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

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

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

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

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

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

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

What is your favorite food?

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

Tell us a little about your journey to publication.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com/

http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/

Maggie, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order a copy of Maggie's book using this link:

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Author Robin Shope - THE VALENTINE EDITION - Free Book

We're back with Robin Shope's second Edition book. Welcome, Robon. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Hopefully more of the same. I am happy in my job as the Special Education Coordinator at the Juvenile Justice Alternative Educational Program. I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of troubled teens. The adults I work with are dedicated and interesting people. Everyday I am inspired by attorneys, case managers, probation officers, judges and fine teachers.

Last year I sold five magazine articles and several short stories. I also have five books out, the sixth one releasing in late April of this year. Meanwhile, I am editing one book and writing two more. Several publishers have requested to read my book proposals.

Adding to these blessings, my husband and I are looking forward to greeting our first grandchild in the spring.

Grandchildren are awesome. James and I have our first great grandchild. Also a wonderful thing. Now, Robin, please tell us a little about your family.

This summer Rick and I are celebrating our thirty-third anniversary. We met at an Illinois church where he was the assistant pastor. After we were married, we travelled the world as missionaries for several years. After we returned to the states, Rick became the pastor of a small country church before we moved to Texas where we live now. Our two children are grown. Kimberly works for PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Dallas and worked on the Obama health plan. Matthew is a certified nurse’s aide. Rick is now in the business world. Instead of taking family vacations, we save that money for his yearly missions’ trips overseas to third world countries. This past year, he made his seventh trip to India.

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

And how! I cannot just read and enjoy a book anymore. I find myself editing, learning from the book how to improve my own writing. I also analyze the story, the structure, the characters, muse over really well-written sentences. I miss just reading for pleasure.

I know what you mean. One book I read this month had a first page that was so wonderfully written, I had to reread and savor it several times before I finally turned the page. What are you working on right now?

I am working on several books right now. First on my plate is polishing a mystery book about a female forensic profiler. Almost ready to submit it, I have a good friend who is a Chicago defense lawyer and he is considering joining me on this one, so I am holding off. He says the whole story intrigues him. He could add such depth to this - I am saying my prayers. This friend is also Jewish so I think the mix with both of us would make it fascinating with added layers.

What outside interests do you have?

I love geology, archeology, and certain aspects of history. I love to look at mummies in museums and try to imagine them as a person who once lived. What kind of lives did they have and were they happy.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Setting is dictated by the story itself. For instance my next book, Wildcard, a stand alone, is out in late April 2009. Ivy Dillon is working as an Intern for the secretary of the President of the United States. During her last week at The White House, Ivy overhears a conversation about missing software that would rig voting machines and change the results of the next election. The subject dictates it be set in Washington, DC. Ivy has clues to find the software and begins following them across the United States, at last ending back in the capital where her ex-fiancé helps clear her name since she has also been accused of killing the president’s secretary.

The Turtle Creek Edition series is set in a small Wisconsin town. I started the series with The Christmas Edition. I live in Texas and many of our Christmases are spent with the air conditioner running. However, when I think of Christmas, I think of snow and hot chocolate and real Christmas trees. Born and raised in Wisconsin, it was easy for me to set that series there. Now The Valentine Edition is out and it’s still quite cold in Turtle Creek, Wisconsin. Have you been following the northern weather forecast lately? One snowstorm after the next.

Yes, I have. My brother lives in Indiana, and I have close friends who live up North. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

I would love to spend an evening with Albert Schweitzer. He was my first hero. This talented, German doctor gave up a lucrative medical practice to live in Gabon, Africa, and build a clinic to help meet the health needs of the natives. When I was young, I would watch him on The Jack Parr Show. Doctor S. had a marvelous sense of humor along with his passion for helping others. At night, at the end of a long day, he would sit at his organ and play. I can only imagine how wonderful that sounded in the night air in the jungle. In middle school I wrote to him all the time, asking if I could come and visit. When he died, my friends who had laughed at my vision for wanting to have spent time at a medical clinic said to me, “Well, it looks like you will not be going now!” Weeks later I received a letter with pictures of the Doctor and of the facility, from one of his Dutch coworkers, Mrs. Obermann.

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

Not to head hop – and what that meant. (For blog readers, that means to jump from one person's thoughts to another all the time, instead of staying in one point of view per scene.)

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To be joyful no matter the season. The most important relationship I have is the one I share with Him. He balances me, shows me the important stuff in life. God gives me beauty from ashes. When I get to heaven it isn’t going to matter what others think of me, only His opinion will carry weight there. There are many voices in the world. But the sheep know God’s voice and they follow Him.

Very well said, and exactly what I feel, too. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1. Everyone has an opinion if you should have an agent or not. What publisher to use, or not use. Listen to the advice and pray about what is right for you. You are the one living your life, not another. But remember this, I guarantee God isn’t going to ask you who your publisher or agent was when you get to heaven. There is this motto I have on my wall. It reads; "One small life will soon be past. Only what is done for God will last." It was the way my Grandmother lived her life. She went to heaven at the age of 101.

2. Keep studying the market. I do. One of my writer friends told me she doesn’t need to study the market because her agent does it for her. Agent or no, I want to be informed. So you be informed. Know what is going on in the publishing world. With the Internet there is no reason not to be.

3. Read. Read. Read. If you are like me, you will be studying/reading every book. It helps us with sentence formation, vocabulary, character development, plot expansion, grammar, punctuation, and the like.

Tell us about the featured book.

It’s a holiday book and a fun light-hearted read. However, it deals with real life problems such as forgiveness. Jodi has men issues because her father deserted her when she was a child. This changed her world and molded her into the person she is when we first meet her, driving down an icy Wisconsin country road in the dead of winter. Later we learn of another betrayal of close friends. These two significant incidents from her past, sets her up for someone new to blow apart a potential relationship she is developing with a man of God.

Here is a blurb:

The last place in the world Jodi Williams wanted to live was Turtle Creek, Wisconsin, but when her stepdad refused to put in a good word for her at the Chicago paper, she had no other choice than to accept the first job offer that came her way. Josh Thomas was Turtle Creek's veterinarian, but he also happened to be single and quite handsome. His life was pretty peaceful until a pretty, young stranger came to his clinic with a dog that had been hit by a car. While his first reaction was to care for the injured animal, he couldn't help a few glances at this unique young woman. That day was one of quite a few new beginnings. Jodi came to the aid of an injured animal, earning her the respect of a handsome man, she started a new job as a reporter for The Turtle Creek Newspaper, and she gained the wrath of the vet's receptionist. Della had her sights set on Joshua, and she wasn't about to let anyone come between her and the man of her dreams.

And here is the first page of The Valentine Edition:

Jodi Williams sighed for the hundredth time as she waved goodbye to the Chicago skyline, catching the last of the city in her car's rearview mirror. Dreams of working at The Tribune were dead right along with drinking green tea latte's at Starbucks anytime she wanted.

Hope behind her.

The unknown ahead.

She steered toward Wisconsin. An hour later, Jodi looked out the window at the open fields of frozen ground and cows standing along snowy fences. The comparison between her two lives the previous and the present were startling. Jodi attempted to shift her body in the seat but was pretty well anchored into the one position with her belongings crammed into the compact car from the trunk to the front. The turn-by-turn directions she had printed out were hard to follow since not all the roads were actually marked in this neck of the country. She decided to refer to them as mystery turns. Finally, Jodi pulled over to the shoulder and unfolded the road map to try to figure it out one more time. According to her calculations, she was almost there at the end of civilization.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.shoutlife.com/Robin_Shope
http://write2robinshope.blogspot.com/

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

Readers, you can order The Valentine Edition with this link:

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Authors Rhonda Gibson & Jean Kincaid - SHELTER IN SEATTLE - Free Book

We're having a different kind of interview today. Rhonda Gibson and Jeanie Kincaid are both friends of mine. Shelter in Seattle is Jeanie's first published book. Welcome, Rhonda and Jeanie. How did your story come about?

Rhonda: I have always liked the Asa Mercer stories. So I decided to tell what might have happened to one of the girls’ that traveled with him to Seattle. The story grew from there. Asa is mentioned but the story really belongs to Caleb and Julianne.

Jeanie (in the white hat): This was Rhonda’s story idea and I fell in love with it. I added what I thought would define the love between Caleb and Julianne, flushed out a few paragraphs for an already great story.
What are you reading right now?

Rhonda: Fiction: Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake Non-Fiction: The Everyday Visionary by Jesse Duplantis

Jeanie: I just finished Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist. Fantastic story.

I've read Deep in the Heart of Trouble. It's wonderful. Now s this book a standalone or part of a series? If series, what are the other books in the series?

It’s a standalone.

What is the hardest thing about writing as part of a team?

Rhonda: Jean and I live in two different states, so everything we did was by email or chats online. We did call from time to time. I think it would have been easier if we could have “seen” each other while we were plotting out the story and later during edits. But, Jean was so easy to work with; nothing seemed hard about this book.

Jeanie: Rhonda was simply wonderful to work with. She didn’t even complain when I agonized over every little detail.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Rhonda: I think it bonded our friendship even tighter, and that was quite an accomplishment.

Jeanie: It’s made a few things more difficult. For instance, now I tend to want to write all her stories with her. When I critique her work, I want to put my two cents in. I have to pull back and go, “whoa, this is not yours.” But, yes, it has been a wonderful experience.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

Rhonda: Jean is very gracious and allowed me to name the characters. I have always liked the name Caleb and I think it is a strong name, I wanted this character to be strong and full of the Lord. Julianne was named after a cousin of mine. I used to tease her with a song that had the words, “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” in it. Julianne is a character that has had more then her share of hard knocks and the book opens with her facing the hardest one yet. But, she remains strong. My cousin is a lot like Julianne, life has dealt out some hard knocks but she remained strong and is now a successful business woman, a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Jeanie: Rhonda chose them. She did well.

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

Rhonda: The knowledge that God is with us in all circumstances.

Jeanie: That it’s always better to tell the truth. That it’s a wonderful thing when people come to know the Lord.

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

Rhonda: I am. For me, American Christian Fiction Writers isn’t just a group, it’s my writing family. I have met so many loving people through this organization. I met both Jean and you in person for the first time at an ACFW conference.

Jeanie: Yes, I’m a member. Most of what I know of writing, I learned from ACFW conferences, online courses, and critique groups.

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

Rhonda: In 2002, I was struggling with my writing and wondering if I should continue to write. Bruce Wilkinson has a book out titled, THE DREAM GIVER. The advice in the book is, if you have a dream, work toward it with all you have. Don’t let others stand in your way or discourage you. Don’t be afraid to follow the dream of your heart, God put it there and you have a purpose. That was the best advice for me as an author. I grabbed those words and pushed forward. Thanks Bruce!

Jeanie: I was told by a critique group many years before the advent of ACFW that I added too much description in my stories. A well known male author, (undiscovered at that time) told me not to stop my descriptions, just to hone them and to think of that as a talent. It has worked to my advantage.

Someone recommended that Bruce Wilkerson book to me several years ago. It's meant a lot to me, too. Where can we find you on the Internet?

Rhonda: http://www.rhondagibson.com/, http://www.rhondagibson.blogspot.com/

Jeanie: http://www.jeankincaid.com/ http://grammaspace.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Rhonda and Jeanie, for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order a copy of the book using this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy. But don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. I'm still missing some former winners.

Author Irene Brand - LOVE FINDS YOU IN VALENTINE, NEBRASKA - Free Book

We're talking to another Summerside Press author, and you won't want to miss this book. Welcome, Irene. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

My faith in Christ shows plainly in my characters as they live out their lives on the pages of my books. I’m also a very determined, disciplined person and many of my characters are like that.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Flying in a helicopter over Niagara Falls. Also, taking a sailing boat ride with my husband during a storm when we were in Tahiti.

Sounds like you've lived an interesting life. When did you first discover you were a writer?

When I was eleven years old, I had my first nudge to be a writer. I’d read a book that appealed to me, and I remember wishing that I could do for readers what that author had done for me. The desire to write (fiction, in particular) has never left me from that day to this.

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

My favorite subjects are suspense (think, Mary Higgins Clark or John Grisham), historical fiction (think Patricia Veryan), Regency and Georgian periods. I also like all phases of United States History from Colonial America through World War II. I like light mysteries, too. I read very little non-fiction, except when I’m doing research.

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

I’ve been a published author since 1984 when I published a non-fiction book (Today’s Women) with Standard Publishing, Cincinnati in July, and a launch title of Thomas Nelson’s Cherish romance series in August (A Change of Heart) The publication of Love Finds you in Valentine Nebraska, will mark my 46th book title in print. Only 4 of these were non-fiction.
I have no idea how many books I’ve written which haven’t been published.

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

By putting first things first. My commitment as a follower of Christ is my first priority. I believe sincerely in His promise, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” I interpret “these things” to be my family, my writing and other secular pursuits that benefit others. I hold several offices in the local church and attend regularly. I also claim another promise, “My peace I leave with you.”

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I have books of baby names. I scroll through the telephone directory. I look on an internet site and find names that were popular in various periods of time. If I use names of people I know, then I’m very careful that the personality of that person I know doesn’t come through in my books.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Perhaps the publishing of my first inspirational romance. I’d been trying for 10 years to have a book published, and when I got the first copy of A CHANGE OF HEART out of the mailbox, it was an exciting experience I’ve never forgotten.

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

I’d like to be a dog. In general, they’re good natured. They have a wide capacity to love others. They always seem glad to see their owners when they come home. They’re dependable.

What is your favorite food?

I don’t have one favorite food, so I’ll mention a menu that I often prepare when guests come. I’m a “from scratch,” cook. Baked steak in gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, hot rolls, chocolate pie for dessert, and iced tea. I like all of those things.

I'd love to be a guest at a meal like that. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I’m not an observant person by nature, and I’ve had to learn to take a lot of notes on people and places or I wouldn’t remember. I also notice descriptions in other people’s books

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

“Success isn’t given to the talented; it’s taken by those who struggle, sacrifice and reach for it.”
This isn’t original with me. I read it in a writers’ magazine years ago, and the slogan has been on the bulletin board in my office since then. I think of it often.

I've read Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska, and loved it. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

My contemporary book is Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska. It’s one of the easiest books I’ve ever written. Normally, the first draft of a book is very difficult for me, but it seemed as if the words formed in my mind as quickly as my hands would move on the computer keys. I personally believe that it’s one of my better books. I hope it will bring as much pleasure to my readers as I received in writing the book.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.irenebrand.com/
I also prepare a bi-monthly newsletter which can be accessed from my website.

Irene, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order a copy of this book using this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

Author Tricia Goyer - SWEET SEPTEMBER - Free Book

I love having Tricia Goyer visit our blog. Tricia, why did you become an author?

I first thought about writing in 1993. A friend from church, Cindy Martinusen told me about her aspirations to become a novelist. My first thought was . . . Real people do that? She invited me to attend Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference with her. I was new as new can be. I was also 22-years-old and pregnant with my first child, but I learned enough at that conference to start off on the right track. And I’ve been actively working at my writing ever since.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

I’d be an artist. I have a natural talent for drawing/painting but I haven’t developed it!

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

I’d be a WASP (Women Air Service Pilot) in World War II like I wrote about in Dawn of a Thousand Nights. Those women were amazing!

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

I’d like to go on a boat ride through a Louisiana swap. Crazy, I know!

Actually, it sounds like fun, especially if Robin Caroll would take us. How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Hungry. I read a book set in Budapest and I’ve wanted to go ever since.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

To be thankful in ALL things. It’s amazing how my attitude changes when I start thanking God IN and THROUGH the tough stuff.

Tell us about the featured book.

Home To Heather Creek I thought you would be interested in the new Guideposts original series, Home to Heather Creek! I wrote Book #2, Sweet September!

About the series: Charlotte Stevenson’s world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise’s children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.

Harvest time at Heather Creek Farm is an exciting time, but the kids don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. One day while he’s wandering through the fields, Christopher stumbles across an old piece of metal buried in the ground. He doesn’t know what it is, but he hides it in the shed.That night, the garden by the house is uprooted.

Who could have done such a thing? Charlotte is determined to find out, but is distracted when she gets news that Sam is failing school. The sullen teen is indifferent and won’t study. He starts spending a lot of time with Pete. Though she loves her son dearly, Pete never finished high school, and Charlotte is afraid he’ll encourage Sam to do the same. How can she help him get back on track?

A gripping story that examines the Stevenson family’s history as well as its shaky future, Sweet September will bring you deeper into the loving community of Bedford and the deep ties of love that bind this broken family together. As they forge new connections, you’ll be entertained, inspired, and reminded that God’s grace can make all things new. Buy the book here.

This book was a lot of fun for me. A departure from the rigorous historical research and a chance to try my hand at something contemporary.

Tricia, thank you for coming by.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Don't forget to check back to see if you are a winner. If you're afraid you might forget, sign up for FeedBlitz in the upper right hand column of this blog.

Author Susan May Warren - THE PERFECT MATCH - Free Book

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

I usually have one overriding theme in my books: God loves us, wants to give us grace and strength for every situation, and when we trust Him, He’ll do amazing things in our lives. I believe that, and I put that truth into my books.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I just finished book 2 (Double Trouble) in my “Trouble” series – a fun, romantic, light suspense series about a wanna-be PI who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The first one, Nothing But Trouble comes out in May. I can’t wait! I’ve been working on this series for about 4 years now...it feels like a dream come true to see it come to life.
Here’s the blurb for Nothing But Trouble:

It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her hometown, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder--who also happens to be PJ's former flame--is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend's husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

It hits the stands just in time for a summer beach read! Go to: http://gotsugar.susanmaywarren.com/ for sneak peeks and to sign up for free stuff and updates!

Sounds like a fun read. You have to come back for an interview. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Oh boy, that’s tough. I have so many people I love spending time with – fellow authors, good friends, my church family. Are we supposed to find someone we admire we’d like to spend time with? Okay – how about Beth Moore? I love her studies, and she sounds like a really amazing person. I am also always inspired by speaker Susie Larson, who is sort of the Beth Moore of the upper Midwest. She brings insights into our conversations that so bless me. However, as I’m thinking about it, I think the same holds true for my friend, Rachel Hauck. She challenges me every day to trust God for amazing things. Probably you wanted me to pick someone famous and inspiring – but I’d rather hang out with my friends.

I know what you mean. My favorite time of the year is the ACFW national conference where I can spend time with the authors I know online. How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

I think I dreamed about it all my life, but never thought it would happen. I just sorta walked the road God put me on – as a missionary, committing my newsletters to Him, then as an article writer, then as a full-length novelist. I loved being a missionary before I got published, so I wasn’t looking for anything to make my life more exciting (believe me, living in Russia had plenty of excitement!) But I did love to write, and this season has given me an opportunity to trust God and see Him at work in my life in ways I wouldn’t have imagined. I’m very very grateful for the path God has me on.

What can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

If you’re receiving only rejections, take a look at why. What theme seems to be prevailing? Is it about craft, or story idea? At that point, I might contact a professional to help (here’s a shameless plug for My Book Therapy, my fiction editing service, http://www.mybooktherapy.com/ but the truth is I love to help authors figure out what isn’t working and propel them to the next level!) I’d also give it to fresh eyes – not your same critique group, but someone else who knows how a story works and can give you honest feedback.

Good advice Tell us about the featured book.

The Perfect Match was a book I wrote a while back – about a fire chief who is struggling to figure out why life matters. Of course, she wants to be the top of her game, and standing in the way seems to be local pastor Dan Matthews. I love Dan, because he’s sort of a quiet hero, standing behind the scenes, pouring out his life for others. Ellie doesn’t want to depend on anyone, but Dan seems to be always there when she needs help. And, of course, Dan doesn’t want her to fight fires…it’s so dangerous. So, they have lots of “sparks.” He he. The best part, however, is that God has a plan for both of them to learn to trust him. I threw in an arsonist for a bit of suspense, and of course it takes place in beautiful northern Minnesota. It won the ACFW book of the year in 2004. This is a shiny new repackage!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.susanmaywarren.com/, and http://www.mybooktherapy.com/.

Thank you for having me, Lena!

And thank you for spending this time with us. I always love having you as much as I enjoy reading your books.

Readers, you can order The Perfect Match by clicking on this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Be sure to check back to see if you won. I've only heard from one of the winners in each of the last two weeks.

My Favorite Day - Announcing Winners!!!

Stacie is the winner of Stand-in Groom by Kaye Dacus.

Mommyjen99 is the winner of The Edge of Light by Ann Shorey.

MarthaA is the winner of Diamond Duo by Marcia Gruver. I just finished reading this book. It is a wonderful read. If you didn't win, go to the interview and click on the link to order it from Amazon.

Actually, there are links in all the interviews to order the books on Amazon. I put them there for your convenience.

I've only heard from one of the winners from last week. Remember with my book deadlines, I don't have time to contact you. You need to check.

And check out my newest blog. http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com I only post once a month, and it contains book reviews.

Author Linore Rose Burkard - BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS - Free Book

Before the Season Ends is Linore Rose Burkard's debut novel. Welcome, Linore. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Actually, that’s a difficult question to answer. I think all writers must use themselves as a reference in creating any character, (if they want to make him or her in any depth) but I don’t really know how much of myself goes into each one. Obviously I can relate more to my heroines than other characters, but usually I want to create them smarter or “ahead” of me in some ways.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I have probably done more than my fair share of quirky things, to be honest! However, one was when my husband Mike and I were out driving on eastern Long Island with another couple, good friends of ours. At one point, Mike had to stop and he ended up having to check the oil with a dip-stick. As he climbed back into the driver’s seat, he complained that he’d got some oil on his bare arm. Due to some wayward maternal instinct, I instantly blurted, “Don’t lick your arm!”
To peals of laughter from the back seat, my husband thanked me profusely for reminding him not to lick his arm since of course he was in a terrible habit of doing so. [not!]

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Abysmally late. Despite the fact that in High School a creative writing teacher got very excited over an essay I wrote; and got me on the school paper; and that I had started writing at age nine, (doing my own version of My Side of the Mountain, chapter breaks and all); or continued writing poetry and little stories in my teens; and majored in English literature and did really well in college—I just didn’t get that I was really a writer!! I wrote letters to the editor, columns for church newsletters, and then for homeschooling co-ops. I had fun writing, and I couldn’t seem to stop doing it. But it wasn’t until I completed my first novel that I felt, wow, maybe I’m meant to do this. To me, it had always been a luxury that I refused to give up completely, despite life’s demands. Now I recognize it as a God-given calling.

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

I enjoy really good writing. I don’t mean to be a book snob or anything, but I like the classics best, (English Literature major!), poetry (classic poetry) followed by Frost, Langston Hughes, (strange bed-fellows, I know) and a very few modern poets, like Bly. I also read good devotionals, Christian non-fiction, and other non-fiction books. I don’t have time to read fiction, though I do read for other authors, and I’m always trying to cram in another book. In the past, (when I had time to read) I really enjoyed Georgette Heyer, and of course Jane Austen, and Dickens. I mostly read today for research or other informational purposes.

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

I’ve finished the sequel to Before the Season Ends, which will be out in April (The House in Grosvenor Square); and I have about four other regencies in various stages of completion. I wrote a screenplay once, (which I hope to resurrect someday) and I have one finished contemporary that I wrote last year (07) which is sitting in my files. I’ve written a few short stories, one set in the Restoration (time of Charles II) which I started expanding into a full book and want to finish one day.

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

By falling at the feet of God as often as possible! When I’m starting to feel overwhelmed in an unhappy way (rather than an excited way), I know it’s been too long since I’ve prayed at length. I really feel that I get “centered” through prayer—because it makes me focus on Jesus, not me. Nothing is too much for him.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes they just come to me (bliss). Other times, I have to scrounge around a little. I’ll pick a book off a shelf and look at the bibliography and take a first name from someplace, and a last name from someplace else. Other times, I’ll ask my family for an idea. I’ve probably done just about all the tricks. Then, I have to try out the name and see if it “fits” the character. If it does, I go with it. Otherwise, I keep my ears and eyes open until I come upon a first or last name that just jumps out at me as the right one for that character. I always combine from different sources–I never use anyone’s full name. Movie credits are great places to see lots of names. Baby name books are great, I just keep forgetting to keep one around.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being the mother of my five miraculously wonderful children, and the wife of my husband.

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

Oh, dear! Let’s see…I suppose a bird. A song bird. I love to sing, and I am endlessly curious about stuff like, what’s beyond that next bend in the road? so I’d always want to be flying all over the place. I also just love to observe, and who can observe so well as a bird, if they had a mind for it?

What is your favorite food?

I never have a single favorite anything it seems. But up there on my list would be authentic Italian food. In New York, there’s this Italian restaurant my husband and I used to go to and I always ordered their Eggplant Rollatini. Loved it.

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

I think my greatest roadblock was believing that I could write books. I always had to work in small increments of time (mostly) and I doubted if I had the focus to finish a novel. I overcame it by reaching the page where I got to write, “THE END.” It was great.

It's funny. I've only written The End on one manuscript--my first book. I like to think of my novels as the beginning of a long full life for the characters. What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

To write the book of their heart, the one they have always wanted to, or seen a need for. And to hobnob with other authors as much as possible, in places like ACFW.

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

Before the Season Ends is like a mini-vacation to Regency, England. Even if you’ve never read a regency, if you enjoy Jane Austen books or movies, you’ll enjoy this. I believe in infusing my stories with lovable heroines and dashing heros and above all, a place where faith plays a part, and where endings are always happy. I wouldn’t consider my book an authentic regency if it didn’t include humor, romance and adventure. What differentiates my book from most regencies, however, is the additional element of faith.

And I really want that element of faith in the books I read. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can sign up for my monthly, illustrated newsletter at my website:
http://www.linoreroseburkard.com/ I have a few blogs but I’m re-considering whether to keep them up, so I won’t give those URLs.

Thanks so much, Lena, for letting me and my book visit today. I hope I will soon be sending a copy of my book to one of your readers.

And thank you Linore for visiting with us. We enjoyed it.

Readers you can order Before the Season Ends here:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. I have only heard from one of the winners from last week.

Author Allie Pleiter - BLUEGRASS COURTSHIP - Free Book

Allie Pleiter is back with us talking about her first book in her Kentucky Corners series. Allie, why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’m not sure I could write any other kind. Humor is so much a part of how I see the world, it simply has to be in what I write. I write romance and women’s fiction because it’s my world, and because I’d much rather spend my time and energy on love and happiness than death, murder, angst, and other fiction topics. I do love spy and heist movies, but I don’t think I could ever write those stories. It’s a daily delight to craft happy endings—and the world sure needs them.

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

I’m having trouble coming up with one. The natural choices—my wedding and the births of each of my two children—were actually very high stress situations, and while they reflect happy choices, I don’t boil them down to specific days. I was delighted when I sold my first book, because it represented such a huge provision on God’s part (looooong story) and opened up so many doors for me. So, I suppose the short answer is that I’ve had lots of happy days and none strikes me as “happiest.” Sounds corny, but that’s how I truly feel.

That's what we want. How you truly feel. How has being published changed your life?

People think I’m less crazy now. Really. Being a published author gives you this license to be “one of those creative types” so no one looks at you funny (ok to your face maybe) when you do something odd-ball. I adore the flexibility of my job, especially with kids still in the house. I can still pick you up from the school nurse and get chapter 13 done while you’re home watching TV with chicken soup on the couch. I get to travel to do research and ask people to teach me crazy things like how to make soap or how to crack a whip. I get nice letters from total strangers. People operate under the illusion that I’m clever and talented (I try not to dispel the myth)—what’s not to like?

What are you reading right now?

I’m always reading three books—one fiction, one non-fiction, and one audiobook. I’m currently reading Getting Things Done by David Allen, which is a personal productivity book. I’m a big fan of time management and that sort of thing, and as a fanatical list-maker, I’m devouring this man’s method. The novel on my shelves is the epic Dracula tale The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova—this kind of wide-spectrum suspense isn’t my usual fare, but I’d heard so many good things about the writing, and they’re all true; it’s a well-crafted tale with fabulous chapter-ending hooks. My audiobook of the moment is Patrick O’Brian’s Post Captain from the Master and Commander series. I needed to reinforce the historical language in my ear as I begin work on the sequel to Masked by Moonlight, and I’d heard great things about the reading by Simon Vance—outstanding!

What is your current work in progress?

These days I’m all over the place. I’m putting the final touches on the third Kentucky Corners book, Bluegrass Blessings, which is Dinah the Baker’s story and comes out in July. I’m finishing the first draft of the final Kentucky Corners book, Bluegrass Christmas, which will be out the end of this year. Right on the heels of that I return to work on the sequel to my historical Masked by Moonlight, which will release in 2010. After that I hope to start a series of three contemporaries set in Charleston. Also this month I’ve be launching my new diversion, a travel-knitting blog called “DestiKNITions.”

What would be your dream vacation?

Well, DestiKNITions is actually quite a bit about that. I’m passionate about knitting, so I’ve started writing about my travels to discover knit shops and communities in American cities. Location research is my very favorite part of writing—I love to interview people, go to their favorite restaurants, etc—and DestiKNITions is just an extension of that process from book research into all the beauty of fiber arts. The blog launches this month with a segment of Charleston. I don’t need to travel far—it’s the people and places that most delight me—but if someone handed me a cruise around the world with a credit card and a crate to ship back all the yarn I didn’t knit in transit, well I’d grab at it with both hands!

Actually, right now I'm knitting lap robes for the prayer ministry at church. How do you choose your settings for each book?

It’s nothing more scientific that “where do I want to go next?” Charleston and Baltimore are my next planned locales. Charleston has always been recommended as a beautiful city, and I’d not seen much of the Southeastern coast. Baltimore intrigues me because I think it has undiscovered charms and tenacity. It’s important to me to be able to visit the city where the book is set, so I doubt I’ll be doing any exotic or foreign locales in the near future (although you never know!).

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

The answer might surprise you. Believe it or not, I’d like most to meet Discovery Channel’s “The Mythbusters,” because my son and I so enjoy the show. I value meeting people who absolutely love what they do (I believe it’s highly contagious), and that gang looks like they have loads of fun. We’re huge fans. Anyone out there want to set this up for me?

Take me along, too. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Knitting, knitting, and knitting. Oh, and coffee. My husband is a very serious sportscar enthusiast, so I get a bit of that by association. Nissan Z Cars are a big deal to this household, and one finally gets in one of my books this year (watch for Mac’s roadster in Bluegrass Christmas).

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

I think too much. I don’t trust the story enough to let itself unwind on its own, and I push and pull things that don’t need pushing or pulling. I end up trying too hard to be funny or clever or emotional, which never works. If I’d just relax, stay true to the story and characters, and remember that I always meet my deadlines, things would be so much easier. On everyone. Even the dog.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

There are no two ways about it: the only way to write is to apply fingers to keyboard. There’s no secret handshake, no shortcut, no special DNA, just the simple/complex truth of putting words down on the page. I tell aspiring writers to get to the first 100 pages—it will tell you loads about yourself and your story, and I don’t think you ever really know what you’ve got until you’re about 100 pages into it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Gladly! Bluegrass Courtship is the second Kentucky Corners book and is a fascinating collision of small town America and bit city media. Janet Bishop has run her family’s hardware store for years when renovation-reality television host Drew Dawson comes into town. I wanted to take the home-makeover craze and twist it to renovate churches. I also wanted to take someone who’d made his life in the high drama of that genre and dunk him in small town values. It made for a very fun story, and a cast of secondary characters that I simply adore.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

All kinds of Allie-related goodies—everything from the recipe for Snicker Bar Salad to audio files of me reading the first chapter of my most recent books to you--can be found at http://www.alliepleiter.com/.

Beginning this month, you’ll also find me at http://destiknitions.blogspot.com/ as well. Please visit!

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

Readers, you can order Bluegrass Courtship using this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

Then check out Allie's web sites. Both sound intriguing.

I have a new blog this month. I've moved my monthly newsletter from my web page to this blog: http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com

I did this because people wanted to sign up for my newsletter. Now they can using FeedBlitz. Check it out. My newsletter contains Announcements, my Calendar of Events, Book Reviews, and lists the upcoming interviews.

Author Sharlene MacLaren - HANNAH GRACE - Free Book

I'm pleased to have Sharlene MacLaren back with the first book in her new series--Hannah Grace. I was privileged to read it for an endorsement and happy to give one. This is a good book. There's a lot of buzz out there about it. And I just love the cover as well as the story. Welcome, Sharlene. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Since I live in West Michigan, and they always say you should write what you know, the setting for this series came easily. I love the late 1800s, early 1900s, perhaps because my grandparents were born in that era. As for storyline, I always have about a dozen or so stories churning up in my head, so I just snatch one down and start building scenarios in my mind and on paper. Once I think I’ve constructed a workable plot, I develop character sketches, gather information through research, and start putting down my thoughts. (I’m not one to drag out the planning stages. I get antsy to start writing, so as I do, the story just sort of “comes to me.”) Before you know it, I’m off and running – and then there’s no stopping me!

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

That’s a tough question because there are so many wonderfully talented authors out there. But I suppose I would have to go for the “fun” aspect, ladies I know who like to party-hearty, and by that I mean – GIGGLE and GOOF OFF! Therefore, at my “party” I would have Michelle Sutton-Hutchinson, Trish Perry, Brandilyn Collins, Ane Mulligan, Lena Nelson Dooley, and—and—and (I can only have one more?)—and Deb Raney. Whew! That was painful.

I'd love to attend a party with that group. Wouldn't we have fun? Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Okay, this will be a more “serious” party because we need to get some brainstorming done, especially since my mindset is in the historical fiction genre right now, I’m up against a deadline, and I’m in a solemn mood. Seriously! So, here’s my guest list: Julie Lessman (Oops! There goes the formal atmosphere!), Kim Vogel Sawyer, Francine Rivers, Cathy Marie Hake, Deeanne Gist, Lyn Cote. These authors are all so talented and I respect them so much. I’m sure I will glean something helpful from each of them at these “parties.” Oooh, this makes me excited for the next ACFW conference because those are sort of like parties, but with lots of learning opportunities.

Denver, here we come! Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Deadlines! Gone are the days of writing for the pure, simple pleasure of writing. Oh, I still truly love it beyond measure, but there is now the added ingredient of pressure to accomplish goals and the stress that goes with it. Writing novels is a full-time job, and one that requires MUCH self-discipline, something I sorely lack. The more books you publish, the more your fan base wants you to produce, not to mention your publisher! I keep hearing from readers, and the number one thing they ask is, “Can’t you write any faster?” I know they’re only jesting, but there’s that part of them that honestly means business! Ha!

Sharlene, tell us about the featured book.

1903 ~ Sandy Shores, Michigan

The eldest of Jacob Kane’s three daughters, Hannah Grace is feisty and strong-willed, yet practical. Between working at her father’s general store and courting the town’s physician, Ralston Van Huff, Hannah has her life planned out in an orderly, meaningful way. Or, so the thinks.

Hannah’s world turns upside down when the new sheriff comes to town. Gabriel Devlin is strong, outspoken, and a Christian to boot—but he’s sworn off women, having met ones mostly interested in the Devlin family fortune and apathetic about God.

Determined to ignore the newcomer’s handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, who’s living with Gabriel until other arrangements can be made, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?

Readers, this is just a hint at all this book contains. Sharlene, how can readers find you on the Internet?

Oh, I do so love visitors to my Web sites, and I will always write back—unless time constraints simply don’t allow it. You can find me at these places:

http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com/
http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com/
http://www.shoutlife.com/sharlenemaclaren

*I am also on Facebook, so once you go to FB, simply type Sharlene MacLaren into the search line and request me as a friend. I’ll gladly accept.

I know. I have both a regular Profile and a Fan Page on Facebook, and I, too, welcome people both places.

Sharlene, thank you for this time with us. Go out and get some chocolate. :-)

Readers, you can order Hannah Grace by clicking this link:

And leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Hannah Grace. Don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you are the winner. If you're not, click on the link and get one. You won't want to miss it.

First 2009 Winners!!!

StampedwithGrace is the winner of What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley.

Megan (nadalet) is the winner of Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot.

Sara (artist4Christ) is the winner of Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins.

Click on the View Complete Profile link in my profile in the right hand column. There's a link to my email. Send me your mailing address, so we can get your book to you.

Sign up for FeedBlitz above my profile and you won't miss a single interview or winner announcement.

I have a new blog which is my monthly newsletter - http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com

I had been having the monthly newsletter on my web site, but so many people had wanted to sign up for the newsletter and couldn't on the web site that I moved it here, and there's a FeedBlitz link where you can sign up. My monthly newsletter contains announcements, a schedule of my upcoming events, book reviews of the books I've read during the month, and a section called Musings. This month, I've included what God has told me for 2009.

Author Marcia Gruver - DIAMOND DUO - Free Book

Today we're welcoming Marcia Gruver with her debut novel. Marcia, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Evidently a lot. It took me awhile to realize I’m actually guilty of this. The possibility occurred to me a couple of times, but I promptly slid back into denial—until a critique partner called me out.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’m an intuitive personality—a fancy way of saying my head is generally in the clouds. I don’t process my world with the five senses, but rather feel my way through. Details are lost on me, so I’m generally oblivious to my surroundings.

I once exited the restroom in a Mexican restaurant, sat down across from my husband, and took a couple sips of iced tea. Something made me glance up...into the startled face of my husband two tables back. I gaped at the smiling stranger sitting across from me, said, “You’re not my husband,” then shoved someone’s tea glass aside and hurried to my table. Did you say quirky or most embarrassing? I use this story for both.

I know what you mean. When I was doing the final edit on one of my books, I had accompanied my daughter to Austin to take her state test to become a hairdresser. I sat in the van and edited when I needed to go to the restroom. A McDonald's was next door, so I went in and hurried to the bathroom, all the time going over the story in my mind. I opened the door and came face-to-face with a startled man. Then I noticed the sign. Embarrassing! Now when did you first discover that you were a writer?

I could tell about the time in elementary school when I wrote a story that my third grade teacher claimed she loved, but the real “light-bulb moment” came when I attended my first writer’s conference in 2002. Before then I thought I liked to write. After experiencing the inimitable world in which we move, I knew I was a writer.

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

Unbelievably, this writer of sweet, funny historical novels devours scary suspense and horror stories in her spare time. Think Peretti and Brandilyn Collins. Maybe I need it for balance. I’m also a member of Heartsong Presents Mysteries, a great cozy mystery book club. In other genres, I’ll pick up anything written by Linda Nichols or Francine Rivers. I love historicals, but try not to read those I might be tempted to copy. :-)

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

Besides Diamond Duo, Chasing Charity, the sequel, releases in April 2009, followed soon by book three of the series, Emmy’s Equal.

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

When it gets to be too heavy, I run, run, run in the other direction. I don’t stay long, though. :-) An hour or two on my PS3 playing Ratchet and Clank, a visit with my mom, or a drive in the country with my hubby, and I’m good to go again.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Some names come to me, others I research. It dawned on me recently that I need to choose names with historical accuracy. For Diamond Duo, I found an old census list of Jefferson, Texas, where the book is set. Since I wrote the story around the account of an actual unsolved murder, most of the names in the book are the real people who were involved. That made it easier. I just had to come up with my fictional character’s names.

I've visited Jefferson and was intrigued by that story, too. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It would have to be landing a three-book contract with Barbour Publishing at my age. The reason this is so significant? I have five children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild (gifts, not accomplishments) who are watching old granny with wide-open eyes. By striving to fulfill an impossible dream and persevering to reach an unreachable goal, I think I’ve taught them it’s never too late, and that you really can do all things through Christ.

You can't tell that from your picture. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat. Cats know how to get what they want without making fools of themselves.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate, what else? The writer’s staple.

Yes, M&Ms eaten at the computer while under deadline can pass for lunch, can't it? What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Overcome it? I’m still working toward that goal. It would have to be my introverted personality and tendency toward being a loner—traits good for writing, bad for marketing. If you mean the writing itself, then the answer is my struggle with focus. I’m easily pulled away, especially while working through a difficult scene, by anything that looks to be more fun at the moment. A publisher’s deadline is the quickest way to overcome this problem.

A problem I’ve conquered? As you can imagine, my aforementioned tendency not to notice my surroundings makes writing descriptive scenes a challenge. I have to force myself to observe my environment; making mental notes of what I see, so later, I can translate it to the page. Even then, I tend to “feel” rather than see the world around me. If I can get that feeling onto the paper in words, I’ve done my job for the day.

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

Immerse yourself. Get into writer’s groups, both local and online. Find a critique group, one with writers a little farther along than you are so they can pull you up. Attend conferences every chance you get. If you feel called by God to write then seek Him daily for marching orders. Never, ever compare yourself to other writers, and never give up.

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

I had so much fun writing Diamond Duo. The quirky characters got under my skin, though the story that inspired the book broke my heart, and the suspenseful elements kept me up at night. In her quest to win a fellow’s heart, my main character, Bertha Maye Biddie, seeks lessons on the art of wooing a man from a savvy young stranger. In the end, Bertha learns her chance meeting with the woman had nothing to do with spurned love and everything to do with eternal security.

I feel this question can best be answer by excerpts from the author letter inserted in the book:

“This story is woven around the actual murder of Annie Stone, aka Bessie Monroe, aka Diamond Bessie, on January 21, 1877, in Jefferson, Texas. The ill-fated Diamond Bessie left a mark so deep during her brief visit she’s still a household name in Jefferson today. I chose to call her Annie in the book, because I believe if not for one early, impetuous mistake, she’d never have needed these aliases or the others I didn’t mention.

I researched for months to learn why Annie made such an indelible impression on the town. From the considerable distance of 130-plus years, I found it impossible to get an accurate look at her. Even the opinions and attitudes of her day were conflicting. Some judged her a disease-ridden prostitute without morals or conscience. Others considered her an unfortunate young girl who lost her way. Jilted and abandoned by an older man at fifteen, possibly disinherited by her family and left to her own devices (emphasis on vices), then abused and victimized by Abraham Rothschild, there’s no question she had a rocky start.

As I stood over her humble grave in Oakwood Cemetery, I found myself in the same dilemma as Bertha Maye Biddie, the heroine of this book, who asks: “Devil or angel? I couldn’t tell.” I feel certain of one thing, however. From Annie’s vantage point, whether resting with angels or contending with devils, she would heartily approve of using her life to share my witness.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website URL is http://www.marciagruver.com/.
My blog is http://www.yieldedquill.blogspot.com/.
I’m also a contributor to The Internal Monoblog at http://wwwinternalmonoblogcom.blogspot.com/.

Marcia, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers you can order Diamond Duo by clicking on this link:

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Author Ann Shorey - THE EDGE OF LIGHT - Free Book

I'm happy to welcome Ann Shorey with her debut novel. Ann, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

A little bit of myself works its way into many of my female characters. In The Edge of Light, the little girl, Luellen, is me as a child.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

My husband and I danced on a tabletop at a military ball when we were dating, just like in the old Fred Astaire films. Crazy, but fun. Neither one of us drinks alcohol—we were just in love and goofy. Fortunately, the table held our weight or it wouldn’t have been so funny.

How romantic. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I was in high school. In my junior year we were given an assignment to write a story. When my English teacher handed the papers back, she encouraged me to continue writing. Before that, I’d made up stories and scenarios with my sister all through our childhood—just didn’t write them down.

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

Almost everything but sci-fi/fantasy, and even some of those if the story captures my imagination. I’m never without a book or two on my nightstand. I love historical novels, literary fiction, and read mysteries for fun. I also enjoy nonfiction, such as Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. One of the best things about reading is being entertained while learning new things. A recent novel, The Hearts of Horses, by Molly Gloss, is a good example. Her captivating story is set in eastern Oregon during World War I. It fascinated me to learn how that conflict affected families in rural areas. And of course, as a writer of historical fiction, I read many nonfiction books for research.

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

I wrote a nonfiction family history, which was privately published in 1998. The title is A Great Cloud of Witnesses. That’s the project that inspired my fiction series. I’ve also written a couple of “practice” novels, which I’m now grateful were never published.

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

With quiet times of Bible reading and prayer; walks with my dog; and escaping into a good book.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I look for names that reflect my characters in some way. For instance, in The Edge of Light, there is a blacksmith named Jered Pitt. To me “Pitt” sounds kind of dark and harsh, which fits my image of this character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’d have to say it’s the friendship between my grown daughter and myself. Throughout her childhood, I prayed we’d have a lasting, loving relationship, and the Lord has graciously granted my request. On the professional level, I am thrilled to have my three-book series, At Home in Beldon Grove, contracted by Revell.

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

A wild and free lioness. I love the desert, and the images of lions in Africa conjure up warmth and freedom. On the practical side, being a beloved dog would be comfortable, but there’s something about the idea of running across the open veldt just for the joy of it . . .

My friend, Lisa Harris, who with her family is a missionary in Africa, often has videos of lions they've seen on her blog. I love watching them. Now what is your favorite food?

Chocolate.

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

Discouragement. So often I’d be on my knees asking the Lord if He really wanted me to write, or should I quit? I never sensed Him telling me to quit, so I persevered.

I spent many years like that, too. What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Consider your first book or two as practice runs. There’s no better way to learn to write fiction than to write and re-write. If a book is rejected several times, learn from it and start another. Take your writing seriously and don’t let people diminish your dream. Go to every good conference you can afford and take the classes offered that pertain to your work.

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

The Edge of Light is set in 1838 in Missouri and Illinois. Molly McGarvie has three small children and is pregnant with her fourth when her husband dies of cholera. She believes life can’t get any worse—but it does. The story offers a look at women’s lives in a time when their options were severely limited. According to advance readers, how Molly carries on in the face of disaster is page-turning fiction.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.annshorey.com/

Thank you, Ann for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order The Edge of Light by using this link:

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