Betsy' Personal Sizzle

Congratulations to TINA SCOTT, this weeks winner!

DeWalt is my very own SOULFIRE. He's been the light of my life. The first time he kissed me goodnight over thirty-five years ago melted my heart. I knew from the time I was thirteen that this was the young man I wanted for eternity. My friends all told me I was crazy because he is five years older than I am. He graduated the year before I even started high school. He left on his mission a year later and I pined for him. When he returned he got engaged to someone else and I kind of gave up on that dream of marrying him. I got engaged, too. My family did not approve of my choice and his family did not approve of his. Through a series of "manipulations" both from our respective parents and from other "spiritual" sources he broke off his engagement and I broke off mine. To say that our first kiss was a sizzle is an understatement. When we were standing at the doorstep after our fourth date and he tenderly pressed his lips to mine, I knew beyond a doubt that this was the man I wanted with all my heart! That was in August of 1976. Now almost thirty-five years he sizzles me with his kisses and showers me with his love and affections. I cannot imagine my life without this man.
Betsy Love

Announcing the Winner and...

Congratulations to: TINA SCOTT
This weeks prize is a Costco size bag of Ghirardelli's chocolate.

Now for more questions to Betsy...


 Have you experienced writer’s block? And if so, how did you cure it?
Writer’s block is a natural part of the writing process. When I first started writing and I’d get stuck I’d go back and edit and re-edit what I’d written. Now when I’m stuck, I interview my character on paper. For instance, I have this one character named David. I knew his story, but I just couldn’t’ figure out how to start the book. This went on for weeks. Finally one day I sat down at the computer and typed this:

ME:David, who the heck are you and what is it you want? I picture you as a Jewish man living in Babylon. But for some reason every time I visualize you I see a blond haired, blue eyed boy.

DAVID: That’s because I’m not Jewish, I’m Scandinavian.

ME: What? How in the heck then did you end up Jewish?

And of course from there David unfolded this amazing story of how he came to be not only Jewish but a translated immortal being. I’m still writing that story.

When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
Well, if you’re talking about Soulfire, it should be out like any second! I keep checking Amazon.com to see if it’s available.

http://www.amazon.com/Soulfire-Betsy-Love/dp/1599928523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334115708&sr=8-1

About Your latest book: How did you come up with your premise for Soufire?

That’s a good question. I loved writing short stories. This novel originally started as a short story. I loved the character so much that I wanted to expand what I’d written.

Are there any fun tid-bits about this story you can share with us?

When I wrote this story I knew how I wanted it to end, and I knew loosely what would happen in the middle, however as I started writing I had a character show up in chapter 2. I had no idea who Rachael was, other than there she was in the middle of the market with 5 children. (I took out two of them as she’s certainly not old enough to have that many.) As I wrote the scene I honestly didn’t have any idea what to do with her. I left her in, thinking I’d probably have to write her out at some point down the line. What happened as I continued to write was that she had a pivotal role to play in the story. I learned that she was a harlot and Zephenia’s love interest visited her, a lot!

How did you decide on the setting?

The setting was easy. Since it’s a Book of Mormon novel and the research of the day placed the history of these people in Mesoamerica I knew I wanted to stay true to that setting. The research was a lot of fun. I spent close to three years reading everything I could get my hands on about the people of the part of the world.

Is there a message in Soulfire you want readers to grasp?

The central theme of Soulfire goes along with the Young Women’s Theme in the LDS church—which is: “I will stand as His witness at all times, in all things and in all places.”

What is the purchase link (and cost)?

http://www.amazon.com/Soulfire-Betsy-Love/dp/1599928523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334115708&sr=8-1

Can you tell us what review of your story meant the most to you and why.

Heather B. Moore (H.B. Moore) has written several Book of Mormon novels. I asked her if she would be willing to read the manuscript (the one I gave to my publisher prior to my editor’s revisions) and give me an endorsement. I was thrilled when she sent this back to me:

“Zephenia finds herself in the middle of a religious revolt in the city of Nephi. Torn between her family’s wishes and following the believers to a place they can worship freely, Zephenia must decide if she has the courage to stand up for her heart’s true desire. Soulfire is an edge-of-your-seat adventure mixed with a sprinkle of romance. I wasn’t able to turn pages fast enough until I learned Zephenia’s fate.” –H.B. Moore, Best of State &Whitney Award Winning Author.

As for reviews, the one that meant the most to me was for my book Identity in Deseret News. The reviewer is someone I don’t know. And I heard a rumor that the reviewers rarely give good reviews. So for Mike Whitmer to give me such a glowing review made me smile for days on end. You can read the review here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705396927/Book-review-Identity-is-a-mystery-of-twin-proportions.html

Fickle Friday

Betsy and I are comparing stories today. Hope you'll feel free to share one of your own too. Betsy, where were you born?


In a hospital that no longer exists in St. Johns, Arizona. This little town was hardly even heard of before Salt River Project took an interest in parking their power plant there. Not that it’s a thriving metropolis now—I think the cows still outnumber the people 100 to 1.

That just might beat my being born in a resthome for the aged! (for those of you unfamilar with my story, see my profile on the left sidebar.)
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

That’s an easy question. There are two places that have always intrigued me. I love the look, the weather, the people, the scenery of New Zealand. But I hear it’s pretty expensive. My other choice would be Australia because of its political climate.

I too would like to try Autralia, but not for the same reasons. I think my draw is an awesome series that my family has recently gotten hooked on. Can I live on a station and just ride horses? No chores for me, I know how hard that can be and shearing sheep? Ugh.
What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you or you witnessed that made you laugh so hard you couldn’t catch your breath?

I even wrote a short story about this. We had this pesky mouse that was terrorizing our home. We’d see him scamper across the floor when we’d least suspect him. He’d chew on everything, especially in the middle of the night keeping us awake. One afternoon, I saw him run behind a cookie sheet I had propped behind the kitchen sink to dry. I slipped a cup on either side and caught him. I took him directly into the bathroom and proceeded to flush him down. Who knew that mice were such good swimmers? That little bugger would NOT go down. All of the children had gathered round to watch its demise. After about the third flush my husband reached into the toilet and picked him up by the tail. “Any creature with that much will to live deserves to.” He took the mouse outside and let it go on the bank of the canal. In my mind I pictured some feral cat making a meal of that mouse. Shortly thereafter we procured a cat!

EEk! my sister once had a mouse try to build a nest in her hair while she was sleeping!

Thirsting thisThursday for more about Betsy? Thirst no more!

What’s your favorite color?

Purple, hands down. I love all shades of it! My bedroom is done in purple and sage green. It’s such a peaceful place to be—that is when I clean it.

What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write?
None! I am a total solitary, quiet writer. I will listen to music before I start writing to inspire me, but once I’m in my writing mode, I want it quiet. Well, except for that annoying pop in the background from http://sprintwriters.blogspot.com/. This fun place to hang out is a great place to sprint with fellow writers.

What are you most passionate about, other than writing?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and my faith! Everything I write ties into truths taught by the master.

Name some of your most favorite things.
DARK CHOCOLATE, Cheetos, a sunset, reading (duh-what writer doesn’t love it?), sleep and sleeping in, romantic comedy movies, hanging out with my husband. And if you promise not to tell, I used to play World of Warcraft quite a bit. I’ve had to give it up to pursue more writing time. (And I wondered why she wanted to give chocolate as a prize this week!)

What’s your favorite Bible verse or verse that has sustained you recently and why?
There are so many, but the one that stands out the most is John 3:16 For God so love the world that He gave his only begotten son that whoso believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This verse sums up the whole reason we have a Savior. Someday I hope to kneel before him and feel the prints in his hands and bathe his feet with my tears.

Why did you begin writing?

I can’t think of a time I didn’t love to write—well, except for all those college papers you have to write. I was so thrilled when I finally graduated and could write what I wanted to write, not what some professor wanted to hear.

What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
The first book I ever remember reading all by myself was Paddington the Bear. I tell a whole story about it on my podcast with Author Theresa Sneed. You can listen to it here:
http://sweetpeasinawriterpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/03/sweet-peas-podcast-launch.html

What do you find most rewarding about writing?
Feedback from readers. Because writing is such a lonely profession, it’s so wonderful when you hear that what you wrote inspired someone.

Wednesday's Trailor and Blurb(s)

Here's the link to Identity, betsy's first novel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i19kPDeJ8U 

Identity is a romantic mystery or is it a mystery romance?

 Here is the back cover blurb for Identity.

Two young women, similar in looks, are on vacation when their companions cross paths. It starts a chain reaction of mistaken identities that throws Amelia, the wealthy heiress, and Savannah, the beautiful Mormon girl, together on the same flight. They come to understand why the bizarre events have placed them into turmoil. As soon as they land, they resolve to right the wrongs. Their flight is cut short when their plane crashes and plunges one of them into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.

And here is the back cover blurb for Soulfire:


It is 148 BC, and the city of Nephi is ruled by the wicked King Noah and his corrupt priests. Zephenia’s father has turned to his drink after the death of her mother, and her younger sister Sari dreams of living in the king’s palace. When the family’s hut is destroyed and the sisters are unjustly imprisoned, Zephenia wonders if God has forgotten her. If they survive their tribulations, whom will her father choose as her husband? The only unmarried believer she knows is Gideon, and he is smitten with Sari.

Zephenia's thoughts keep drifting to Alma, the handsome high priest she met while gathering herbs in the jungle. She senses a goodness about him, yet because he is a priest in Noah's court, she knows he couldn't possible be a righteous man. But when the prophet Abinadi is martyred and Zephenia must decide between her faith and her family.

Tickle Tease Tuesday

(Excerpt is unedited and used by permission.)

Zephenia’s throat constricted. He couldn’t be leaving

now—not again. The last time the Lamanites invaded their
lands, they had killed Esther’s father when he went out
to protect the borders, and the poor family had to leave
their home to live with other relatives. Now, the only time
Zephenia got to see Esther was on Sabbath mornings, and
then only in passing. Zephenia didn’t want to end up like
that.
She crossed the spacious room and wrapped her arms
as far as they would reach around her father’s thick waist.
Her heart pounded as she looked up at him. If he left, he
might never come back.
Her father planted a kiss on the top of her head. “What
are you doing up?” he asked.
“Don’t go.” Zephenia buried her face in his tunic. She
could smell his oiled chest-piece, along with the balche
he’d been drinking.
“I’ll be back shortly, and if you hurry and fall sleep, it
will be like I never left you.” The flickering lamp reflected
in Father’s golden brown eyes.
“Mother, tell him not to go.” Zephenia looked up into
her mother’s face.
“The Lord will protect him.” Mother’s fingers stroked
the top of Zephenia’s head.
She wished that just once her mother wouldn’t be
brave, wouldn’t rely on faith. Just once she could demand
that Father not go.

http://betsyloveldsauthor.blogspot.com/
Pre-order through Amazon! click this link!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1599928523


Don't forgewt to leave a comment for a chance to win this weeks prize!
(See Contesting Monday for official rules.)

Contesting Monday

This week I'm spotlighting Betsy Love-Making a difference one inspirational story at a time.


I’ve always loved the story of Abinadi and Alma, the Elder’s conversion from the Book of Mormon and have often wondered what it would be like to live during that time. Many times I’ve questioned my own faith and wondered if I would have the strength to withstand the persecution which have always fallen upon the saints.

Soulfire-A Book of Mormon Novel was actually one of the first books I’ve ever written. The story takes place about 150 years before the birth of Christ and follows Zephenia’s struggles of trying to remain true to her faith in spite of the evil around her. When she meets Alma, a wicked high priest of King Noah, Zephenia is drawn to him, but she knows she could never truly consider him because of his visits to Rachael, the harlot.While Zephenia and her family are fictitious characters, many of the characters are real people from the Book of Mormon.

Identity, my first novel published in July 2011, is a suspense/romance. My mother began reading a story with a similar plot line when I was about 10 years old. She never finished the story. Years later I was telling my daughter, Sarah, about the story and how sad I was that she never finished it. My amazing 10 year old daughter said, “So write your own ending.” And that, my friends, is how Identity was born.

The most fun part of the whole story is that Sarah is now an adult and looks very much like the cover model of my book. It was fun to use her in my trailer. Then when the cover came out for Soulfire, I once again planned on using my daughter in my book trailer. That will probably come in a couple of weeks once we are able to coordinate our schedules.
So let me tell you what this week grand prize will be. But first a little bit about the history of Cacao (cocoa). In ancient America the cacao beans were harvested, fermented, ground and then made into a paste which was mixed with chili powder or cornmeal. The Mayans preferred it cold, while the Olmecs liked it hot. Either way it was unsweetened, and they liked it bitter. Sounds yummy, I know. Since I KNOW none of you want to win that as your prize, I’m going to offer the modern version! A bag of Ghirardeli’s dark chocolate assorted squares. Now that sounds more to my liking (and it’s my favorite.)

How to win:

1) Become a follower here if you haven't already. If you are already a follower, leave a comment reminding me.

2) Become a follower of Betsy's http://betsyloveldsauthor.blogspot.com/

3) If you would like an additional chance to win, leave a comment (maximum of one additional entry per day.)