven into the story.

I could never do that. I reread and edit what I wrote in the last session before starting writing for the day. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

One of the definitions for the word quirky is, “A sudden sharp turn or twist.” So it would have to be the fact that I ever started writing in the first place. I never would have charted this course, but I had no choice after 9/11. That event caused most of my professional video production clients to disappear. I had to do something, and decided to research why it was that I didn’t like to read. Based on my findings, after evaluating over 200 children’s books, I began writing the kinds of books I would have liked as a child. Just one of these findings resulted in my writing books where the characters are completely different in every manuscript. The setting and plot for each book are different also.


Sounds like the kind of books we really need published. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I should have seen this earlier in my film and video production career. It was in that arena, over more than a twenty-year period, that I wrote countless proposals and scripts for my clients’ video programs and TV commercials. In the same way that I never thought of myself as a salesman, as I was negotiating for each job, I didn’t think of myself as a writer either. I was a video producer and director, and these were simply steps, in my mind anyway, that needed to be done in order to produce the programs.

Then, as I mentioned above, 9/11 occurred. In the midst of my research, I kept hearing a reoccurring voice, in my mind, saying, “Why don’t you write THE SCARECROW?” This was the title of a screenplay I had written over twenty years earlier that was never produced. I battled this “voice” for several weeks. Then I finally gave in. What happened next is nothing short of a miracle as I believe God has sent each story through me. They come fully formed with the main character, the setting, plot, location, and the moral or spiritual theme. And this has now happened over thirty-four times.

So, I think of myself more as one who simply records each story. The fact that this is done with words on paper makes me a writer I guess, or is it the huge rejection file I keep?

All of us writers have one of those. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

This is the place where I see most people’s jaws drop open, followed by… “Really!” And it’s true. I grew up hating to read. My father published over 70 books during his lifetime, and I never read any of them. This is why I believe that I am uniquely qualified to write for others who don’t like reading.

This past week I had the opportunity to speak before a number of PhDs, professional educators, and teachers about what I am writing and why. Even though I have a degree in psychology, I could hardly believe that I was standing in the same room, speaking to these people. My session lasted two hours, and I found that my writing is right on target for the needs in the public schools where they teach.

I should say that one of the few books I read all the way through, when it first came out, is The Purpose Driven Life. That’s because I can focus on reading when I’m interested in the material.

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

As mentioned earlier, I have written 34 manuscripts of action-adventures and mysteries for boys. Seven of these are published: Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secrets of Abbott's Cave & Legend of the White Wolf, are compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys, Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, Scooby-Doo, Lemony Snicket, and adventure author Jack London.

My father died this past March. But he and I collaborated on a manuscript about humor for the adult market. That is under consideration at two CBA publishers now.

I have also written two picture book manuscripts. One of those is also at two CBA publishers right now.

There are at least another dozen stories I could still do in the action-adventure/mystery genre. I also sense God directing my thoughts to a couple of fantasy projects. One of these is a trilogy. I’ve dictated all the story elements for these and am just waiting to see what project elbows its way to the front of the line. They always do.

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

Are you accusing me of being sane? I think all writers live a little closer to that line than they’d like to admit. We tend to view the world differently than other people. But it’s when I’m actually writing that everything seems in balance. I arrange my schedule in such a way that distractions are kept to a minimum. Our children are grown and out of the house, so this helps. I have tremendous respect, especially for moms who have children at home and still they find a way to make writing work. I’m not sure I could do that. And God must have known that, too, given the way that He has worked everything out in my writing life.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

The character’s first names usually denote the personality type. I also consult some of the Internet lists of most popular names for girls and boys. Last names have come from the phone book or my old, and I do mean OLD, high school yearbook.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It has to be when I hear from parents or readers who write to tell me how my books have made an impact like this.

“I can't believe it ....as the concerned mother of two struggling readers...who is also the daughter of a children's librarian ... I think I have purchased EVERY book recommended for reluctant readers HOWEVER, they have ALL fallen short UNTIL today. We were able to purchase Newspaper Caper...and we're hooked!!!”

Earlier this week a boy wrote to tell me he liked my books as much as Lemony Snicket. For an author, who grew up hating to read, these are pretty special, every time they happen. And even though my books were first aimed at reluctant reader boys, the fact that they enjoy reading them, along with avid readers, girls, and adults is something I’m very proud of, though I don’t take the credit for it.

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

That’s a tough one because I love animals a lot. I enjoy the Character Sketches series from Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts. These books draw comparisons in scripture to the traits of different animals. In that context I’d like to say it would be a lion for his strength and courage, or, a fox for his cunning. But I’d have to choose the lowly badger instead. He is depicted in the book as, “Devoting all my energy to a course of action which I know is right.”

This journey of mine into the world of publishing is so outside my comfort zone. Along with it come personal appearances and situations that are contrary to what I might selfishly like to be doing. If I could just write in anonymity, that’d be fine with me, only it doesn’t work that way.

My husband and I love the Character Sketches series, too. We used them in raising our children. What is your favorite food?

Pretty much anything with shrimp in it. But, when it comes to dessert, that would have to be lemon meringue pie…served cold of course.

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

You mean besides the fact that the first draft was finished in less than three days? I began writing at around 6 in the evening, and the next thing I knew, it was morning. I just kept on writing because the story continued to flow.

Something very interesting happened to me while I was doing research for this book. Years ago, I was one of those opposed to placing wolves into Yellowstone. I nearly produced a video program for a group of Wyoming ranchers who were also opposed. As I researched the wolf for this new book, my opinion completely changed.

I learned of the high esteem that Native American Indians had for these magnificent animals. Because of this respect, Indians would seldom kill a wolf. They hunted together where wolves helped to herd elk or other animals out onto the ice so the hunters could get them. Wolves mate for life and live in families. I could go on and on.

But the biggest thing was that wolves are not indiscriminant killers. They primarily hunt only to eat. A thirteen-year-old boy from Hawaii just wrote to me about Legend of the White Wolf.

"I just finished all 7 of the books we bought from you. The books are superb. Legend of the White Wolf is a really touching story. My mom cried.”

Reviewers have added:

1. Few good books exist intended for 8- to 12-year-old boys. “Legend of the White Wolf” offers fast-paced adventure, clean content, delightful humor, and likeable characters. Trust and truth prevail in this well-told story.

2. Even though Legend of the White Wolf is intended for readers 8 to 12 years old, and primarily for boys, it can be enjoyed by all readers. Readers will be rewarded for time well spent in this delightful, very believable story.

3. Max Elliot Anderson weaves this story of adventure and trust with deft fingers, bringing the story to life in a fulfilling and meaningful way. “Legend of the White Wolf” should be included on every young boy’s bookshelf.

4. No one can walk away from LEGEND OF THEWHITE WOLF without being satisfied in your heart, soul and mind.

Like all of my books, Legend of the White Wolf, is filled with humor, lots of dialog, and heart-pounding action.

More information can be found at http://www.maxbooks.9k.com and nearly 50 pages of reviews at http://www.maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

Max, thank you for the fun and intesting interview.

Readers, go to Max's web site and check out all his books, and don't forget to leavea comment for a chance to win a copy.

Our Newest Book Winner Is

. . .Jennifer Y. She will receive a copy of Lessons From the Heart by Dorothy Clark when she e-mails me her mailing address. Congratulations, Jennifer.

Would you like to win a free book. Be sure to leave a comment on Phil Little's interview for a chance to win Hell in a Briefcase.

Hell in a Briefcase

Let me introduce you to Phil Little, author of the Matt Cooper mystery, Hell in a Briefcase.

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

The plot is taken from my experiences or what I see as a possible event in the future based on my background in counter terrorism. Then, throughout the book, real events that have happened on cases are woven into the activities of Matt’s life.

Wow, that sounds interesting. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

One time in Mexico, thinking I was alone in a hotel suite with my wife, I came down the stairs doing a strip tease and as I whipped off the towel to my surprise some of my staff was in the room. I retreated with great haste.

I'm sure you did. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have had to write as part of my work as a detective in doing reports and I always enjoyed taking some facts and being able to weave it into a story that would impress the client. Friends had told me for years I should write about my experiences but I replied that I was not a writer and couldn’t see myself, an action person, sitting down for weeks and writing a book. That all changed in October 2003 when I was at lunch with a long time friend and support, John Tayloe, who suggested I do an outline for a seminar and start with that. I did and suddenly something clicked. I envisioned 20 chapters of a book. Since then I have published three books and I am working on my fourth.

Good job! Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I like mysteries, action books like the Jason Bourne character, westerns and faith-based books.

You'd probably like to read my friend Terry Burns' books. They're faith-based westerns. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

My first book, Counter Terrorism Handbook was published in September 2004. My second book, Hostile Intent ,was published in 2005, and my third book, Hell in a Briefcase, was published in June 2006.

They all three sound interesting. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I pray a lot. I try to spend time just getting away and having quiet time with just me and God. God is very important in my life and He helps me stay focused and keep my head on straight with so much travel and excitement. Right now my life is intense with a TV Pilot we just did for a show about my life as a Hollywood P.I. and all the interviews around the Middle East conflict and the London Bombing case.

Be sure to let us know when the TV show starts so we can watch it. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Most come from people I know or those I have worked with. The characters in Hell in a Brief Case came from the staff at West Coast Detective Int’l. I used first names and changed the last. The characters were based a lot on the personalities of the real person in the job.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being able to deliver my daughter in natural childbirth. She is now 15 years old, and we have a special bond because of it. She is Matt Cooper’s daughter in the book. I have two older sons and when they were born the hospital wouldn’t let you in the delivery room. Running a close second to that is the selection of my current assistant JJ. You can see her on my blog, www.detectivemattcooper.blogspot.com .

Sounds like you've lived a very intersting life. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A Lion. The Lion is bold and sure of himself. He is unafraid and King of the forest.

What is your favorite food?

A perfect white fish, Sea Bass or Halibut, baked in a nice white wine sauce with a bottle of Montrachet.

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

It is a look at a real life International Private Security Agency, and the reader gets a rare glimpse inside the life of an International P.I./Counter Terrorism agent.

Phil, thank you for sharing this time with us.

Readers, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Hell in a Briefcase.

Woo!!! Hoo!!! Another Winner

Ronie, you have won a copy of A Sounding Brass by Shelley Bates. Please contact me with your information.

There's still time to leave a comment on Dorothy Clark's interview.

Dorothy Clark - A Wonderful Author

Have you ever wondered about how an author looks when they are working. Here is my good friend Dorothy Clark in her working environment. If you haven't read any of your books, you'll want get some right away. She writes books that will keep you turning pages.

Thanks for spending time with us Dorothy. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I don’t consciously write any of myself into my characters, but I’m afraid bits and pieces of me sneak in there in spite of my efforts.

As a fellow author, I know how you feel. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’ve spent some time thinking about this and I can’t come up with a thing. LOL I’m stuck with being boring. I just don’t do quirky.

I guess you leave that up to people like me. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When God told me—and I’m not kidding. One day in church a visiting pastor said, "The Lord would have you write down all that He gives you." A short time later a sentence came into my head and wouldn’t go away. I wrote it down and that act of obedience opened a floodgate. Words poured into my mind and 120K words later, I had my first book, Beauty for Ashes. When (again in church) He spoke that I was to write a second book–Hosea’s Bride–I began to suspect this wasn’t a one shot deal, and He was leading me on a new path. Until that happened, I hadn’t a clue as to what the Lord had in store for me. I certainly never dreamed of becoming a writer. I’ve been richly blessed.

What a wonderful story about how God moves in our lives, and I loved both of those books. I know how you feel. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Gracious! That’s a wide range. I won’t read what I call "downer" books. There’s too much suffering and sadness in real life for me to read about it in the name of entertainment. Other than that, I’ll read most anything except horror or Sci-fi. My apologies to those who write them, but they’re simply not my thing.

No need to apologize. We all have our preferred types of books to read. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

My first four books: Hosea’s Bride, Beauty for Ashes, Joy for Mourning (sequel to Beauty for Ashes) and Lessons From the Heart, are all published. I am now working on another contemporary romance and an historical set in 1763.

I can hardly wait for them to come out. I've been one of your greatest fans. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I don’t run. Through a series of personal and family health problems, I learned to say no. Also, our home sits on a wooded hill, surrounded by nature. I’ve only to step outside to feel God’s peace. It’s a wonderful way to slow down when I’m "running" inside.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

So far, they have simply come to me. But if/when I do have to choose one it will probably be old-fashioned. I like common or Biblical names. Oh, and it will be easy to type.

That last bit of advice is good. The book I'm working on has a heroine with a first name that is spelled a very different way. It adds to the writing time. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Forty-eight years of marriage to my own hero and best friend, and three wonderful children who do us proud.

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

A horse. Why? Hmm. I guess because a horse is so beautiful. majestic and powerful when it is running free, yet submissive and useful, willing to carry someone weaker than itself when there’s a need.

Good observation. What is your favorite food?

Another gracious! How do you choose one? Okay, I’ll fess up. I couldn’t survive without potatoes. LOL How mundane a choice is that? But I love them in all the multitude of ways you can prepare them–especially scalloped or mashed or made into chips! There have been moments when I was quite certain manna was a potato chip.

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

Lessons From the Heart is about the battle between flesh and spirit that every Christian encounters. It’s about choosing to obey or to ignore God’s Word. In the book the struggle for the Christian heroine centers around her love for a man who wants no part of God. Does she obey God’s word and walk away from the relationship? Or does she ignore God’s admonition to not be unequally yoked and reach for the forbidden fruit? My prayer is that the Lord might use the book to spare any readers who are looking with hunger on whatever forbidden fruit is tempting them years of agony or heartache.

I just read that book this last week, and it is wonderful. The subject was handled realistically, but with compassion. Readers, if you don't win it, you'll want to get a copy anyway. But one of you will win a copy, so leave a comment for a chance.

Dorothy, thank you for spending this time with me.

Candice Speare

. . .you are the winner of Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer. Please send me your mailing address.

Readers remember, there's always at least one winner of a free book every week. It might as well be you, so be sure to leave a comment on each interview.

There's still time to leave a comment on my interview with Shelley Bates for a copy of A Sounding Brass.

Shelley Bates

You are going to love this interview with my friend, Shelley Bates. And you'll love her books as much as I do.

Photo by: RobinRuth.com

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

The first book in my Elect trilogy, Grounds to Believe, was almost autobiographical because the heroine was struggling with leaving her church, as was I. In fact, I used her as an avatar, the way you would in a computer game, to see what she would do with my thought processes and actions, and to see how her choices would play out given her social community. It was a good way to give myself therapy, because writers certainly can’t afford a psychologist!

That's the truth. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’ve done some interesting stuff in the pursuit of research for these books. I learned to ride a motorcycle for Grounds to Believe, and in fact still hold a license. I never bought a Harley like my hero’s, though :) For another book, a suspense that has never been published, I learned to sail a small sailboat, including experimenting with what would happen when it capsized. Brr. That water was cold! For A Sounding Brass, whose antagonist is a radio evangelist, I sat with a radio DJ during her show and learned how to work the soundboard in the studio. One of the side effects of research is the way it enriches your life.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was eight years old and got a rave review on a little composition about a ghost in a graveyard. Very cheery stuff. But I discovered that the written word makes people respond, so I decided that was the path for me. Thirty years, two literature degrees, and many manuscripts later, I was finally published.

We all have varied paths to publication, and differing timetables. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

If I get started, I’ll never stop :) I like women’s fiction by Rosamund Pilcher, Kristin Hannah, and Jenny Crusie. I like science fiction by Connie Willis and Barbara Hambly. I adore Elizabeth George’s fat mysteries (as well as the Inspector Lynley series on TV—who doesn’t love Nate Parker?). Give me Christian fiction by Tracey Bateman or Deb Raney, or romance by Candice Hern or Suzanne Brockmann, and I’m a happy woman.

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

The Elect trilogy includes RITA Award winner Grounds to Believe, RITA finalist Pocketful of Pearls, and my new release, A Sounding Brass, which Publisher’s Weekly said contained “spiritual insights coming from unexpected places.” And Warner Faith will be releasing Over Her Head in May 2007. Here’s the teaser: “Laurie Hale has the perfect life—and the perfect family to go with it. But no parenting manual tells you what to do when your teenage daughter is accused of murder.” Heh heh.

And we have to wait until May to read that. What a tease!!! How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

One word: Chickens. Hanging out with them in my garden while I work is my relaxation therapy.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes a character arrives in my head with a name, such as Julia McNeill in Grounds to Believe. With other characters, such as Dinah Traynell in Pocketful of Pearls, I decide on a major trait or motivation for him or her, and go look it up in my Dictionary of English Surnames. Dinah’s last name is from a root word that means “trapped,” which is what she is until she learns to accept God’s love and free herself from her cage. Cool, huh? Etymology is a hobby of mine, so I like to play with it in my characters’ names.

Sounds like fun. I love word origins and word meanings, too. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It would have to be winning the RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America last year for Grounds to Believe. That book was rejected by every house in New York for five years, until Steeple Hill gave it a chance. And because it’s the book of my heart and very personal, seeing it get that kind of recognition was a wonderful experience.

I can see how it would be. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’d be a Burmese cat, with big golden eyes. My dream vacation involves someone bringing me food and drinks at regular intervals while I lie in the sun. Seems to me a cat would get this kind of treatment every day, right?

It also sounds like a cruise. What is your favorite food?

I like just about everything, but crème brulée and chiles rellenos are at the top of my list.

That's quite a culinary combination. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

A Sounding Brass is based on true events (believe me, you can’t make this stuff up). A radio evangelist came to the town my cousins live in, and during the course of his "ministry," managed to defraud the entire town to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. When I saw the article in the paper, I cut it out right away, because the pricking of my thumbs told me it would make a great basis for a story. I needed a way to bring the Elect, my fictional toxic church, to the realization that their tendency to glorify their leadership just couldn’t work anymore, and a charming evangelist like this seemed the perfect solution.

Thanks for the opportunity to visit, Lena!

I really enjoyed it, too, Shelley. The insight into your life was interesting. I love your books and can hardly wait for the next one.

Readers, be sure and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Sounding Brass.

Announcing Another Winner

Rachelle is the winner of a copy of Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth. Please e-mail me your mailing address so we can get the book out to you.

There's still time to leave a comment on Tricia Goyer's post for a chance to win a copy of Arms of Deliverance.

I had reader contact me this week, because she didn't get the word that she won a book this year. After a period of time, we choose another winner. If you don't want to risk missing the post telling about you winning a book, sign up in the column on the right to be notified by FeedBlitz when an new post goes up on this site. Then you won't miss anything.

Tricia Goyer -- A Very Interesting Author

Tricia is a fellow blogger, a fellow member of ACFW, and a thoroughly nice person. I love a person who writes interesting historical novels with such authenticity. You'd almost think she actually lived during the time period. I know you'll love getting to know her, as much as I have.

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

You know, I never really thought about “me” being in my characters, but my close friends and family tell me I do. I have two books, where the main characters are especially “me.” The first is From Dust and Ashes. Helene is a Nazi officer’s wife who is abandoned near the end of the war. She is forced to raise two children alone, and she has many regrets from her past. One of my friends, called after reading it and said, “It was like reading your story only in historical form.” I hadn’t thought about it until then, but as a pregnant teen I was abandoned by the baby’s father, and I suppose a lot of those emotions spilled out.

The other book is Arms of Deliverance, which is just out. In that story, Mary is born to a single mom. She later discovers who her father is, but has a very formal relationship. Through the story she learns about the heart of a father in a special way. Like Mary I was born to a single mom, and I always felt I wasn’t good enough to be worthy of a relationship with my biological dad (who I didn’t meet until I was 26-years-old. Again, those feelings and emotions came out in the story. Of course, real life often doesn’t have the same happy endings.

One of my daughters got pregnant and was abandoned by the father of the child, so I understand many of the emotions, too. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’m a very stable and predictable person . . . but I am quirky every week during our children’s church program. My husband is a children’s church leader and I volunteer every week, dressing in a variety of costumes, using puppets, acting out Bible Stories and skits. We have a blast, and my three kids are involved too!

How fun, Tricia! I have a drama background and have also done puppets. We have a lot in common. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I first started writing in 1993, when I was pregnant with my third child. A friend at church was writing a novel and something clicked when she told me about it. (Cindy Martinusen now as five novels published!)

Looking back, I realized I had the heart of a writer before that. I LOVED to read. I made up all types of stories in my head. I won a few essay contests in high school, but it took a friend’s encouragement to “click.”

So why haven't I featured Cindy with an interview? Have her contact me. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love a wide-variety of books. I mostly read research books—memoirs, battle summaries, etc. But I also love Chick-lit, a good suspense, and historical novels, of course.

That's one reason your books ring with authenticity. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Believe it or not, From Dust and Ashes was the first novel I ever finished . . . and that was only after I had a contract. (Yes, I’m only of those blessed people who sold my work on proposal alone.)

My novels with Moody are: From Dust and Ashes, Night Song, Dawn of a Thousand Nights, and Arms of Deliverance—which I got to hold in my hands just a few days ago!

I’ve also written Mealtime Moments (Focus on the Family), 10 Minutes to Showtime (Tommy Nelson), Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Zondervan), and Generation NeXt Parenting, which released in September.

In the next few years I'll have three more novels hitting the shelves and a marriage book for Gen Xers.

Wow! That's some list. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

There is only one way . . . by turning to God. In the past ten years or so I’ve made a habit of morning quiet time with God. I wake up before anyone else in the house and read my Bible, work through Bible Study books, journal and pray. Alone I can’t go through life with an eternal perspective—it’s impossible. Alone I could never remain sane. So I lean on Christ. In my weakness HIS strength is complete. I still run, run, run . . . but I strive to run after the things He’s calling me to focus on—family, church, writing, mentoring. He helps me to run than race with endurance and keep my eyes on the prize. He shows me what Real Life in Him is all about.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Usually, I have names that seem to pop into my heads the same time as the stories do. I have to be careful though, I have my favorites! In Night Song I have a Daniel. Then Dan popped up in Dawn of a Thousand Nights. I didn’t realize this until I was in the middle of writing Arms of Deliverance, and I realized on of my main characters was Danielle. No joke! I had to change her name, of course.

Overall, I pick names for the “sound” they make. My female characters are very driven and accomplished, but I balance that with gentle-sounding names that evoke an inner softness. Libby, Evie, and Sophie are a few . . .

On the other hand, I like short and powerful names for my male characters: Peter, Nick, Dan, Philip.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Without a doubt my kids. I love how they place God, church, and family in the center of their lives. They are ages 17, 14, and 12 now and I adore hanging out with them. In addition to that, I work very hard at having a strong marriage too. It’s paid off and our home life is full of love and care for each other.

I know what a blessing that can be, since my marriage is very strong and long-lasting. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

What a question! I’d like to say a dog. My little dog is the sweetest thing ever. She follows me everywhere, lies at my feet as I write, enjoys our walks more than anything, and peers up at me with the most adoring eyes. Sometimes I pray that I’ll learn from her, “Lord, make me as devoted to you as this silly dog is to me.” I desire to follow God everywhere, lie at His feet, enjoy our walk more than anything, and peer up at Him with adoring eyes.

What is your favorite food?

That’s easy. My grandma lives with us and she’s a great cook! Coming from a Hispanic background, she makes the best homemade enchiladas and tamales. I beg her often, but since they are both so much work, usually only get them on holidays.

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

Arms of Deliverance takes place in Europe 1944. Katrine, a Czech Jew, is so successful in her attempt to pass as an Aryan that she finds herself dating a Nazi officer. Having convinced him of her genetic purity, the officer sends her to stay at a Lebensborn home—a Nazi breeding program in which children are raised and indoctrinated by the state.

Meanwhile, rival American reporters Lee and Mary land assignments on the frontlines of war-torn-Europe—Lee joins troops sailing for Normandy, while Mary’s destiny lies in the cramped quarters of a B-17 bearing down on Berlin. Before the presses roll, their lives will be indelibly marked by a caring American navigator, brave French resistors, and a maniacal Nazi officer. Mostly, it’s a story of unexpected redemption.

It’s a page-turner, if I say so myself!

Of course it is. I can hear the scurry of feet heading toward a bookstore to pick up a copy, accompanied by clicking keys as other people order the book online. Of course, one of the readers will win a copy on this blog. Tricia, thank you for visiting with me today.

Readers, be sure and leave a comment for the chance to win a copy. Also, there's still time to leave a comment on Janet Spaeth's interview, too.