Talking about a new seasonal read today.

Today I'm chatting with an author that has become one of my idols in the short time I've had the pleasure of working with her, donna Hatch. I was recently invited to read A Timeless Winter Anthology, Winter Collection. Do I need to say that seeing Donna's name on the book is why I said "YES!" So Donna, tell us about what you contributed to this book.


My story is called A Winter's Knight. It's basically a gothic romance. It's about a young lady whose fascination with a murdering earl and his dark castle lands her in the heart of an ancient and terrible secret. It will take more than a Christmas kiss to break the curse.

Just let me say that this was my favorite of the six stories. So my first question when invited to read this was: What is an Anthology?

An anthology is a collection of short stories. In the case of the anthology I'm involved in, it's a total of 6 stories by 6 different authors.

And six very different writing styles. I seem to recall a review that said something about a bit of something for every reader. (Me rummaging through InD Tales E-magazine for the review. Found it!) I'm going to quote here. "Each short takes the reader on a mini Christmas vacation to the past, its mystical beauty and imaginative romance. Whether it is a mystery, court or rough life of survival in the snowy cold that the reader craves served up with their romance…" Oh yes and the book got 4 ½ stars from Erin Murdock Good job ! I haven't seen her give out a lot of stars. How did this project come about and why did you decide to be involved?

I was invited to be a contributing author by Sarah M. Eden. The authors who decided to create this anthology were looking for sweet historical authors to join them, and some of them had read my books. Since they are all bigger name authors than I am, I was honored to be invited.

I know several of these ladies are involved in ANWA and that ANWA is having a Conference in February. It would be great to attend and somehow get to meet a few of you! (For more information, click on Writer's conference 2013  to the left.
So if you are one of my idols then I read stories written by the ladies you look up to. Cool! Tell me what you are working on now.

I am working on book three of my "Rogue Hearts series" which will be Christian's story. I hope to have it finished and submitted to my editor by the end of January. The working title is A Perfect Secret.

Is your writing Regency Romance or is it Victorian? Because I know I didn't think I liked these kinds of books until I read yours!

My books take place during the Regency era, a small time period between 1811 and 1820 when King George II was officially declared mad and Prince George III was named Regent. The Victorian Era begins in the 1830s when Queen Victoria ascended the throne.

On the side...I would like to let you know that I was honored to have you refer to my writing you critiqued on a recent on-line workshop. It made me think that maybe I'll take it out of the back files and see what I can do with it.

Did you hear that? That's funny. I didn't realize you were there. I hope you found it encouraging and not discouraging. Your changes really were wonderful and I hope you do finish the story--it has so much promise.

Thank you, that means a lot coming from you. You were so generous at the workshop, even when openly critiquing Treasure (the abbreviated working title) and using it as a teaching tool. I just sat there listening and silently beaming "She liked it enough that she still remembers it!" Definitely encouraging or I wouldn't have mentioned it! I find that story sneaking into my thoughts as I unwind just before sleep finds me. I think I've mentally fixed the things you suggested. But with my Talisman series, Book 1 on the open files each working day, I will have to let it sit on the sidelines until I have more energy to poor into it.

 Donna, thank you so much for making this fans day and taking the time to chat.

A Timeless Winter Anthology, Winter Collection is available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble, and many other digital bookstores.

Getting toknow Author Marsha Ward (her latest: Spinsters's Folly is coming out Nov. 10th!)

Q: Marsha, who are you as a person, versus as an author?

A: I am a hermit. I love solitude. I am very quiet, very shy. I'm quite uncomfortable in crowds because I usually end up a wall flower without anyone to hang out with. However, I'm also a ham, and have enjoyed being in musical productions through the years. I was raised in a musical family, and studied in college for a career in opera. That plan took a sidetrack, though, and never came into being. Instead, I've taught many subjects in many venues.

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
A: According to my older sister, I wrote from the time I could hold a pencil, and constantly talked about writing “my novel”. Although I believe her, I have no idea how a child so young as I was even knew about novels. Be that as it may, there's never been a time that I didn't have some kind of story to tell. I was editor of the 4th Grade class newsletter. About that time, I wrote a play dealing with the Acadian people’s migration. I wrote a couple of screenplays for a film club I was involved in during my high school years. And of course, my "Great American Novel" began its life in 1965. I didn't get the commercial I-think-I'll-actually-let-other-people-read-my-work bug until the 1980s, though.

Q: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
A: I began my "Great American Novel" in 1965, when my train to opera stardom took a detour and I had to give up my full-ride music scholarship and come home to help out financially. I created a huge Southern family, wrote what was, essentially, a twenty-chapter narrative outline, and lugged it around with me for the next 35 years or so. Then my interest in writing commercially got very keen when I read a truly badly-written book. "I can do better than that!" I exclaimed, and hauled out "The Book." I eliminated some children, found some juicy conflict, read 150 books for background, and worked on the novel for a while. I took classes in fiction writing, and started sending the novel out to editors as I wrote the sequel. I even had an agent for a year. I was getting some good rejection comments, but no offers. I decided a re-write was in order. Then life happened.

My daughter was killed in an auto accident. My creativity dried up. It didn't come back, oddly enough, until my husband died. He was my biggest supporter, and I'm eternally grateful to him for that.

Then life happened again, and during a health crisis, I determined to leave published works behind, even if I had to publish them myself. I polished up The Man from Shenandoah and Ride to Raton. Because I didn't want to start a publishing company, I chose to use the cheapest services available from iUniverse, and get feedback from writers and readers I knew. When The Man from Shenandoah appeared, I hand-sold a bunch of copies, and lo and behold, other readers liked it! Several months later, I brought out Ride to Raton. Trail of Storms took a while to write, but was published in 2009. I'm working on the fourth novel about members of the Owen family, Spinster's Folly.

Fortunately, I survived the health crisis.

You are an inspiration to me personally. Thank you. Q: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
A: I'm often discouraged. It's part of the writer's makeup. I have to muddle through, with a lot of prayer and communicating with other writers to get my balance back.

Q: What is your writing schedule like?
A: I'm supposed to have a schedule?
I fall into the category of “Writers who wish they had a more structured writing schedule.”

I hate that category (it includes me). Terribly hard to realize one is in a writing slump. Q: What do you hope readers will get from your books?
A: Actually, hope itself. I had an epiphany several years ago when I realized that I write to let people know there is always hope, and to show them through the experiences of fictional characters that they can get through hard times, even really, really terrible times, and find happiness at the end of it all.

One of the hallmarks of my fiction is fast-paced adventure, peopled with believable characters. Readers tell me when they're forced to put a book down they worry about my characters until they can read about them again. If I can take people out of their own worrisome lives enough to be concerned about fictional folks and see them through to a satisfying ending, then I've done the job of relieving some of their day-to-day stress. Isn't that what books are for?

Q: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?
A: That terrible sound you hear is me groaning in agony. Yes, I encounter snags. My favorite way of dealing is to avoid and procrastinate, but that doesn't get the book written. The best way is for me to set very low expectations for myself so I don't self-sabotage. A lot of highly creative people have oppositional defiance, and I find that tendency is well-developed in me. To counteract it, my goal is often to write 25 words a day. I could do that on a sheet of toilet paper, right? Surprisingly, the tactic works.

Twenty-five words…one word or two? Yeah, I can do that…Q: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?
A: Right now, I'm listening to the music of my dryer drum turning. I don't need absolute quiet, but since I'm very easily distracted, music with lyrics is a no-no. I use instrumental music to get me in the proper mood for certain scenes that could be hard to write. Exceptions to the no-lyrics rule? Neil Diamond and "Sweet Caroline." That will put me in the mood.

(Me in the other room rummaging through old records)…Neil Diamond…Yes…Oh pooh! It doesn't have "Sweet Caroline" hey, but I can sing it! (Is this another one of my self- sabotage thing-ys?) Q: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?
A: Mindless activities are great for letting the mind wander while I accomplish a task. Taking a walk, taking a shower (water seems to inspire, or relax or something), getting enough sleep so the characters come to talk to me.

I'm all for the walk and even the water (okay, I go for a drink of water) but sleep? That sounds like one of my self-sabotage tools. Q: What’s your secret to making the characters in your books come to life?
A: I get to know them very well. I have a sheet of questions I fill in about them, and I also interview them. Then I don't overwrite them with too much description. I let their actions define them, instead. That way, the reader invests the characters with their own unique qualities and peculiarities, and they come alive in the reader's mind.

Okay, so I'm going to have to wheedle a copy of those questions…a worksheet perhaps…Q: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to publish their manuscripts?
A: Two words: Indie publishing. There's nothing stopping a writer from making the connection directly to the reader anymore. Get started by reading the blogs/websites of JA Konrath and Dean Wesley Smith. Google will find them for you.

Q: What are you working on now?
A: I'm doing research for the fifth novel in the Owen Family Saga, entitled Gone for a Soldier. This is Rulon Owen’s story of his experiences as an infantryman during the Civil War. We’re going to see what made Rulon the caring big brother you see depicted in Spinster's Folly. I’m very excited about the project. The American Civil War has had a deep pull on me since I was in high school. Let’s see how many errors I can avoid. Civil War enthusiasts are very picky.

I listened to a couple of enthusiasts at the library critique their costumes. Whew! were they picky! Q: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
A: All the online booksellers, such as amazon.com and bn.com, have the trade paperback books. The easiest way to find all my online eBooks is to go to my author pages at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marshaward and at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-Ward/e/B003RB9P9Q/
The eBooks are also on Kobo Books, and Diesel Books, in Canada.

Q: Any final words you would like to share?
A: I'll address this to writers: Believe in yourself, but learn all you can about writing, too. No first drafts are set in stone. Don't hang around negative people. Write at least 25 words a day. Listen to people to learn the flow of language. Find a good, encouraging group of writers who will show you the ropes. Read, read, read! When you start writing in earnest, find a good critique group. Reach down and help another writer along the way. Is that enough?

Blog: http://marshaward/blogspot.com

Website: http://marshaward.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marshaward

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormarshaward

Books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-Ward/e/B003RB9P9Q

Ebooks on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marshaward

Debra Parmley

Debra, thanks for taking time to visit today. Despite being blunt, what novel are we talking about today?

Aboard the Wishing Star, my first contemporary romance which comes out Oct. 11th

So I'm sure you're counting down. Every release is exciting. Remind me why should we read Aboard the Wishing Star.

Aboard the Wishing Star is set on a cruise ship sailing the Caribbean with an ex-marine hero, a young widow who has a fear of water but learns to snorkel anyway, her creepy boss and an element of danger. If this intrigues you, this might be a good story for you.

Intrigues me? Of course, this is my kind of romance. What makes this novel different from others?

Without giving away plot twists/surprises I haven't read any romances which had a heroine with a water phobia and though there are stories set on cruise ships what happens when the heroine disembarks on one of the islands and finds her boss waiting is probably unique.

Ah hah! I see the typical "What would happen if?" that authors make a living asking, at work here. How long did it take you to write it?

This was actually the second novel I wrote, though it has been almost completely rewritten three times. (Me chuckling 'cause I just did this with one of my own.) From third person to first person then back again into third. It was a real learning experience, one I would not repeat. Trying to please a former agent and editor tied this book up for a few years. How long to write it? Six years, though I would set it aside and work on others while waiting to hear back about this one. Two of my books were published during that time frame and several others started.

A real lesson in not sitting on ones laurels. Did you do any specific research? What did you learn that surprised you?

This one required no research because it comes very much from what I know. I was a travel consultant and prior to that I traveled a lot. The Caribbean cruise route they are on is one I have traveled on more than one occasion and I've sailed on many different cruise lines and ships.

Wow, that makes for a promising read with all the pictures you can paint with your words. I'm getting excited about the cruise from here. What is it that you would like readers to take with them from this story?

To face fears and phobias so they don't get in the way of a joy filled life.

So true, so true. You say you've been on lots of cruises. Tell us one thing from your personal life that made its way into this story.

The heroine has a phobia of water and so do I. Like her, I learned to snorkel anyway.

I'll bet you added in a good measure of your fear with this. What are you most passionate about, other than writing?

Dance. I love to dance and to watch all forms of dance.

Blondes think alike. Gentlemen, are you listening. We love to dance. Do you have a pet?

Now that our youngest son and his dog have moved out our house is empty of pets. I'm trying to decide which breed of dog I would like next and have been pet sitting and visiting friends dogs while I contemplate this. (My hand shoots in the air.) A Shih Tzu, you have to get a Shih Tzu. They don't shed even if you have to keep their hair cut or comb it out regularly.

Are you a baker, a chief, a microwave mom, a quick and easy or a take-out/delivery queen? Your favorite?

Ever since I was in high school I have baked and I have a big sweet tooth. I've never been a microwave mom or a takeout/delivery queen. As the only female in our family of four, that would have been beyond our budget. Now that they're grown and on their own I much prefer healthy salads, veggies and fruit from the farmers market.

Thus the trim figure to go with the dancing. Where do you get your inspiration to write?

Everywhere. Every life experience I have really.

How did you choose the title?

The Wishing Star is the name of the ship they are sailing on, so this one really fell into place.

Is there any symbolism with the cover art for this book? Tell us about it.

There are three falling stars to wish on, on the cover. I'll leave it to my readers to find them. ;-) (Owwe…pause here to enlarge photo and search for stars.)

Of all you heros/heroines, who is your favorite and why?

Right now, Bethany, the hero of the book I am working on now. She's the youngest heroine I've written so far and she's learning to be more independent and more assertive. "Trapping the Butterfly" is set in the 1920's and will be an April 2013 release.

Love the title. So, any funny "researching your book stories" that you would like to share?

Nothing funny so far. Hot, loud, heavy and with plenty of smoke though. That was the experience of shooting black powder guns for research for my second book, "Dangerous Ties", which is set in the wild west.

Are you a panster or a planner?

A pantser by nature, though I have to plot some to submit a proposal.

Are any of your characters based on real people? If they are, do you tell them?

Threads from here and there are woven. If I borrow one aspect of a real person, I make sure everything else is different. Though I am pulling a real gangster into my roaring twenties novel, I'll keep him as a minor character and make sure he doesn't grab center stage. My secondary characters sometimes come out strong and have to be toned down.

Strong is better than paper thin in my way of thinking. If you could legally lay claim to writing any book from the classics to the most recently released book, what would it be and why?

Peter Pan or Alice in Wonderland or some equally imaginative story which would bring new worlds alive for children and adults. Books like that have always given me great pleasure, however I've yet to pull off a children's story. Most of my stories turn themselves into romance whether I intend it or not and I very much enjoy writing romance. (Me smiling my agreement here.) There's something very beautiful though about children's faces who are listening to a story and caught up in that world. What a gift such storytellers give to the world.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?

I'd rather be a real character and travel the world in a beautiful ship with an excellent captain and a chef to cook all the meals while I write my stories.

Nice, can we come along? I promise to stay on my side of the ship and write, except when we agree on a critique session of course. What have you loved the most about this story? What have you hated about it?

I love the way Nate treats Kara, teaching her to snorkel, letting her know she is safe and he's there for her. He's protective and will take care of her but he also wants her to learn to be strong and unafraid.

Back when I had rewritten the story into first person (on advice I should not have followed) I didn't like the story very much. But maybe it didn't like me either. It didn't want to be in first person and that is what I should have listened to. Lesson learned.

If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?

Well, that ship with the crew would be nice. That or a beach house to write in. Other than that, I'm doing what I love and so grateful I am able to write full time now.

What is the one question you never get asked at interviews, but wish you did? (And of course we would like your answer.)

Hmm I've never really thought of that before. Who's my favorite secondary character? Old Moss, in my first book. He's one of those cranky old men, who isn't so cranky beneath that outer crust.

Where can we purchase your book?

My book is available online wherever ebooks are sold and on my publishers website.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-360/Aboard-the-Wishing-Star/Detail.bok

Thank you for having me here today. It's been fun!

You are welcome! Come again in the spring with your next release too, won't you?

Talking with Donna Hatch

Donna, I have to give you credit for turning me on to historical romance and I believe you call it Regency Romance. If it wears your name, I pick it up! So tell me, what is your typical day like?
It’s not really very glamorous. I get up at an obscene hour of the morning and start getting my children out the door. They all leave at different times so it’s a steady stream. Then I walk, exercise, shower and write or edit. Then after lunch, I go to my day job. After work, it’s all about family, homework, dinner. Occasionally I get another hour or two to write, but not usually. After the kids are in bed, I sometimes practice the harp (but not nearly as much as I should), spend a little time with my husband, and go to sleep. Like I said, not glamorous.

Maybe not glamorous but busy, wow. What inspired you to write romance?
I love it when the story focuses on the development of the relationship, and a happily ever after is a must.

I'm with you and the happily ever after, well most of the time, but I've gotten quite the taste for writing (not reading) the cliffhanger. (Evil laugh - guess it keeps me coming back to figure out what more I can do to the hero.) You mentioned the harp, do you write with music playing?
Yes, sometimes, but usually only to drown out other background noise. I has to be instrumental with no drum beat or it pulls me out.

I love Yanni for that very reason! What motivated you to write your current book?  
A critique partner and friend, Sarah M. Eden, who is also the author of some of my absolute favorite books, emailed me and said she and four other authors were putting together an anthology of short, romance historical stories centered around a winter or Christmas them. She invited me to join them. I accepted, then started brainstorming what I could write.
A Winter’s Knight is about a young woman whose fascination with a murdering earl and his dark castle lands her right in the heart of danger amid a terrible curse, and the man who steals her heart.
Though it takes place during Christmas, it has a very gothic feel. All six of the stories in the anthology are sweet, historical short stories by published authors.

Yum! sounds like my kind of intrigue! I love the danger that cost someone something. What will be your next project?
I’m working on book 3 of my Rogue Hearts series, a series of Regency romances. The working title of the new story is A Perfect Secret.

I guess I'll have to invite you back for that one. Where can we buy a copy of this anthology?
For now, it’s only in digital form and you can buy it at any online store like Amazon. We have plans to make it a paperback in the future—provided the sales are high enough.

Chatting with Dave Bond

Q:  Regular followers will notice that the scrolling books have disappeared. There is a reason for that... to accommodate my guest, Dave Bond. Dave, would you like to share with readers why you have requested this accommodation?


A: The complete answer is more technical than anyone, including me, wants to delve into, as a blind person, I use software on my "normal" computer known as "screen reading" software. It is very smart (and expensive), and simply reads what is on the screen. I have a tremendous amount of control over what it reads me, and how, including the speed and pitch of the voices, as well as the ability to change voices if I choose.

I use the standard voice pre-loaded with the software. The software is called JAWS (Job Access With Speech). You might derive from this name (first sold back in the early 90s I believe) how the focus of making computers accessible to blind persons has a connection to jobs. How well things have worked out is a topic for another discussion, but suffice it to say, because of JAWS, I can type using a regular computer and a regular word processing program (Word), and do most of what any other author is able to do concerning writing and editing a manuscript.

In recent years, with the Internet (and most other computer programs) becoming more and more graphical, screen readers struggle to interpret the screen properly, if at all. An image file of a building, for instance, has no data within itself to pass on to JAWS. "Hi, I'm a 50-story building. I am made out of mostly glass and gray stone. I'm facing east, with the rising sun giving all my glass a sparkling look. There are some high clouds, so the sky you see above me is a powdery blue."

Really? Anyway, graphics make things very tricky sometimes. The banners many blogs (and many web sites) display are not necessarily graphical (although they might be), but because they are moving (constantly changing), screen reading software is confused, as it tries to read the changing text, instead of other text I may be interested in reading. If the banner or scrolling displays are turned off, or don't exist, then my screen reader has a much easier time navigating and reading the page.

I hope this helps some understand the basics of using a screen reader!

Q: ...our disabilities are not limitations, but windows to new avenues in our lives. In my case, and I'm assuming in yours, our writing.

A: I am fairly confident I wouldn't be an author had I not lost my sight 24 years ago. I was 33 then, and working as a project manager for a construction company. I had a degree in technical illustration, and was a very "visual" person. It took some time after losing my sight, but when a window to write in fact opened, I did enter in and am glad I did!

Q: I also find it inspiring that you continue to enjoy the outdoors and would like to ask you about that.

A: Actually, my love of, and participation in the outdoors has lessened since losing my sight. I have years of memories of hunting and fishing, of hiking, of camping, and canoeing. I also did some skiing, I loved to play ice hockey on the ponds and lakes in the winter, and I loved playing church softball. I have tons of memories, and it's these memories more than any present day participation I interject into my stories.

Q: You know, I considered writing only after so many other avenues in my life where shut down, closed or pulled out from under me. I know I mourned over those things I lost. Did you go through a type of mourning, too?

A: I can't say I experienced a clearly defined period of mourning. Interestingly, now that I've been blind for about 24 years, I find I have "down" moments when I experience a kind of mourning. If you can call frustration and a little anger, mourning. I also tried a number of career avenues after the job I landed in after graduating college (as a blind person) was eliminated. This was in 2000. I initially sent out some resumes for non-profit organizations looking for a program director (my previous position) but soon gave up on that. I tried everything from web site design/maintenance, to becoming a certified nutritionist, to going back to college to begin masters working marriage and family counseling. But, writing eventually became something I quickly developed an interest in, and as they say, the rest is history!

Q: So, I hope I'm not spoiling anything from "The Attache", do you think the cable up the mountain is feasible? I mean it sounded totally possible to me, except that maybe if the mountain is public land there might be issues there. Obviously an author must pretend those political challenges don't exist.

A: Zach Brenner (the blinded male protagonist) inherited 300 acres, on which the mountain was located. So, it was not public land. I am fairly mechanically minded, and I "invented" the cable system based on what I considered a feasible concept. From a mechanical point of view. Because in reality, it really wasn't practical. But when Zach first thinks up the system, yes, it was entirely plausible IMO. Not that there wasn't any other way, but the cable system is what he thought up. FYI, in book 3 (Out Of The Desert), Zach's brother, Joel, returns to the Rocky Glen homestead, and, without giving too much away, Joel will end up with some of the 300 acres. You'll have to read the novel to see what he wants to do with it!

Q: Since you brought it up... Book 3. How many books are you planning in this series?


A: I've got 2 3-book contracts with DBP. Two trilogies, to put it another way. The Attaché was book 1 in the series entitled, 'All Things Are Possible,' and A Time To Build is book 1 in the series entitled, 'A Time For Everything' series. I hope to have my web site updated shortly where visitors can read more about these books/series, as well as see the cover art for both book 1's.

http://www.authordavidbond.com/newest.php

Q: Can you give us a blurb for 'A Time to Build'?

The short blurb which may appear on the Desert Breeze page follows:

Thirteen years is a long time. But not long enough for Brian Marshall to forget the face of the woman who stepped inside his office one July morning. Has the one mistake he made in his life finally come back to exact its toll?

Q: Can you share a link to your website?

http://www.authordavidbond.com/

Emma Lane's Tickle tease with a Twist

Personal Q & A

 Where were you born? I’m a transplanted southerner who gets homesick for grits for breakfast. I’ve lived in Western NY now for many years and do not think I could survive the hot summers down south any more. Okay I spend a few weeks south in the winter. Who’s counting?

 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 had a grandmother who liked to stir up trouble between my parents. One night when we all came home together, she walked out into the yard and fell into…I’m sorry. I’ll use this one in a series of short stories I’m contemplating. But I can assure you that it was very funny and she didn’t get hurt. But she was very, very annoyed. I and my siblings called it God’s justice.

Ohhh you tease...What hidden talent do you possess outside of writing? I already mentioned that I do plants. I also paint flowers in acrylics and I do floral arrangements for special occasions. Not very exciting, but I enjoy it.

Favorite color: Green. You aren’t surprised, are you?

 What am I passionate about, other than writing? My family, especially my wonderful grandchildren. My husband, my church and my community.

 Name some of your most favorite things. You mean other than chocolate? Well, Musa editors/publishers are a great bunch of folks. The authors I’ve met and gotten to know. Great supporters. Regency Romances, a whole bunch of other authors who keep my mind happy, summer, plants, birds, nature in general, My friends.

 What’s your favorite Bible verse? I think like most authors my mind races and is always clogged with characters that are jabbering in my head trying to tell me how to write the next story. Sometimes it gets very crowded in there and I fear burn-out. Then I remind myself of a favorite message.

“Be still and know that I am God.” It calms me right down and quiets all the clamor. Listening to God is as important as praying to Him.

                                                     * * * *

QUESTIONS ABOUT WRITING

 What or who inspires you to write? Dunno. If pressed I will venture to say that creating is a God-given talent no matter in which medium you operate. The urge to write is always with me and always has been. But I love to create a garden and I love to paint pretty scenes.

 Why did you begin writing? I finally had the time to express myself without interruption. In retrospect, I think I should have found the time sooner.

 What was your favorite book growing up? Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen maybe, but there are so very many. I grew up in a houseful of books with parents and siblings who read. It is only a rumor that I propped books in front of my children when they were still in their highchairs.

 What do you find most rewarding about writing? You get rid of some of those noisy characters that clamor to be heard. I feel small that it pleases me that I surprised my husband. Okay, I don’t feel very small, but I think I should.

 Have you experienced writer’s block? Sure, but I think it has to do with fatigue. I pick up the dictionary and start reading words. Shortly sentences come to me and I’m back at work.

 When is your next book due out and what’s it about? It’s a Regency novella called BELOVED SOLDIER RETURNS. My mind was on all the families who are expecting their loved ones home very soon. There are gypsies who play a role in the story as well as a revisit of the Vicar’s Daughters 3, an ‘afterwards’ peek into their lives as young married women with families. It’s due out in late summer of this year (’12)

ABOUT YOUR LATEST BOOK:

 How did you come up with your premise for ‘The Vicar’s Daughters 3? Well, I have two sisters so I guess I thought in that vein. They would leave home one at a time to find their way in the world as adults. From there I thought of how much they were alike and how they were different. Dreaming up their hunky husbands was just sheer fun and imagination.

DARK DOMINO, a short story, jumped into my imagination complete with beginning, middle and ending. All I had to do was fill in the spaces. I loved the two characters, Sarah Louise and Ethan.

 Are there any fun tid-bits about this story you can share with us? Sure. These 3 Regency stories were my very first and Celina and Kathy Teel from MUSA pulled them together and worked valiantly to instill the concept of POV in me. Then there was the matter of a whole chapter written on the night before publication. I hope I have learned a little something more by now. I saw that Kathy T was listed as a co-author of A PASSIONATE LOVE on Smash words.

Learn more about Emma Lane at http://janislane.blogspot.com/

Fickle Friday

Maria isn't fickle when it comes to real life!

I do not have a bucket list, but I do have some quirky interests if you need extra stuff. I play the bass, and played in a few different rock bands “back home.” I like to drive off-road and have done parts of the Sweden Off-Road Tour. It is a yearly event featuring around 400 cars from all over Europe, and goes all through Sweden. It’s around 900 miles (I think) with stops for off-roading.


Hmm, what else… I volunteer at a dog rescue. Oh, I have a good one. I met my husband while roleplaying on Myspace. It was kind of… writing stories together online, in character, and we started talking out of character and really hit it off. After a few months, we decided I would fly over to the US and meet him, and everyone back home thought I would be murdered and dumped in a ditch somewhere, hahaha! I said, “C’mon, I’ve always wanted to go to Florida. I have a cell phone, credit card, and my passport. If it doesn’t work out I’ll rent a car and have a week’s nice vacation.” The custom’s guy on the airport shared my friends’ sentiment. He said, “Oh wow, I shouldn’t let you enter the country. You’ll be dead in a week.” It worked out, and I went over a few more times to see him, and I plunged in and moved late 2008. 

Trailer and Talking with Maria Sadowski

***********************************************************************
Today we are talking with Maria Sadowski, author of Kidnapped, a romantic science fiction due to be released May 11th thru Desert Breeze Publishing. So where's home for you?

I’m originally from Sweden and moved to Florida in late 2008. Today I live in the Tampa Bay area with my husband Mike and our three rescue dogs. I like it here, I like the weather and all the sunshine, but I do long for Sweden from time to time. I have always been writing and wanting to make books; when I was a little girl I made my mom staple bundles of colored papers together to resemble books. I was too little to be able to read or write, so I drew suns in them, and declared them to be the “Sun book.” They were all about the sun, and I bet she still has a box of them sitting in the basement. I guess it was the start of my fascination with space. (I also declared I wasn’t supposed to be on this planet. I told her it was all a giant mistake, and that my real family would come to bring me home to my own planet at any moment. Poor mom!)

I don't doubt that your mom is wonderful. So what do you do when you aren't creating "Sun books" or science fiction?

When I’m not writing I enjoy playing bass. I used to play in a couple of rock bands back home, but I haven’t made an effort to find a band since I moved to the US – I don’t have the time to rehearse on a regular basis. I still play, but nowadays it’s mostly for the dogs.

It seems a lot of authors have other creative talents. I've always dreamed (okay when I was young) of being in a band. Tell us more about growing up overseas.

I learned British English in school as a little girl, and one of my biggest challenges when it comes to writing for an American audience is the spelling. I write colour, labour, harbour, realise, defence, and a number of words like those with British spelling.

Thank goodness for the red underlining in Microsoft Word! I get a lot of red in my writing but I think is from my ffatt ffingers! Tell me, what do you love about your latest book?

“Kidnapped” is romantic science fiction. I enjoy the setting of space, and I love the characters. Travis is a very reluctant hero, and even when he decides to try to do the right thing it takes him a while to get the hang of it. I’m also very fond of the bad guy – or gal – Veronica; she’s the epitome of determination and will stop at nothing to get things her way.

I love the name Travis for a hero. Actually I think that is because I left my Travis in quite a bind in one of my upcoming novels. Funny, he doesn't think he's much of a hero either … Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?

My all-time favorite character is Stephan Forks in the Goddess’s Saga. He’s not modeled after a real person, but he’s a big personality. He has his flaws, some of them rather big, but he always comes through for the heroine and makes things right. I know exactly what all the characters in those books look like in my head, and to me, writing about them is revisiting old friends.

(Me smiling reminiscently) friends that we sometimes miss. How does it feel when you write?

I am so happy when I write, it becomes an obsession. I enter my own little world populated by my characters, and I don’t want to do anything else. Everything in normal life becomes unwelcome distractions keeping me away from my imaginary friends… I am very fortunate to have an understanding husband; he knows I’ll snap out of it eventually.

Ahh. That is why they are friends, they make you happy, just as mine do me. Do you get ideas for your stories from places you visit, or do you visit places to flesh out your stories?

I get ideas for my stories from everything I see around me. I have an old SUV, and recently when I drove to the supermarket I heard a weird rumbling noise. Looking around I couldn’t see anything outside the car, and the only explanation I could think of was my muffler springing a sudden leak, or why not the entire engine deciding to fall out of the car. It turned out to be a big motorbike sneaking around in my blind spot – I couldn’t even see the guy from my window until I got a red light and he came up next to me. We were going in the same direction and it stirred my imagination, so when I came home I started typing away on a new story where this happens, but the guy on the bike follows the girl in the car… Mwuahahaha!

You are so deliciously wicked … What heat rating would you give your novel?

I would rate “Kidnapped” as Warm –it's cute, but doesn’t contain any explicit love scenes.

Is that how you would classify your life?

Yes, my life is warm too. I am very fortunate to have a romantic husband who impromptu brings me flowers and presents when I least expect it.

Yum! Does he give lessons? Oh we better ask him instead of you. Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com/
Blog: http://www.hammarblad.blogspot.com/
Maria's blog link is: http://www.scifiromance.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Purchase link... It will be available here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-292/Kidnapped-Maria-Hammarblad/Detail.bok
 but not until May 11.

Let's get Personal with Kelly Nelson

Where were you born? St. Paul, Minnesota

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would stay right where I am. I may not have the fanciest house or the biggest barn, but I have a covered arena, a roof over my head, and the location is beautiful. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What are you most passionate about, other than writing? I love my two horses—Texas and Fancy. From the time I was three I wished for a horse on every birthday candle blowing, every first star I saw and every wishbone I broke. When I was 16 my dad finally gave in and bought me Misty, a thoroughbred mare and ultimately the mother of Texas. She had come off the race track and loved to run. More than once she took the bit in her mouth and ran full-speed down the canal frontage road while I hung on for dear life. She was a lot of horse and I learned through trial and error how to be a horseperson. I’ve now owned her foal, Texas, longer than I’ve known my husband and can hardly bear the thought of someday losing her.

My sister had a horse named Fancy but my horse's name was Silky Susie. See we have a bit in common! Name some of your most favorite things. I love looking at the moon, walking on the beach, exploring a new trail on horseback, going on a date with my husband and chocolate.

Let's find out a bit about Kelly's writing.

What or who inspires you to write? I believe in divine assistance and the power of prayer. Although the motivation to write came from within me, the inspiration regarding what to write came in direct answer to prayer. I knew before I started my first novel that I didn’t have the natural ability to do it on my own and knelt in prayer to ask for help.

Very nicely said. Why did you begin writing? I simply wanted to see if I could—you know, actually put together 80,000 words and have them make sense and be interesting to read. I had wanted to write a book since I was 15 years old. Over the years I had started and abandoned two different novels. With my 39th birthday looming on the horizon, I figured I’d better get going on writing that novel if I wanted any hope of making it a reality.

Are you looking at my notes for an interview in August? No cheating! What do you find most rewarding about writing? The most rewarding thing is the feeling of excitement and exhilaration I get from knowing I created something. The year I spent writing The Keeper’s Saga was the happiest year of my life—I was healthier and had more energy than at any other time. I love completing a novel and then reading it through from start to finish for the first time.

I like your reason. You truly seem to write for the love of writing. When is your next book due out, and what’s it about? The sequel to The Keeper’s Calling is scheduled to be released in September 2012 and follows Chase Harper’s life and adventures as a Keeper through the second semester of his senior year.

How did you come up with your premise for the Keeper's Calling? I always knew I wanted to incorporate time travel in my story. I started out working on a middle-grade novel idea, but I quickly realized that with the amount of time I would be spending thinking about it, I wanted to be daydreaming about someone a little more attractive than a 13 yr old kid. The answer to my dilemma came in the form of Chase Harper—my studly high school senior. Additionally, in my experience the most enjoyable thing in life is falling in love, so of course I had to give Chase a love interest—Ellie Williams the girl he rescues in 1863.

Tell us more.
The first chapter to The Keeper’s Calling is posted on my publisher’s blog:

http://www.walnutspringspress.blogspot.com/2012/03/keepers-calling-first-chapter.html

Queen in Exile Review and something special!

Donna Hatch's Queen in Exile is a fantasy romance reminiscent of regency romances complete with royalty, knights and battles. When the entire kingdom threatens to be subjugated by evil, Jeniah, the princess and heir apparent, is spirited away by the handsome Kai Darkwood on his ducorn -- think unicorn beauty with the double horn and fighting ability of a rhinoceros. With enemies chasing them and Captain Darkwood's near fatal wounds, they must survive the cruel winterscape and nature's predators to reach safety.


In the process, Jeniah finds something worth dying for. But will her commitment to her country keep her from the man she loves? Will his commitment to the oaths he has taken to his own king and himself keep them apart?

I love the tension that Donna so delicately develops. She is a master.

I give this novel an energetic four stars.


Today I stumbled across an intimate conversation between Donna Hatch and Kai (A fictioanl character whom I have loved for sooo long.) Let's see it from her point of view.

Walking toward the arena where the knights have just finished training, I wave to a tall, dark-haired knight who is handing his gear to a squire, and I call, "Captain Darkwood, may I have a moment?"


Kai turns toward me with his famous, heart-stopping grin, and lets his gaze rove up and down me as he approaches. "Of course, fair one. What would you ask of me?" he asks in his lovely, Darborian accent, faintly reminiscent of Irish. His brilliant blue eyes narrow as he comes to a stop within arms' length. "You are familiar to me. Have we met?"

I'd almost forgotten how handsome he is and I stammer, "W-Well, yes, I'm your author."

"But of course. You look more beautiful than ever. That gown is much more flattering than those strange leggings you usually wear."

"Yes, well, no one is supposed to look good in sweats."

He cocks his head to the side. "Tell me, why do you lock yourself away hour after hour?"

"Um, well, to write about you. And this interview is about you, not me."

"But you are so much more interesting than I."

"Now Kai, I know you are a very private person, but I promise I'll keep my questions general; nothing terribly personal."

His blue eyes twinkle as he folds his muscular arms over his broad chest. "You already know everything about me."

"Yes, but my readers don't."

"Very well. I will agree to this interview. If I dislike any question you ask, I will simply kiss you to make you forget." A cocky grin tugs at his lips.

I blush deeply, unwilling to confess exactly how much I'd like to be kissed by the gorgeous Kai Darkwood, and manage an outraged, "Kai! I'm married!"

"A pity."

"Don't try to turn your legendary charm on me, Kai Darkwood, I wrote you."

"Or did I simply tell you what to write?"

Refusing to admit how much I've dreamed about him and how often it did seem as if he told me what to write, I take a breath to steady my knees. "Back to the interview. Would you please explain exactly what is a Sauraii warrior?"

"Very well. A Sauraii Warrior is highly trained in weaponry, battle tactics, and hand-to-hand combat. It takes most people several years to complete the course. Some never finish at all."

"But you finished it in record time."

Kai shrugs modestly. "My father did, as well."

"Please tell us why you're here in Arden, instead of in Darbor where you live."

"My king commanded me to come train the knights of Arden out of concern for his friend and ally, the King of Arden."

"Why?"

"Arden has enjoyed a century of peace and has developed an abhorrence to violence, even training in self-defense. Their knights train out of tradition, but not out of real desire. Their skills are very limited which makes them vulnerable to enemy attack."

"And they're in danger of enemy attack?"

"Our spies have told us the barbarians of Hanore plan to attack after spring thaw. We have much to do and little time."

"Tell me, what is your impression of Princess Jeniah?"

Kai shifts uncomfortably. "She is lovely, and has graciously forgiven me for our....misunderstanding upon our first meeting."

"She intrigues you?"

He stiffens. "She is royalty. There can be nothing between us. It's just as well." His fingers move unconsciously to a lock of braided hair hanging around his neck, and a fleeting, haunting look appears in his eyes. When he catches me looking, he masks the brief display of emotion.

Very softly, I ask, "Will you ever let down those walls around your heart?"

There is a brief look of alarm, then a devilish light enters his eye as his irrepressible grin slips back into place. "I think it is time I kissed you."

Reminding myself I'm married, even while I wonder if kissing a fictional character counts, I turn and run, almost tripping over the skirts of my medieval-style gown. Kai's laughter chases my retreat.

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.

Let's see what Jean Kinsey is up to.

I just recently met Jean. Wonderful woman. Jean this is a beautiful book cover, I love the lighthouse and the lightning in the background.

So, when did you discover you are a writer? I mean did that one novel, article, etc. serve as your catalyst?
JEAN: I wrote a story and submitted it to Chicken Soup for the Soul. To my amazement, they published it. Thirteen Chicken Soup stories later, I decided to try a novel. Thus, THE LIGHT KEEPER'S DAUGHTER was born.

How did it feel to write this story?
JEAN: I feel like God is smiling on me.

So is this your favorite genre, and why?
JEAN: I don't really have a favorite as long as it is clean.

I agree, I totally enjoy a clean read. History is intimidating to me. What made you decide to write these amazing historical fiction pieces?
JEAN: Lighthouses have intrigued me since I saw my first one in Alaska. My grandmother used to tell me stories of her life in the early 1900s. I put the two together and came up with THE LIGHT KEEPER'S DAUGHTER.

I love the “behind the scenes” that you've captured. What can we expect from you in the near future?
JEAN: I move forward to the 1970s and show life on Willow Shade Farm in Logan County, Kentucky.

Both sound intriguing. I loved Kentucky when I visited. But for those fascinated with your lighthouse novel, will there be a sequel?
JEAN: I'm not sure, but I'm contemplating it, when I finish my Willow Shade Trilogy. I'm contracted for a Willow Shade Farm trilogy. I think SECRETS OF WILLOW SHADE will be my favorite because I write about the place where I grew up and I couldn't keep the home-town characters from poking their heads into my book.

Don't they always. (Me smiling.) Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?
JEAN: Oh yes, my dad lives in and rules Willow Shade. I originally planned to let him die, but couldn't bring myself to kill off my dad.

Anything else you want to share . . .
JEAN:  I have a short story contracted with "Harpstring," --"What the Blind Man Saw," a story about sex slavery.

Sounds spicey. Whatever you do, I’m sure it’ll be awesome. Keep us posted and thank you for taking the time to answer these impromptu questions.
JEAN: Thank you for letting me visit your blog.

So where can we find out more about you?
http://www.http//kystorywriter.blogspot.com

Coming soon through Desert Breeze Publishing: SECRETS OF WILLOW SHADE, FORECLOSURE AT WILLOW SHADE and MURDER AT WILLOW SHADE a suspense series.

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-276/The-Light-Keeper's-Daughter/Detail.bok

http://www.amazon.com/The-Light-Keepers-Daughter-ebook/dp/B007K1ODKK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331917415&sr=8-3

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-light-keepers-daughter?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=the+light+keepers+daughter

Celia Talks

Celia Yeary is a eighth-generation Texan, and her life revolves around family, friends, and writing. San Marcos has been her home for thirty-eight years. She has nine published romance/women's fiction novels, three short stories, two novellas, three anthologies, and published essays with the Texas Co-Op Power Magazine. The author is a former science teacher, graduate of Texas Tech University and Texas State University, mother of two, grandmother of three boys, and wife of a wonderful, supportive Texan. Celia and her husband enjoy traveling, and both are involved in their church, the community, and the university.

She meets with The Write Girls on Tuesdays at a local coffee house.

I didn't even have to pinch her! She came with her own box of chocolates.
Thanks for bewing willing to answer a few questions.
What hidden talent do you possess outside of writing... something you do for fun, but are good at?



Hmmm, interesting question. I really don't play golf anymore--too hard on the back and knees, and neither of mine are good. But I learned at age 40, thinking it would be a good way to get fresh air and exercise. A friend taught me, and she always says, "I taught you too well. You always beat me." True. Oh, we had so much fun playing golf! And I was fair for someone who began late. I still miss playing, too.

You and my hubby. I bet you're competitive, too!
Name some of your most favorite things.
A baby's smile or giggle.
The bright green of early spring.
Tiny kittens.
Any kind of Mexican food.
That first cup of coffee in the mornings.
Dark chocolate with nuts.
A new car smell.


I hope readers can see our smiles.
What’s your favorite Bible verse or verse that has sustained you recently and why?
"Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child."
Why do I like this verse? It tells me two things. God doesn't control turmoil around us, but He will calm the turmoil within His child. We or someone we love can be heartsick, ill, mournful, lonely, hurt, dying, destitute, or helpless, but those things can be calmed within us so that our hope and faith are restored.

Celia, we don't share the same religion and yet I'm really touched by this. Thank you.
What or who inspires you to write?
I read my first romance novel around 2011, and it was a Western Historical by Janet Dailey. I loved those Calder series. Then I discovered LaVyrle Spencer, who wrote historical romance and contemporary. That's when I learned an author could make you laugh or cry. Her novels--now old and rereleased--could make me cry at the end. Titles--The Hellion, Hummingbird, Separate Beds, etc. She wrote 23 and I have every one saved in paperback form, and they are the only novels I have read and re-read. She is definitely my idol.

What do you find most rewarding about writing?
Oh, this is easy. I love it when someone says, "Oh, I loved your book! When is your next one out, and what is it about?"

We authors are such needy people, don't you think? We say to ourselves, "I write for myself. As long as I'm pleased, then that's all I want." Balderdash!! We thrive on praise, good reviews, and questions such as the one above. Any little kind word about a story or plot will carry us along for days.

I agree with you, you have a friend for life if you like my writing!
Have you experienced writer’s block? And if so, how did you cure it?
It's been said by someone famous, that there is no such thing as writer's block--only lazy writers. But I'm not sure I believe that. I have suffered through a couple of periods in which my mind was simply blank concerning a new idea or scene. What did I do? Rode it out and did something else. I find that my blog is a good way to express myself, so if a plot I'm writing grinds to a halt, I don't force it. I find something else to write, usually a blog topic.

Tell Us About Your Series:
How did you come up with your premise and decide on the setting THE CAMERON SISTERS SERIES:?
That's was easy--Texas. All nine novels, and all of my short stories, novellas, and anecdotal childhood stories are set someplace in the state. It's what I know best--I am an eighth generation Texan, having had an ancestor here before the War with Mexico, and during the time when Texas was a Republic. Usually, I see no reason to set a story someplace else, although I have because that's where the story took me!

In my contemporary with Desert Breeze, The Stars at Night, I do have a few scenes in New York City. But I've been there a few times, stayed in a hotel near Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Times Square, so I felt comfortable enough to include that.

In the first book of The Cameron Sisters: Texas Promise-Book I, I moved my hero and heroine across the state into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico. I lived one year there, so I knew that area pretty well. Again, I felt comfortable doing that.

Is there a message in Texas True you want readers to grasp?
A message? I suppose that love always conquers many heartaches and disappointments. True was a young lady raised like a hothouse flower, loved and protected by all the family because she was "the baby." When she married Sam Deleon, she learned how hard and cold he was, and what had made him so, and she set out to soften his heart and make him love her. What better theme is there in a romance? Although she almost gave up, she didn't because she saw a crack in his persona. That's when she knew she could get in and
make him believe he was worthy of being loved.

Where can we get your books and what is the cost?

BUY LINKS FOR TX PROMISE AND TX TRUE--$5.99 ebook

AMAZON: all my books

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Celia+yeary&x=14&y=16


DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-Historical--dsh--thru-19th-Century/Categories.bok

BARNES AND NOBLE-NOOK

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=EBOOK&WRD=celia+yeary&page=&prod=univ&choice=ebooks&query=Celia+Yeary&flag=False&pos=-1&box=Celia+Yeary&box=celia%20yeary&pos=-1&ugrp=2

Talking with Tina Pinson

Tina, before I forget, thank you for coming and sharing this week. You make blogging fun! Tell us 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?  

Well, I fell in an open manhole. At the time, I was embarrassed to death. I knew the cover was missing and was too busy acting cool to pay attention. Now it makes me laugh.

Why did you begin writing?
Well, I like to tell people that it was because I used to get in trouble lying and writing gave me an outlet for my imagination without getting me spanked.

Strict parents.What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing? 
From the Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler. I found the simple story of children running away to live in the museum fascinating.

We're highlighting two of your books this week and you mentioned that In the Manor of the Ghost has earned a sweet heat rating. But Touched by Mercy a warm. Tell us why.
Touched By Mercy is warm, but mainly because of some content that deals with child abuse. It is a Christian Historical Fiction novel.
In The Manor of the Ghost is sweet. It has been called a Christian Historical Gothic novel.
Can I share what I'm up to?

Of course, please do.
Coming Soon--Three books in my Shadows Series,
When Shadows Fall--June 2012,
Shadowed Dreams -- December 2012
To Catch a Shadow -- early 2013.

You're a busy lady, so tell us a bit more.
I reside in Mesa, Arizona with my husband of thirty plus years, Danny.

I started my first novel in elementary school. My love of writing has caused me to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories.

In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy were published through Desert Breeze Publishers.

When Shadows Fall, Shadowed Dreams, and To Catch a Shadow the first three installments of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon trail, will be available through Desert Breeze over the next year.

I'm currently working on: Tamed/Changed by Mercy, sequel to Touched By Mercy that carries on the story of Allan and Samantha. The Cross of the Sultan, which takes place in modern Turkey, and deals with uncovering buried treasure. Counting Tessa, a contemporary/ futuristic fiction/time travel, is a story about gene mutation and cloning. From Hell to Eternity, is about the Civil War Prison in Andersonville, Georgia and deals with some witchcraft and mysticism. Finding Middle C is another Civil War yarn that deals with loss and finding the music of life. Portraits in Shades of Gray are three vignettes of life in the darkness moving to light in Christ.

Talking Thursday w/ June Foster, author of Give Us This Day

Give Us This Day is the first in The Bellewood Series scheduled for release through Desert Breeze Publishing.


June, what do you love about your latest book?
I guess what I love the most is the fact that it's my debut novel which means I've got the opportunity now to get my stories "out there." I'm praying my stories will bring hope to readers who deal with similar issues as my characters.

Can you tell us something about this book that your readers would love to hear?
Jess Colton, the hero in Give Us This Day, is a computer geek who lives and works in Bellewood, a fictional name for the Microsoft mecca of Western Washington, Bellevue.

Tell us about your dream of becoming a writer.
That's the crazy part about me. I never dreamed of becoming a writer nor did I have the desire to do so. After I retired from teaching, I discovered a story lurking in my head. I told my daughter about it, and she casually remarked that I should write it. That was the spark which the Lord used to put the desire in my heart.

When did you decide you wanted to write, for real?
As I said above, the Lord literally opened up my heart and poured the desire to write inside. God was my only catalyst. I felt as if I was compelled to begin writing my stories. I read every "how to" book I could get my hands on and started pounding the keys of my laptop.

How does it feel when you write?
When I write, I feel as if I'm telling God's story. Sometimes I get a feeling about a character, as if he/she is my best friend, and I care about them. Now, don't laugh, but once when my husband and I were worshiping in a church service, I saw in my mind's eye, my character standing right there next to me worshiping as well.

Tell us what your favorite genre is, and why?
Before I started writing, I read end-time fiction such as the Left Behind Series. So crazy because I had never read romance and now that's what I write.

How is it that you decided inspirational romance is what you do best?
I can't explain it. The stories God gives me are contemporary inspirational romances though I've toyed with the idea of writing romantic suspense. But that's for another day.

Is there a secret recipe to writing inspirational romance?
When I first started writing, I read "Writing the Christian Romance" by Gail Gaymer Martin which was like my Bible. I learned so much from that book.

Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?
Ryan Reed from Ryan's Father is my favorite character. He's not modeled after any real person. The stakes are higher for Ryan than any of my other characters. Of all my others, Ryan has to take hold more firmly of his Christian faith to see him through his dilemma and become whole in Christ. His issue is one that the Christian market seems to want to sweep under the carpet for now, but I believe the Lord will eventually find a home for this book.

In case you want to know the theme of the book, here it is. Ryan Reed battles same sex attraction but through his confession that homosexuality is a sin, intense counseling, and the power of God's word, he finds freedom to marry the beautiful young woman who falls in love with him.

Readers, did you hear? Not one but four new titles to watch for…

Give Us This Day -- Available Now.

A Hometown Fourth of July -- July 1, 2012

As We Forgive -- September 1, 2012

Deliver us -- April 1, 2013

You can find June at http://junefoster.blogspot.com/

http://www.infinitecharacters.com/

http://www.desertbreezepublishingcompany.com/  
June's books are available at Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble.

Contest hint: June writes almost everyday.

Interview with Lynette Endicott, author of MORE THAN A JOB

What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write?

I play a mix, on shuffle, so that every song is a surprise. I enjoy some country, Celtic, rock, folk, jazz and blues so I don't know if I will hear James Taylor, Celine Dion or Kenny Rogers next.

I enjoy the same music. I know we also share strong views about the disabled. Please share yours.
I believe that people with disabilities should be treated with dignity and justice. I help to assess the quality of organizations that provide services to people. I also volunteer with my therapy dog at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in the library where kids read to my dog Ollie.

So Ollie is smart with all that reading. Ollie can you read the name of our contest winner?
Woof! Donna K. Weaver, Donna please visit Lynette's blog http://www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/
and leave a comment with your email address so she can get you your copy. Congratulations!

Lynette, I know you have more pets at home, are they all as smart as Ollie?
I have adopted Ollie, two cats and a bird who somehow found their way to our house. But Ollie is the only one that listens while the kids read.

What or who inspires you to write?
Life is so interesting! There is endless variety in what people are like, and how their lives unfold. I think it is remarkable that people connect and fall in love, and I want to tell some of their stories.

Why did you begin writing?
I don't know why. I just know I always have. I got a diary when I was in 3rd grade, and kept a diary or journal through college. My Dad got me an electric typewriter (yes, I am that old) when I was 11 or 12, and I began typing stories. I love to read, but also have always had a desire to write stories whether or not anyone else read them.

What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
I read everything, and was fascinated with the variety in styles, topics and genres. I worked my way from mysteries through biographies and into sports fiction as a youngster, and turned to romance when I was old enough. I think that people who love reading always have stories cooking in their heads. At least I do. No one book inspired me to write, but in a way every book inspires me to know I can do my own approach and topic and be an author.


Wow, I think I stuck to westerns and horses as a youngster. Tell us about how you came up with your premise for More Than a Job?
I looked around and saw how many people are having to start over in life after the loss of a job. It is the story of so many people I know, and it is important that it be a story of hope and starting over in tough times.

For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?
Paige Hamilton loses her job and career unexpectedly. Joshua Robinson is there in the parking lot to help her pick up the pieces of her work life - literally, from the box of spilled office items, and figuratively as she figures out how to be open to new things including him.

Is there a message in More Than a Job you want readers to grasp?
Sometimes we need to lose something to realize that we need to be open to how God moves in our lives. If we are too busy there won't be room for the things that really matter.

Wise words of advise. Thank you for coming Lynette.
Thank you.
More Than a Job is available at: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/