Musings . . .

On winter: nearby scene that caught my attention recently. Beautiful, huh?

On Valentine's Day:

beautiful flowers from my favorite guy

A sweet kitty (rescued by my oldest son from a school being demolished.) Spoiled and grouchy

Special friends . . . Jo and Mina,

    from Papua, New Guinea

Memories and monuments of those who gave their lives . . .

Blessings to you all!

My Friend, Author . . .
Toni Cyran-Brock

Prisoners of Love Giveaway!

Leave your comment for a chance to win this outstanding book!

How thrilling to have Toni with me today! Read on . . .




How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear call? Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I had written for small market television and radio stations since learning how to do that as part of a television station, and I had written a few short stories in elementary and high school but I didn't get placed in any journalism or creative writing classes, and in fact I was told I'd never be a writer by my community college level writing English teacher. (I hadn't asked, by the way.)

I was more interested in what shapes I could make out of the words while writing in elementary school and more interested in the "Music" that was heard when the words were read allowed than punctuation. That hasn't changed.

It wasn't until I was attending New Mexico State University, working on my Theater degree, as a young mother that someone said, "Let Toni do it . . . she's the writer."

I thought to myself, "I'm the writer?" My first play won a writing contest and that gave me the confidence I needed.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I call myself a utility writer. I have a "will write for food" attitude. I have written in nearly every genre. I think the defining characteristic of my writing is not the genre but the ability to make people put on the mind and character or circumstance and live it for a few seconds or the length of the writing and beyond. I guess if I was beating a drum it would be that there is more that we have in common with each other than the things that make us different. I like to write about wondrous occurrences or seeking the wonderful, the upbeat and the good in ourselves, our situations and each other.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

The first book I wrote took me 5 years but that is because soon after I had the idea and took the first steps I decided I didn't want to write it but the book dragged me behind it and eventually got published by a small publisher without me sending out a single query letter. I don't set goals. I love to write and I could write all day every day. However, the other parts of life, family and work take a lot of my time and so a lot of the time I write in my mind instead of on paper.

What is the spiritual message in your latest book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Love is powerful and empowering even if there isn't one specific person to bestow it on. Everything has a purpose. Any situation has a positive that we might not see but God knows. I do not seek to push people to find God. I push to help them love universally and that kind of love demands God's presence in their lives.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

In 2000 "Prisoners of Love; A Guide for Anyone Wanting to Cultivate, Maintain and Strengthen Relationships with Loved Ones During Times of Incarceration" was published by Dreamcatcher books. It was a short run of 1000 books. Now that book is in high demand and I am republishing a 10th anniversary edition at the end of this year.

I updated it with current information and I am releasing it as an e-book so people in pain can get the book instantly via the web and I am releasing it in hard back and soft back so it can be in prisons and jails.

I wrote the book because my own husband is serving his 27th year of a life sentence with parole and keeping our own friendship and marriage going was important to me, and I thought it might be important to others to keep their families together as well.

As I was writing this, my two year old grand daughter said, "Where's grandpa?" looking at my husband's picture.

I said, "He is away right now."

and she looked, and said, "He is away?" and stared at the photo then said, "He is in the car."

I asked, "He is?"

She said, "Yes."

It effects every aspect of a person's life when their loved one is away.

Where do you get ideas? Character names? Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?

I get my ideas from my real life or from the lives of someone I don't understand and want to understand. I like to try on their circumstance, their body language and their attitudes and see what it's like. Then I ask myself how could this be a journey for them, and how could it be healing? Then I take them on that journey.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don't understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you've gone through? Who's inspired you the most?

I am always in the process of giving up. I am interrupted by people who don't understand that I'm not playing on the computer but trying to earn a living.

I am a substitute teacher at a juvenile detention center and the kids wanted to "chat" with me when they get out. It is against the rules but I told them, "I don't like to chat."

They were shocked. I said, "Look, I'm a writer, and I am on the moon, I am looking around, and I am writing what I see, and I am taking a step and writing down how that feels and I am inside my character's skin and I am telling the reader what that is like.

Then someone pops up and says, "Hey, what are you doing?" and they suck me out of that world, and back into the room.

So I say, "I'm fine. How are you?"

They say, "I'm just chilling."

I think, "I got ripped off the face of the moon for that?"

The kids laughed and said, "That's cold ma'am."

My kids and my husband understand my nature as a writer because all of them write but my mother and some of my friends don't understand that in order to write you give up time and you can't be out doing other things and still write. It requires you doing some writing in order to have something to read.

I get discouraged by the process of selling your writing, never by the writing process. I don't like having to compete or push someone else to access my writing and come between the reader and my writing and decided if it will sell enough books. I don't like having to live up to anyones expectation but God's and my own. Because I don't think that being judged by anyone else is of as much value. I assure you I am self critical enough to ward off excessive pride. But being a "Professional" writer is about just that. So, I sometimes publish on free blogs and things because I feel that really what I want to do is be a writer and while I need money to survive I can do other things for money if I have to and my writing will be free to entertain, educate and be fun for me as well.

Would you explain how you "chose" (or was chosen) a publisher? Do you just go Einny, minny, miny, moe? Grin. Now, that you're published, can you sit back and relax from the success you've experienced?

I used the scatter gun strategy. I hit a bunch of publishers. In my case after the first run I wanted to go with a different publisher because I wanted the book to be available for people in pain immediately and world wide because the books I sold in other countries were received and useful there as well as here.

The publishers I talked to, and some did call me personally, told me they needed to be assured of more sales than the 2.4. Million incarcerated, the jails and schools and average of 10 people waiting on the outside for someone incarcerated. However, they loved the book and were wishing me well.

I have decided to use my daughter as the publisher for the book because she is good at looking at the pros and cons of using a printer and print on demand as opposed to other ways to publish. I am getting it out there as an e-book first then we will decide on how to get it into the stores as soon as possible.

Currently the old book is selling at a very high mark-up used and that crushes me as the book is designed to help people not gouge them. My thrust is to get the information out there more than to be republished. I have been published through main stream channels and I guess that allows me to not feel bad about self-publishing. I don't think anyone should feel bad about it but there is a stigma and it is silly.

I love the book, "The publishing game." I recommend that book to everyone interested in writing and being published.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love horseback riding, doing art, theater, film and television projects. I am currently learning to be an esthetician so I will have more time to live the life I want to live. I want to travel all over the world. I like the unknown, mysteries and things like that. I don't like it when people hurt each other or animals in any way. I have been guilty myself and I don't like that either.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you'd like to share? Promotional information?

http://www.prisonersoflove.com/



Thank you so much for sharing the news about your very worthwhile
book with us, Toni and also a peek into your writing world!

If any of you know of someone in this situation, steer them to Toni's book.

Don't forget to leave your comment for a chance to win "Prisoners of Love."

Blessings

Winner of Robin's Book . . .

Christine's name was chosen!!!

Christine, please email me with your address so that I can pass it on to Robin.

browncarole212@yahoo.com

NEXT?  Toni Cyran-Brock's interview! AND a GIVEAWAY of her book. The author of "Prisoners of Love," Toni shares her experience and calling with us. For anyone who's experienced (or knows someone who has) a loved one or friend who's in prison, this is the ideal book.

Here is what some people have said about the book:

• Thanks for sharing your valuable experience and wisdom. I highly recommend your book to others.    —Tom Lagana, author of Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.

• What a wonderful book… It is on my list of must read books. It is full of humor, pathos, tears, and nitty gritty information. Toni tells it like it is. There is no sugar coating, but she gently fills your heart with hope. I purchased a copy for myself and quickly ordered one for my husband and two for friends.    —Bobbie Pierce, author, prison activist, and wife of a prisoner in Arizona.

• This is much more than a how-to book, it's a realistic look at what it's really like to try to support (emotionally, legally, financially) someone in prison. It's also a very human book about people in a difficult situation.    —Anne Rose-Pierce, founder of 17 Years After, an Oregon based prison reform organization.

• Toni’s book is used in both our male and female programs at Southside Regional Jail. We recommend her book to anyone dealing with the human side of incarceration.    —Morgan Moss and Penny Patton, founders of The Center for Therapeutic Justice.

• Toni's book is a must for everyone that has someone in prison. It is even good read for anyone. I’m starting my own live support group next week…and I am going to recommend it to everyone to read it.     —Kathy Groves, wife of a convict serving 10 years.

• I just finished this book and it is awesome. As the wife of an Alabama prisoner, it seemed as though parts of the book were written about my life. Thank you for this book and for caring about the prisoners and their loved ones.    —Monica, Alabama

• This is a wonderful book for the millions of people who have loved ones on the "other side." I keep a copy by my bedside and refer to it when I need encouragement. …This book should be read by everyone, because our entire society will be impacted by the release of our incarcerated once their time has been served.    —Sharon, North Carolina

Blessings, and don't miss Toni's interview!

Pluggin' Away . . . I mean, Writing

• Writing is glamourous.
• I've got this great idea. You want to use it for a novel?
• Aren't you published--yet?

Ha.

Things aren't always what they seem.

Such as:

I've been re-editing three novels--again. SUCH AS:

• A minor readjustment to my historical suspense to tone up the beginning hook. Hmmm. A week's work to get it in satisfactory condition. Mine, that is.
• I'm almost done with my contemporary mystery. Several areas that needed touched up.
• A contemporary romance that needs lengthened: still needs completed.
• Then back to my women's suspenseful fiction. Almost done. Happy sigh.

So, is writing glamourous? Maybe, occasionally, when an award is won, contracts are accepted, reviews are outstanding, novel hits bestselling lists.

Go ahead and tell me your idea, but no promises. There might be a ton of books out there with the same idea.

And the question about publication. Well, if you know writers, you know that we can't let it go. It may take a year, or five, or ten or twenty.

But writers don't quit. That's why we get satisfaction out of writing. For ourselves, for friends and family, for God. And, hopefully, the world too.

Quote: Things are beautiful when you love them. --Jean Anouilh

Blessings!

Winner of Roseanna White's Book!

Jaime won "A Stray Drop of Blood!" Congratulations, Jaime.
As soon as you contact me with your address, Roseanna will get your book in the mail. (browncarole212@yahoo.com)

Thanks so much, everyone for commenting! I'm sure it made Roseanna's day.

NEXT WEDNESDAY:
Author: Toni Cyran-Brock

Toni is the author of Prisoner of Love. It's non-fiction, but a terrific book for those who have (or might know of someone) loved ones/friends in prison.

Here's a small blurb about the book:

Today, over two million Americans are incarcerated and nearly 10 million family members are waiting for their loved ones doing time behind bars. Prisoners and their families ,by proxy, lose many of their civil and personal rights during the time of incarceration. Prisoners of Love is a 300-page guide designed to help these family members and their loved ones behind bars strengthen their relationships during the time they are incarcerated. The book, written by real people in this situation is filled with ways to use the time to better survive and thrive as individuals and as a family. Prisoners of Love is filled with stories that the incarcerated and their family members can identify with and hands on ways to improve every situation in their lives.

 

The book features chapters on these topics:

•  How to keep love alive during times of incarceration.
• How to use the time to deepen bonds with loved ones.
• How to make time for writing and visitation.
• How to plan for a visit to a penitentiary.
• How to use the time to grow as individuals.
• How to spot a player.
• How to deal with death, dying, and grieving.

Maybe you don't need one, don't know of anyone who needs one, but could your church use a copy? The library?

 

Don't miss out on a chance to win a copy!

 

Blessings, dear readers.

An Interview with Robin Shope

It's such a wonderful and exciting privilege

to have Robin with us today! I loved reading about her early years of writing attempts.
You'll enjoy it too!

Giveaway!  Giveaway! Giveaway!

       To one person who comments on this blog:

     One of Robin's books!   How exciting is that?

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

Falling in love with writing in the fifth grade was the easy part. I adored my writing teacher. She always read the best compositions aloud in class. The way she cradled them in her hands told me they were treasures. I worked extremely hard to please her; to hear my words read aloud—but I was never chosen.

A few years later, we moved to Delavan, Wisconsin. I wrote a composition for my language arts teacher and she told me there was no way I could have written that paper because it was too good. I proudly explained every word belonged to me. She sent me to the principal for lying. The principal called my mother and spoke with her. Mother told him that she watched me write that paper sitting at the kitchen table. All the fuss and commotion sent me a clear message that I had a good story. My motivation springs from that moment.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

My genre is a bit schizophrenic. I began my adult writing career by writing mystery and co-authored three books with Susan Wales. Since then I decided I needed romance in my life so I wrote a series of romance novels, under the series name:

• The Turtle Creek Edition.
• The first was The Christmas Edition,
• quickly followed by The Valentine Edition
• and now The Easter Edition.

The Christmas Edition caught the eye of director/producer Steven Zambo of Salty Earth Pictures and by the time this interview ‘airs’, he will be in post production. The targeted release of the movie based on my book is December 2010. The name of the story has been changed for the movie. It will be aired as Journey to Paradise. As a result, my publisher is re-leasing the book with a new ending and more scenes, so even if you have read it the first time, you will want the newer copy. Steve Zambo plans on releasing The Valentine Edition next, and then The Easter Edition.

A new book series is in the works with Point Yonder Press. The series combines mystery and romance about a young woman who is a biologist and returns to her hometown, which happens to be on an island in Lake Michigan—Willow Island. Be sure to watch for the release of Wynn in the Willows.

Lastly, I have co-authored a young adult book with former Dallas Cowboy, Kalen Thornton. Ruby Red is being published by Sparklesoup and the talented Amu Munoz is designing the cover. The story is told through Ruby Red’s eleven-year old eyes. Set in the 1920s, Ruby is taken in as a maid and finds little hope of being anyone. Then she makes a risky move by faking insanity. After being tossed out, she sneaks onto a train that is heading west where she finds adventure, danger, and renewed hope.

I love writing about strong women. Does it show?

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I only wish I had writing days. I am the Special Education Coordinator at a juvenile facility. That is a full time position that I love. I write at night and on weekends. Some novels took me six weeks to complete while others were in-process for years. At times I set goals for number of words per day while at other times my goal for the day is to re-polish one or two chapters.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

Readers can order my books from Amazon or any bookstore. The spiritual message of The Easter Edition is " Follow God for He will give you the desires of your heart." Not only will readers be captivated by the story and characters but they will find messages of hope and renewal.

Here is a blurb: Bridal shop owner, Carol Horn, looks forward to being a bride herself someday. Having surrendered her desires to God, she's praying the Lord will show her the path she should take. When she meets new assistant pastor, Luke Peters, she feels he is the answer to her prayers, but if that’s so, why does she feel called to go overseas to help build an orphanage?

Luke has a sketchy past that includes doing jail time, but he comes to Turtle Creek, Wisconsin as a changed man. He falls hard for Carol, but when she applies for the mission trip, Luke finds himself torn between ignoring her application and giving up the one person who trusts that he has truly become a man of God.

Can Luke overcome his shadowy past and show Carol that he is the man for her, or will she discover that the rumors about him are true?

Where do you get ideas? Character names? Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?

Generally ideas come to me all the time. I write them down the minute I get them, otherwise there're gone along with my youthful figure. I have the beginning plots for ten more books but I have to write and edit the books which are contracted first. As for names, I have a baby book that sometimes I look through, but usually my characters tell me what their names are as I write about them. They are insistent like that. Some of my characters personify different sides of my personality.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

Like a smoker (which I am not) I have given up writing and then taken it back up again at least a hundred times. What drives me? It is part of who I am and I suppose that is part of every successful writer’s psyche. The inner conflict is often a driving force to put fingers to the keyboard and start pecking away. I have all these characters inside of my brain that want to be set free on paper and each has his or her own story to tell. There were discouraging times when the rejections piled up. To some degree I wanted to be published, but there was also a part of me that wanted to write even if that work might not be published. With each rejection, I became even more determined to write a good book. I learned a lot from reading the books of other authors, attending writer’s workshops, and going to ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. That organization is invaluable. They are loving and supportive; it’s good to have a ‘friend’ when things go right and wrong.

Would you roughly explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I never sit back and relax. I am driven to write, but writing is also a form of relaxation. There will always be the next book to tend to whether I have to polish a rough draft or write out what is burning inside me, there is always good work to do.. It’s like having a lot of children. You want to enjoy the ones that are already born and you do, but it’s the newborn that needs the most attention. God has opened many writing doors for me and I keep walking through them. I never chose publishers at random. I study the market to see what publishers are looking for and query those publishers with suitable book proposals.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love to read and go to movies. Garage sales are my best therapy for an overworked schedule. I plan to travel all over the United States and experience what our country has to offer, which is magnificence.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

The Easter Edition is the third book in the Turtle Creek Edition series. I think readers will find it to be a passionate read about a young woman who is torn between serving God and being with the man she loves.

Readers can find my books on amazon.com at:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=robin+shope&x+0&y=0

or, order them from any bookstore.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

I like to spread hope. There a big and little problems that each of us face in life. Sometimes the problems are daunting. My books are meant to inspire hope and the romances are meant to motivate people to get past their obstacles and do well in life.

I would love for everyone to befriend me on Facebook, Robin Jansen Shope. Also please join Journey to Paradise Movie and Salty Earth Pictures for movie updates.

My blog is:  http://write2robinshope.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Robin, for joining me today! Folks, check out Robin's books. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Don't forget to comment for a chance to win one of Robin's books!
Blessings!

Talented Writer Robin Shope

• is visiting my blog tomorrow, Wednesday,
• and is giving away one of her books.
• Be sure to stop by and enjoy the blog, comment, and ask questions if you like!

What's the benefits of giveaways?

• Encourages others to read the blogs.
• Encourages the author with readers during their interview and possible new people discovering their books!
• Helps grow the blog owner's blog.

Worth it?

Yep.

Blessings!

My Wonderful Critique Partner . . .

Roseanna White!

What fun to have Roseanna with me today! She is just the super-est person in the world. And her giveaways? Right on the mark!

Roseanna's Giveaway:

• A signed copy of A Stray Drop of Blood
• A Companion Guide on the topics and texts referenced in the nove
• A bookmark
• A box of chamomile tea (the favorite drink of the heroine's mistress-calms the nerves, you know!)
• Recipe cards for "A Taste from the Land of Milk and Honey
• Some beeswax lip balm (this brand might be relatively new, but beeswax balms have been around for thousands of years)

What to do? Comment!

Roseanna, How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear "call?" Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I've always been a writer. I finished my first novel at 13, my second at 16, and twelve more during college. For me, it wasn't a question of if I'd write, but rather of how to find my way in the writing world, since I had no choice but to put novel to paper (or computer screen).

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write in several, but A Stray Drop of Blood is historical fiction—Biblical fiction, more specifically. This is defined as a story that takes place in the time during which the Bible was written and may or may not contain characters that appear in the Bible or other historical documents. In my story, I have peeks at historical personages—and my heroine is at the crucifixion of Jesus—but the main characters are completely fictional. (Okay, mostly. They play some historical roles too. ;-)

Where do you get ideas? Character names? Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?

Oh, my. Ideas spring out of nowhere for me nearly every day. When I'm watching TV, reading, doing dishes, talking to my husband . . . last week he told me some tidbit and then asked me what I thought about it. My reply? "I'm wondering if I can use it in a book." Then I realized he wanted a response to the fact. Oooohhhhh. Right. Terrible. Really, truly terrible. =)

Occasionally, ideas will spring from my own life. Not usually an event so much as an emotion. It seems like everything with me gets funneled back into story ideas—kinda like the fight with my best friend when I was fifteen, which inspired some bittersweet thought on a Good Friday and resulted in the idea for A Stray Drop of Blood.

Character names depend largely on the story. For historicals, I have to make sure they're appropriate for the time period, so I check other books from the era or online resources that list them. The Hebrew characters in Stray Drop all came straight from the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, but the Roman characters came from sources of the day, like Tacitus's Annals (for those who look at that title and scratch their heads, it's a Roman history detailing the time period that happens to span the life of Christ, though focusing totally on Roman politics and military movements). A little FYI—one of my characters is Caius Asinius. I took him straight from history—he really was a former consul, but one who held office in a time when nothing happened, so his mention in history is literally one line. I took that and ran with it, creating a character totally fictional based on that single mention that gave me only a name. (Let it be noted that there's nothing in the Annals to make me think he was really the lecherous jerk I make him out to be—though plenty of his cohorts were, so it seemed a safe assumption. ;-)

As for whether my characters are like me . . . ? Yikes. Bits and pieces, yes, all of them (or most of them, anyway, LOL. Let's hope I don't have a super-villain lurking anywhere inside but my imagination). But I have no desire to write a character who's totally me. Not only would it bore the socks off my readers, but then I'd take it as a personal insult if anyone didn't like said character. I've tried making sub-characters like me on occasion, and those are always the ones that earn comments like, "I found her reaction unbelievable." Roseanna is left blubbering, "B-b-b-buuuuttt, that's m-m-meeee. That's what I'd do!" So I've sworn off writing myself into books. That way I don't have to get offended by my friends' and critique partners' opinions on my characters. ;-)

Tell us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

Hmm . . . love coffee. Hate cleaning. I have distant memories of a concept called "free time," in which I would do things like sketch and paint, bake extravagant cakes and pies and tarts, read books. I still do some of those things, but not nearly as often. Now, most of my time is consumed by my kids (aged 2 and 4) and writing. Luckily, I have a husband who doesn't mind the dust bunnies who have taken up permanent residence under our couch . . . though he wishes they'd pay rent. ;-)

If I could travel—wow. This time of year, I inevitably name someplace warm and tropical. Our most recent "Oh, look at that place!" is Bora Bora. Sooo gorgeous. But when summer is upon us and I don't just long to escape the cold, my travel wishes broaden out. I'd love, love, love to visit Italy, where my mother-in-law's family hails from. And the British Isles, where I apparently have a plethora of family in the great-great uncle category. Especially the Cotswolds of England, and some of the coastal Irish towns—and a castle in Scotland. That's a must. Are you going to foot the bill for this, Carole? (Caroline: hmm, no! LOL)Because I could come up with a few more, if so. =)

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

A Stray Drop of Blood is about Abigail, who at eight years old, was sold into slavery to Cleopas Visibullis, the prefect of the Tenth Legion. Raised as more a daughter than a servant, Abigail blooms into a beautiful, well-spoken young woman, and she adores her Roman master as well as his Hebrew wife, her mistress. But then their son, Jason, returns to Jerusalem as a centurion—and her world shifts on its axis.

Jason is in the mindset of the Romans, so he sees her as nothing but a slave, to be taken and discarded at will. His parents disapprove, but he is determined not to sacrifice a future career in Rome over their demands concerning a mere slave. Yet the more he knows of Abigail, the more he begins to see that she cannot be defined so simply.

An uprising led by Barabbas tears about the Visibullis household. Torn by bitterness and hatred, Abigail ventures to the trial . . . only to see that instead of the criminal, they're trying the teacher Cleopas and Jason had begun to take interest in. Though she cries out against it, she is swallowed up by the crowd and propelled with the masses to Golgotha. She's standing on the road when a stray drop of Jesus's blood lands on her when he's dragged by . . . and her soul is seared by the power of forgiveness—a force that changes her forever.

And that's only half the book. =)

• Readers can buy it at CrossPurposes at: http://www.crosspurposesbooks.com/index.php?module=viewitem&item=705523


• And use coupon code BLOGGER for 20% off,
  
• Then shoot me an email at Roseanna [at] RoseannaWhite [dot] com to get it personalized. Or from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976544466/ref=s9_simi_gw_s8_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0B0A98N2FYG6QSKVW4RN&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939291&pf_rd_i=507846

You can also get it from bookstores like Borders and B&N, though it would probably have to be ordered.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

I've never seriously considered giving up—writing is my sanity-keeper, so to stop doing it just isn't an option. I've stopped submitting for sweeps of time, when I'm tired of rejections (lol), though that ceased to be an option once I'd signed with an agent. There are many, many times when I just stop whatever I'm doing and go, "When, Lord? When?" But I've found that whenever I'm at my lowest, that's when He sends encouragement, whether it be a glowing review, a request from an editor, or just a note from a reader that buoys me up.

This is the path God put me on. I can wonder how many twists there'll be before I reach the next gorgeous vista, but I can never wonder if maybe I should jump onto that other road over there. I love the journey—even if I could do without some of the potholes. ;-)

Would you explain how you "chose" (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go "inny, minny, miny, moe?" Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Unlike a lot of people, I actually did choose WhiteFire. It's my husband's company, and he wanted to launch it with one of my titles. I fought him tooth and nail on that idea, having no desire to resign one of my babies to the doldrums of a small press. But after praying about it, I knew that this was the way I needed to go with A Stray Drop of Blood. So we produced it in hardback in 2005, and over the last four years we've figured out all the ways we messed up on it (ha ha), so did a complete rewrite and re-release in December of 2009.

But relax? No way. Small press publication means tons of footwork, promotions, networking, and the usual blood-sweat-and-tears. Not to mention that my other manuscripts are making the rounds at major publishers, so I'm in pretty constant prayer over those too.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com
http://RoseannaMWhite.blogspot.com

My Cover Story

When my husband and I decided to re-release A Stray Drop of Blood, it was largely him saying, "Yes, okay. I'll dedicate some revenue to that" and me saying, "I want to do this. And that. And take out this. And add this over here." Topping the list was a new cover. I'd designed the first one myself, and while I liked its symbolism—a field of black with a red drop of blood that left a pure white streak behind it—I wanted something different this time.

One of my writer friends recently had a book release from Abingdon that has a gorgeous oil painting for a cover—literally, a local artist painted it. So I thought, "Ha! We can do that!" Both my sister and brother-in-law are art teachers, so I figured it would be a breeze. I gave them some ideas . . . and then school started. Which means their spare time went out the window. Still, my sister promised to squeeze out some time.

A few weeks later I headed to Denver for the 2009 ACFW conference. In the airport I noticed a young woman across from me with her laptop, waiting at the same gate. I thought, "I wonder if she's . . . nah. What are the chances of another ACFWer sitting there?" So silly me said nothing. Got on the plane. Got off the plane. Ran to the SuperShuttle with two seconds to spare, drove to the hotel.

It wasn't until I stepped out at the Marriott that I saw this same young woman again. We looked at each other and went, "Hey!" It only took a few minutes to realize that we also had the same flight back to Baltimore on Sunday, so we deemed ourselves Airplane Buddies and promised to sit together.

On the return flight, Ashley and I chatted about our conference, our stories, our projects, and she shared that her husband's a graphics designer. My internal radar started going, "This is important! This is important!" so I got their business cards.

Upon getting home, my sister said, "Hire the digital guy. I can't do this." So I sent an email to Tekeme Studios, the company owned by Ashley's husband.

Having never had a hand in a professional book design, I had no clue what to expect. But I filled out the survey they sent with gusto, answering the questions about my story and my characters. Tekeme's owner and designer extraordinaire, George, called me the next week to talk about it and spoke words that sent a shiver down my spine. "When I read your description, I got an instant image. Abigail in the foreground, the mob behind, hazy. Sepia tones. Some ancient architecture in the background."

This was exactly what I wanted, so I was thrilled. Still, I was nervous. I wanted a "Wow!" when people looked at the cover. I wanted a punch to the gut. I wanted something to really capture the dynamics, the power. I liked knowing I had veto power, but I also knew that my hubby/publisher was footing the bill, so I didn't want to demand a whole new design if this one flopped. So I prayed. A lot.

We ran into a snag with a model. Namely, hiring one would cost more money that we didn't have. George asked if I knew anyone who could do it, and I replied, "Uh . . . Ashley?" (Read the silent "Please, please, please???")

Thankfully, Ashley agreed. Photos were taken on a Friday by a professional who's a good friend of George and Ashley, and that mob in the background? That's Ashley, George, David the Photographer, and even Ashley and George's toddler, somewhere. On Monday, I got the cover back, pretty much as you see it. We changed some text, but the design needed nothing. It was a punch, it was a "Wow!" It was perfect.

I love the detail, the texture, the fact that the back is as gorgeous as the front. And I love that people have said things like, "Every time I see that cover, I get excited all over again." That, if you ask me, is the marker of a good design. So from here on out, WhiteFire and I are singing the praises of Tekeme Studios at the top of our lungs. Thanks, George and Ashley! (www.Tekeme.com)

(I also keep getting question of "Is the model really pregnant?" Funny answer: "Yes, actually. But she was only about 8 weeks when the photo was taken, so that's padding.")

Thank you so much, Roseanna, for this wonderful interview. I've loved having you here. Folks, run and get your copy--that is, if YOU don't win that copy. Whether you win it or buy it, you'll love the book!

Blessings!

Important Stuff

• The winner of one of Linore Rose Burkard's books was . . . Casey Herringshaw!
  
  
  
• Read the comments under Sharon Elliott's interview to find out more about the fantastic award she just won from her publisher! She's the gold recipient in the Mom's Choice Awards in the category of Parenting-General!!!! Sharon's the author of Raising Boys for Jesus!
  

Coming . . . Coming! Roseanna White's interview on Wednesday! And does she have a wonderful basket of goodies to give away. Her book, "A Stray Drop of Blood" is one of the best I've read. Watch for it!

• If you know of a teen who's interested in writing, have them check out Stephanie Morrill's new blog for teens. Writing advice, questions answered, and a cool place for teen writers to hang out. Check it out at: http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!

An Interview with My Friend . . .

Sharon Elliott!

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear "call?" Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I’ve know I was a writer since attending my first Christian writers’ conference in 1991. I had been writing all my life; however, the revelation of the title "writer" came to the forefront for me at the conference.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write Biblical inspirational/instructional/confrontational non-fiction. I am basically a Bible teacher, so I take Biblical principles by which God expects us to live and make them practical so we can carry out our purpose here on earth.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I write whatever is on the front burner. Ideas are constantly flowing and many books are in different stages of development. I work ideas up to the proposal stage, which means I storyboard the project and write several sample chapters. Then I pitch ideas to my agent or to an editor at a conference. When a contract comes through for a book, I then finish writing it. It will take me six to eight months to complete a book.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

My latest release is Raising Boys to be like Jesus which is published by Judson Press. I think the title’s pretty clear regarding the spiritual message. If we use principles modeled by Jesus’ life in the rearing of our sons, they incorporate Christlikeness into their own character, and will grow up to be men of God.

My next book, Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame, will be released from New Hope Publishers in winter 2011. The book suggests that the armor of God is not working for women because we have problems getting the pieces to fit properly, thanks to "stuff" in our lives that is hindering that fit.

Where do you get ideas? Character names? Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?
I basically have no original "material." All my material comes from the Bible. My ideas for how to present the material comes from my quiet times of Bible study and from tidbits in sermons, talks, or keynote addresses I hear. I hear a word or phrase that sparks my attention and the Holy Spirit and I are off to the races on a new idea.6. Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?My most discouraging time was seeking an agent. I had agents tell me, "No one knows you, so I can’t represent you," and "Non-fiction isn’t selling," and "I just don’t see the next big thing in your list of ideas." Yet, I was getting contracts on my own. My friend Jeannette encouraged me when I was grousing about this to her. She said, "Looks to me like God is your agent, and He only takes ten percent." I dropped the idea of looking for an agent for several years and then God dropped my great agent in my lap and we are now doing quite well together.

Would you explain how you "chose" (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go "inny, minny, miny, moe?" Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

As the saying goes, you’re only as good as your last book. While on my own, I attended Christian writers’ conferences, listened to what the publishers wanted, and then pitched the ideas I had that seemed to mesh with their desires. My agent can do all that legwork now, but I’m still free to speak to publishers when I am at conferences.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love traveling with my husband to relaxing destinations. We absolutely adore Jamaica. I finished one of my manuscripts out by the pool on our last vacation there. I also love to shop. I love beautiful clothes and shoes, but I stay out of the malls when I don’t have shopping money – that’s just frustrating. I also get a big kick out of going to lunch with my friends and spending time with my grown sons (very rare now that they are out of the house). I collect refrigerator magnets from places I’ve been, I love roses (American Beauties are my all-time favs), Mexican food, hot fudge cake from Bob’s Big Boy, and caramel frappachinos from Starbucks. Most of all, I absolutely love teaching the word of God.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

Raising Boys to be like Jesus is available at Christian bookstores, from the publisher (Judson Press), and online from Amazon.com, BarnesAndNobel.com, ChristianBooks.com, and my website www.SharonNorrisElliott.com.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

You can find me at the following locations:

My daily devotional blog is www.sanewriter.wordpress.com

My weekly Bible study is "A Heart for the Word" at www.WebTV4Women.com

My websites are:

www.SharonNorrisElliott.com – Get my schedule, my books, and booking information

www.AuthorizeMe.net – Register to attend my AuthorizeMe seminar and learn how to get that book out of your head, down onto paper, and into a professional book proposal format ready to submit to an acquisitions editor

www.LifeThatMatters.com – This website is not yet built, but is coming soon and will encompass all the things in ministry I am doing.

Thanks for being here today, Sharon. It's been such a pleasure to find out more about your writing world!

Blessings