Review of Susan Sleeman's Behind the Badge

BACK COVER:
Your sister is next! A killer is threatening the life of rookie cop Sydney Tucker's sister--unless Sydney turns over evidence from a drug bust. But she doesn't have the evidence. Not that the thug believes her. Now she and the sibling in her care are under the watchful eye of Logan Lake police chief Russ Morgan . . . but will his protection be enougth? The killer is closing in, picking off the people and places that mean the most to Sydney. Alist that now includes Russ. To protect her loved ones, will she pay the ultimate price--her life?


MY TAKE:
Susan's written another winner! From the first page that captures the reader and keeps them turning pages to the end, the plot is fascinating. Her beginning was particularly good. I love a good scary chase and feet crunching leaves and underbrush looking for the protagonist: reeled me into the book.

Anyone that is thrust into taking care of someone else has my sympathy. Sydney, caring for her sister, a newby cop, and attracted to a man she'd known since school days. immediately has us rooting for her. Russ, on the other hand, fighting to keep his job, in leu of others who'd wanted it, and struggling to overcome a murder he'd seen from his past, is big and tough and handsome as can be. Their personalities are a perfect match!

The setting is superb: a town named Logan Lake, a lake, woods with fog and an overbearing councilman and sheriff. Just the place for a madman who's fixed on the protagonist giving up something she doesn't have. When Syndey makes a drug bust, the antagonist targets her as the person hindering him in his business. Add to that, the threats he's making against people she loves, and her own tortuous problems, and it all sums up to a great plot, setting and story.

The action begins from the beginning and doesn't stop until the last page is read. Along the way, Syndey and Russ settle their problems, admit their love, and learn to trust.

If you want a superb, fast-paced suspense, then you'll want Susan's "Behind the Badge". Another great Love Inspired Suspense novel.

Blessings!

Please Welcome my New Friend, Thomas Blubaugh

His book cover looks fantastic! Check it out, and be sure to leave your comment and email address for a chance to win a copy!


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 started writing poetry when I was about 14. I wasn’t a Christian then so there was no call as such. My intent was to have my poems converted to lyrics for rock & roll songs, but that never materialized. I didn’t do any serious writing until I was 30.

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

I write for YA’s. For years I’ve written a simple style of writing. I’ve worked a lot with children. I think because I wrote puppet skits for children’s church I write for the YA’s. I learned to write like I talk during my twenty-five years as a financial planner. I kept everything simple.

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 don’t write every day. In fact, it was my intent to take the summer off because I missed last summer trying to finish my novel. This year I want to be outside a lot. However, having said that, I recently purchased the Snowflake software program. I made the mistake of going through it and brought my current project into the template. That motivated me to write. So I guess I’ll be taking my laptop outside on the patio and sit on the swing and write.

It took me five years to write Night of the Cossack. When I first started, I was writing for myself. It grew from there to writing for my kids and grandkids. Then I was told that it had merit so I started writing to possibly be published. There was a tremendous amount of research necessary to make it a historical fiction.

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 Night of the Cossack is a novel about my maternal grandfather who died before I was born. In fact, both of my grandfathers passed away before I showed up. I always felt the loss of not having a grandfather so eventually I created one in my mind.

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

It’s a spiritual book about loss, disruption, fear, love, faith, betrayal, adventure and relationships. There are a lot of decisions regarding morals. I hope my readers will make a connection with Jesus Christ if they don’t have one and that they’ll spend time with their elders finding out their heritage before it’s too late.

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?

I’ve never felt like giving up writing, but developing my name so the book will sell has tested me. Writing the novel was actually the easy part. I’m tremendous excited about the book, but it’s hard work getting it to the public. It’s strange in a way, I’ve been marketing most of my adult life—selling products, but developing my name is a whole ‘nother thing.

Who’s inspired you the most?

I’m a self motivated person and I’ve been pretty much a loner due to things that happened in my childhood. I’ve met thousands of people, but I’ve developed very few close relationships. I suppose Michelle Buckman, a published writer I met online in a Yahoo Christian writing group. She’s the first one, other than my wife, who saw any of my writing. She encouraged me to get in a local critique group. That was extremely beneficial.

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

I was chosen by Dennis and Polly Vance, owners of Bound by Faith Publishing. I was helping Dennis develop a website for an independent publishing company he and Polly were starting. I showed him my site which had the first chapter of my novel on it. Without me knowing, they made note of it, went home and read the chapter. Then they asked to read the rest of the manuscript. They then asked if they could publish it.

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

I like cooking brunch for my family—wife, six kids, and fourteen grandkids.
I dislike people saying they’ll do something and then not following through.
I enjoy reading, macro photography, horseshoes, and Bocce Ball.
I would love to go to Georgia on the Black Sea where my grandfather was born and trace his steps to America.

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

My blog (Please follow)  http://tomblubaugh.blogspot.com/

My website (A signed copy of my book can be purchased here—free shipping) http://nightofthecossack.com/

My Facebook page (I would appreciate more people liking it) https://www.facebook.com/nightofthecossack

ebook is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Cossack-Tom-Blubaugh/dp/0982902921/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/night-of-the-cossack-tom-blubaugh/1030885621?ean=2940012421685&itm=1&usri=night%2bof%2bthe%2bcossack


Reviews on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Cossack-Tom-Blubaugh/product-reviews/0982902921/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1



Thanks for joining us this week, Tom, and wishes for many more successful books!
Readers, don't leave without posting a comment and email address!

Blessings!

CONTEST ENDS: June 30th!

Summer Reading Extravaganza

My friend, Suzanne, and I are cooking up some summer relaxation time for TWO people.

• FOUR books for ONE person who's chosen from this blog and . . .
• FOUR books for ONE person who's chosen from Suzanne's blog.

Here's what to do:

• Comment whenever you see a post about this summer reading extravaganza! I'll make sure to have at least one or two mentions a week about this contest! Don't miss out; you get your name in the "baggie" for every comment.

Want EXTRA chances? Then . . .

• Broadcast this contest! On your blog. Facebook. Twitter. Shoutlife. Email. Snail Mail. Word of mouth. Airplane messages. Message in a bottle. Messenger Boy. I trust you. Just make sure you mention it in your comments HERE so I can add your name.
• Check out my friend Suzanne's blog for an extra chance. And don't forget, by doing that, you're getting chances to win her FOUR books too.
• Become a follower

And here's the books I'm giving away to ONE person who's chosen from my blog:

• The General's Notorious Widow by Stephan Bly (historical western)
• The Restitution by M. L. Tyndall (historical/pirates)
• Rain Song by Alice Wisler (contemporary dealing w/a woman raised in Japan but who vows never to return)
• Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart (contemporary w/touches of suspense and humor)

Here's Suzanne's blog addy:

http://suzanne-hartmann2.blogspot.com/

And the four books she's giving away:

• Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs
• Almost Forever by Deb Raney
• The Alarmists by Don Hoesel
• An Irishwoman's Tale by Patti Lacy (autographed)

Best wishes for a happy summer of reading!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Saturday night marshmallow roast
Watching hillbilly fireworks with family
Great bargains
Shopping and finding something you've looked for, forever
Blog posts that touch my heart
Grills
grilled food
Being so tired you laugh at everything
Laughing with Son #1's girlfriend
understanding

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

If I have learned anything,

it is that life forms no logical patterns.

It is haphazard and full of beauties

which I try to catch as they fly by,
for who knows whether any of them

will ever return?

--Margot Forteyn

Guest Blog by my Friend, Kathryn Page Camp

It's June, the official month of marriage! Awhile back I read Kathryn's post on her blog about meeting and marrying her husband. I thought it would be a great article for the month of June and give you a chance to meet Kathryn, if you don't already know her.

Kathryn's blog address so you check out all her great posts:
http://kathrynpagecamp.blogspot.com/

Now for her post. Enjoy:

Searching for Mr. Right

Roland and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary on Thursday. Actually, we celebrated apart, because I was at a writers' conference in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. But our marriage survived the ill-timed separation.

A marriage that almost didn't happen. Although I wanted a husband, I wasn't actively seeking. Part of it was that I didn't know how or where to look. But I also trusted that God would make it happen when the time was right even if I did nothing.

A simple sermon eliminated both excuses.

Have you heard the saying, "God helps them that help themselves"? If you think it comes from the Bible, you're wrong. The proverb dates back to only the 15th or 16th century. But even though it isn't in the Bible, there is some Christian truth in it. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul says: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." And how many of us think God wants us to sit back and wait for a job without even sending out resumes?

Still, I would rephrase the proverb this way: God wants us to be active participants in His plans for us.

That was the message in the sermon, and the minister used finding a mate as an example. He was a counselor for a computer dating service that catered to Christians and Jews, but many people failed to make use of the service because they expected God to handle everything.

That sermon was my wake-up call. I signed up for the computer dating service and met Roland. He was my second match, and I was his second match. But there is nothing second-class about our marriage.

Thirty-two years of wedded bliss (and a few bumps) that almost didn't happen.

So if you are searching for Mr. or Ms. Right, don't just sit back and wait. Be an active participant in God's plans for you.

Even if His plans turn out to be different from yours.


Thank you, Kathryn!
Blessings!

Welcome to Paul Baines!


I enjoyed hosting the discussion of Paul's book: Alpha Redemption at the ACFW bookclub particularly because I'm not a sci-fi fan. But I'll have to tell you, by the time I finished the book and concluded the discussion, I not only appreciated the fact that I read the book, but learned a lot in the process. No doubt I'll be reading more of Paul's books. 

AND if you're a fan of sci-fi, or know someone who is, then here's your chance to get a free book. As always, leave comment and email address.  


Paul, 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?


Yes and yes (well, sort of). I haven't loved writing all my life, but certainly for a long time. I used to mess around with writing during English lessons at school. When I should have been writing a serious essay I would make up some weird story instead. It meant I had to finish the serious stuff later, but I had great fun. As for the 'call', it was more of a reply. I asked God what I could do for Him, and I suddenly (over a matter of weeks) found myself with a story rattling around inside my head that refused to go away until I wrote it down.

LOL. My writing buddy in high school and I use to spend our study halls (which should have been spent on studying) writing short stories and poems. What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write mostly science fiction (or sci-fi) which, along with fantasy, horror, supernatural, and a few others, falls under the general umbrella of Speculative Fiction (aka the 'weird' stuff). All fiction is speculative to some degree, but Speculative Fiction (or spec-fic as it is often called) is generally considered more imaginative than the other genres, in that it deals with scenarios that tend to stray further away from what would normally be considered possible. Sci-fi often takes scientific ideas and then runs with them to see where they may or may not go. Within sci-fi you get various nuances, such as 'soft' and 'hard', which basically refers to the level of scientific detail within the story. In a 'soft' sci-fi story, there may be very little reference to science and technology, or things traditionally associated with sci-fi (such as aliens, space-ships, robots, etc.). In such a story, the traditional sci-fi elements may act merely as a backdrop for the story.

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?

This varies wildly. I write when I can, which can range from a few minutes to many hours. My published novel (Alpha Redemption) took me about three months to finish whereas my current story was started about five years ago and I am still only 80% through.

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

It is called Alpha Redemption and is an example of what you would call 'soft' sci-fi. I usually refer to it as a human drama in outer space, or 'Robinson Crusoe' meets '2001: A Space Odyssey'. The story revolves around Brett Denton, who has volunteered to take part in an experimental speed-of-light mission to Alpha Centauri. By doing this, he hopes to escape from his troubles and a recent tragedy involving his family. His only companion on the trip is a learning-capable computer (called Jay). At first Brett is irritated by the computer's constant questioning but, with time, an unlikely friendship blossoms. With Jay's help, Brett finds healing and rediscovers his faith in God.

Alpha Redemption is available from all major online bookstores:

Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle) http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Redemption-P-Baines/dp/0986451746/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Amazon.co.uk (paperback and Kindle) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alpha-Redemption-P-Baines/dp/0986451746/ref=cm_cmu_up_thanks_hdr

Amazon.de (paperback and Kindle) http://www.amazon.de/Alpha-Redemption-P-Baines/dp/0986451746

Barnes and Noble (paperback and Nook) http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Alpha-Redemption/PA-Baines/e/9780986451744/

Splashdown Books (paperback) http://www.splashdownbooks.com/alpharedemption.html

Eden.co.uk (paperback) http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/alpha-redemption-3772080.html

The Book Depository (paperback) http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Alpha-Redemption-PA-Baines/9780986451744

Smashwords (various ebook formats) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/25099

Kobo Books (ebook) http://kobobooks.com/ebook/Alpha-Redemption/book-f51T2WH1n06lW5luzlUOHA/page1.html

No excuse not to order it! What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

In writing Alpha Redemption, I wanted to show that God will never forsake you, no matter how far you run.

Which you very capably did! 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?

Many times. I think if I were to count the number of rejection letters I have received over the years, then that would be about the number of times I wanted to stop writing. The hardest part for me was to have people look at my work and say 'wow, you should be published' only to have each and every submission returned with a polite rejection slip. I think the only reason I never gave up was because my very first novel was accepted by a reputable agent in New York. That said to me that I could be published one day, if only I persisted. Sometimes I wished I hadn't been accepted by that agent, because it made it impossible for me to quit.

Oh, the determination and persistence of writers. Who has more of it than them? Who’s inspired you the most?

My family were always a huge inspiration. I recently had a conversation with my kids and we discussed what they thought of my long road to publication. My daughter said that it inspires her to keep going, even when everything looks hopeless. Apart from that, reading about Stephen King's struggle for publication was a huge inspiration to me. I figured that if Stephen King could get a lot of rejection slips, then I shouldn't expect it to get by without a few of my own.

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

I used to select publishers based on the books they had on their lists, and how open they were to new writers. If I saw a book similar to mine on their list of published books, then I would submit. For Alpha Redemption, I handed it to God. My prayer always used to be: 'Please let it be published.'

This time my prayer was: 'Please don't let this be published, unless you want it to be.' I entered it into an online premise contest and a publisher saw it and asked to read it. After some small adjustments, Grace Bridges of Splashdown Books offered to publish it.

As for sitting back and relaxing: no way! Well, I suppose you could but you would not sell many books. In fact, I would say that trying to persuade people to invest their time and money in an unknown author is almost as difficult as finding a publisher. The fact is that, unless you end up with a big publisher who thinks your book is a potential bestseller, you are going to have to do most of the marketing yourself.

That's so true. Even those published with "big" publishers, well, if they don't do well, are in danger of not publishing again with that publisher. Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

My first career was in the fitness industry, so I have always been a bit of a fitness fanatic. I was slow and heavy as a kid, but managed to improve my general athletic ability through sheer hard work. I think that this was an important lesson for me. Recently, I started playing rugby again so that I could play in the same team as my son. I forgot how much I missed the game. As far as travel goes, I would like to spend my life travelling to exotic places. I moved around a lot as a kid, so I suppose it's in my blood. I would love to see the pyramids.

Ooooh! What sci-fi book you could get from the pyramids! Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

My personal author website is: http://www.pabaines.com/ with a list of reviews for Alpha Redemption here: http://www.pabaines.com/page8.htm. Amazon reviews can be found here: http://amzn.to/fdJ45u

I am also part of a joint blog here: http://newauthors.wordpress.com/ (I am listed in the alumni section and currently only blog about once a month)

 
Thank you so much, Paul, for being here this week.
Readers, comments and email addresses will put you in the running for a book from Paul.
 
Blessings!

CONTEST:

Summer Reading Extravaganza

BOOKS!

    BOOKS!


        BOOKS!

Hot diggety dog! My friend, Suzanne, and I are cooking up some summer relaxation time for TWO people.

• FOUR books for ONE Fortunte (LUCKY?) person who's chosen from this blog and . . .
• FOUR books for ONE fortunate (LUCKY?) person who's chosen from Suzanne's blog!

What more could a reader ask for than to have FOUR FREE BOOKS given to them to enjoy all summer long?

Here's what to do:

• Comment whenever you see a post about this summer reading extravaganza! I'll make sure to have at least one or two mentions a week about this contest! Don't miss out; you get your name in the "baggie" for every comment.

Want EXTRA chances? Then . . .

• Broadcast this contest! On your blog. Facebook. Twitter. Shoutlife. Email. Snail Mail. Word of mouth. Airplane messages. Message in a bottle. Messenger Boy. I trust you. Just make sure you mention it in your comments HERE so I can add your name.
• Check out my friend Suzanne's blog for an extra chance. And don't forget, by doing that, you're getting chances to win her FOUR books too.
• Become a follower

And here's the books I'm giving away to ONE person who's chosen from my blog:

• The General's Notorious Widow by Stephan Bly (historical western)
• The Restitution by M. L. Tyndall (historical/pirates)
• Rain Song by Alice Wisler (contemporary dealing w/a woman raised in Japan but who vows never to return)
• Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart (contemporary w/touches of suspense and humor)

Here's Suzanne's blog addy:
http://suzanne-hartmann2.blogspot.com/

And the four books she's giving away:

• Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs
• Almost Forever by Deb Raney
• The Alarmists by Don Hoesel
• An Irishwoman's Tale by Patti Lacy (autographed)

Best wishes for a happy summer of reading!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Quotes that speak to my heart.
Patriotism
Old Glory
Brainstorming sessions
Perseverence
Peace
Courage
Faithfulness
Honor
The military

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone,

It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave!

-- Patrick Henry

Patriotic Blessings!

I Love Having Stephanie Morrill . . .
here today.

Know a teen or young adult who loves writing? Here's a chance for her/him to learn more about writing by visiting Stephanie's blog.

Or if you're into blogging, or just find blogging a boring, but necessary part of your writing career, then read on to discover how Stephanie learned that blogging was indeed her thing.

Blogging Blessings

Once upon a time, I hated blogging.

I knew it was something I needed to do, so I sucked it up, and I made myself. I tried my best to be a good blogger, but following all the advice seemed impossible. According to the experts, I needed to be interesting, I needed to be succinct, I needed to post 5 days a week, and I needed to not talk about myself. I was a stay-at-home with a toddler. If I wasn’t playing with my daughter, I was working on The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series. What on earth did I have to talk about 5 days a week?

For nearly 2 years, blogging was a drudgery. Especially because I was getting, like 7 hits a day. I began asking God for a solution.

I’m a YA writer, so most my email from readers comes from teens. About 99% of them tell me how much they enjoyed the books, then tack on, “I’m a writer too. Do you have any tips for me?”

One evening, while I was doing dishes and thinking about the latest teen who’d emailed me, I had the idea for Go Teen Writers. (http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/) I thought “Instead of constantly emailing responses to that question, wouldn’t it be great to build a community of teen writers?”

Over a year later, Go Teen Writers is a growing community of teen and twenty-something writers. This year, we’re walking through the process of writing a novel, and it’s so fun to learn alongside them.

I hold writing contests every month, the most recent of which the teens were invited to submit the first 150 words of their novel to be critiqued by published authors.
(http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2011/06/winning-entries-from-free-write.html) The talent of those teens is astounding. I have no doubts that they will reach their goals of being published if they decide to pursue it.

My guess is Go Teen Writers isn’t tripling my book sales or anything, but I love the site regardless. I love interacting with the writers. I love learning about their culture and what they’re writing and why.

If you’re a young writer, come on over. If you’re a published writer (books or periodicals), and you’d like to invest in the next generation of novelists, please email me (http://stephaniemorrillbooks.com/contact/) and we’ll chat about possibilities.

For me, the key to enjoying blogging has been finding a way to bless my audience. My daughter, who is 3 ½, loves to tell me the story of Cinderella. She often ends it with, “And they married happily ever after.” As a girl who once upon a time hated blogging, I think the story of Go Teen Writers and why it exists would end, “And she blogged happily ever after.”

Stephanie Morrill is a twenty-something living in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband and two kids. Her only talents are reading, writing, and drinking coffee, so career options were somewhat limited. Fortunately, she discovered a passion for young adult novels and has been writing them ever since. Stephanie is the author of The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series and is currently working on other young adult projects. She enjoys encouraging and teaching teen writers and does so on her blog http://www.goteenwriters.com/. To connect with Stephanie and read samples of her books, check out http://www.stephaniemorrillbooks.com/.

Thank you, Stephanie, for being here today!
Blessings, readers!

CONTEST:
Summer Reading Extravaganza
BOOKS!
   

    BOOKS!

   
       BOOKS!

Hot diggety dog! My friend, Suzanne, and I are cooking up some summer relaxation time for TWO people.



FOUR books for ONE Fortunte (LUCKY?) person who's chosen from this blog and . . .

FOUR books for ONE fortunate (LUCKY?) person who's chosen from Suzanne's blog!



What more could a reader ask for than to have FOUR FREE BOOKS given to them to enjoy all summer long?

Here's what to do:

• Comment whenever you see a post about this summer reading extravaganza! I'll make sure to have at least one or two mentions a week about this contest! Don't miss out; you get your name in the "baggie" for every comment.

Want EXTRA chances? Then . . .

• Broadcast this contest! On your blog. Facebook. Twitter. Shoutlife. Email. Snail Mail. Word of mouth. Airplane messages. Message in a bottle. Messenger Boy. I trust you. Just make sure you mention it in your comments HERE so I can add your name.
• Check out my friend Suzanne's blog for an extra chance. And don't forget, by doing that, you're getting chances to win her FOUR books too.
• Become a follower

And here's the books I'm giving away to ONE person who's chosen from my blog:

• The General's Notorious Widow by Stephan Bly (historical western)
• The Restitution by M. L. Tyndall (historical/pirates)
• Rain Song by Alice Wisler (contemporary dealing w/a woman raised in Japan but who vows never to return)
• Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart (contemporary w/touches of suspense and humor)

Here's Suzanne's blog addy:
http://suzanne-hartmann2.blogspot.com/

And the four books she's giving away:

• Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs
• Almost Forever by Deb Raney
• The Alarmists by Don Hoesel
• An Irishwoman's Tale by Patti Lacy (autographed)

Best wishes for a happy summer of reading!

Please Welcome Ann Gabhart as She Visits This Week!

Ann's giving away TWO books this week; one each of the two listed here--to two wonderful commenters! Leave your comment and email address. YOU might be the one chosen!

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 picked up pen and notebook when I was ten years old and began writing a mystery something like the Hardy Boy mysteries that I loved to read, but this one starred me and my sister and cousin. I’ve been writing ever since. So I don’t know if I got a “call” but I do think I might have been born with the writing bug.

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

I’ve written a lot of different kinds of books. My first published books back in 1978 and 1980 were historical romances for the general market. Then I published eleven books for young people. These were mostly coming of age stories with a little mystery and romance. Now I’m writing for the inspirational market, but I’m still writing different types of books. I’ve written family dramas, and historical stories set in a Shaker village and novels with other historical backgrounds. So you can see I like to keep my writing options open. My goal would be to claim the genre of a good story. I’m also glad that in the inspirational field I can explore my characters’ faith journeys no matter which type story I’m writing. What we believe or do not believe is such an important part of our lives. How can we tell the whole story without including what makes us tick?

You're so right! 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 want to write every day, but sometimes life intrudes. And sometimes, even though I want to write, I sharpen pencils. That is, I put off the hard work of creating by checking e-mails, Facebook or gosh, my birdfeeder is empty. I mean who can work when the birdfeeder is empty!! But once I get the delaying tactics out of the way, I settle in to work. I treat my writing like a job and spend a lot of time at my desk. I do like to set goals, but instead of words I usually think in pages. That’s because I started writing on a typewriter and not a word processor. Back then, you watched the pile of pages grow. I have always set goals even before I had deadlines, but with deadlines, I have to get more serious with the goals I set. Right now with a deadline looming, I’m trying to up my writing goal of five pages to a near impossible goal – for me – of ten pages a day. That means I almost always get my five pages at least. I have written books in six months but I’m more comfortable doing a book a year. My novels are usually well over 100,000 words and there’s that history to research in my historical novels.

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

Angel Sister was released in February. It is a story of my heart since I loosely based the background and the characters in the book on the stories my mother told me about growing up during the Great Depression years. Kate, the young girl in the story has the same kind of can-do spirit that my mother has always had. The father in the story is a blacksmith. My grandfather was a blacksmith. The father in the story served in World War I. My grandfather served in WW I, but he was a cook and never had to go “over the top” and out of the trenches into battle the way my hero did. In the story, the terrible memories of the war along with the Depression and the rise in popularity of motor vehicles threatening his livelihood push Victor to turn to the bottle for relief. His wife, Nadine loves him, but she can’t handle his alcoholism. The story is told through three viewpoints, fourteen-year-old Kate and Nadine and Victor. Threaded through the story is the flashback WW I romance between Nadine and Victor. Throw in a couple of oddball characters, two grandfathers who think they run Rosey Corner, and a little girl named Lorena Birdsong who is deserted on the church steps by parents too destitute to take care of her and you have a story of love, faith, forgiveness and new beginnings.

I also have a new Shaker novel, The Blessed, releasing the first of July. It’s 1844 in my Harmony Hill Shaker village. That was during the Shakers’ Era of Manifestations, perhaps the strangest era in Shaker history. Lacey Bishop’s life is a tangled mess. When she was twelve her father sent her to live at the preacher’s house to care for the man’s ailing wife. Years pass and all is well until the wife dies and the preacher convinces Lacey, now a beautiful young woman, that the only decent thing to do is marry him. That way she can continue to act as a mother to the little girl who was left as a baby on the preacher’s doorstep. But Lacey never expected he would decide to take them all to a Shaker village. There she’s still married but living in a community that believes marriage is a sin. To make matters worse she finds herself drawn to Isaac Kingston, a man who came to the Shakers after his young bride died. But of course any notion of love between them is no more than a forbidden dream. Lacey must stop leaning on others’ beliefs and find her own way to the Lord and his purpose for her life.

They sound fascinating. What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

In Angel Sister, the story deals with the power of forgiveness and how withholding forgiveness can poison our spirits. In certain situations, the one who forgives can profit more from the act of forgiveness than the one who is forgiven.

In The Blessed, my characters must each find their own way to faith. While those around us can give us much support and encouragement to believe, the decision is always one each individual must make for himself or herself.

Good spiritual themes. 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?

I have never felt like giving up. I have felt that perhaps I should give up. That I was wasting my time and energy writing stories that nobody wanted to read. At least stories that no editor or publisher thought anyone would want to read. But I never quit writing. Sometimes I slowed down. There were times I took part time jobs to help pay the bills and was unable to write as much as I wanted. Other times discouragement made the writing difficult. But I never quit completely. I am a writer and so I want to write down stories.

I’ve had several dry periods in my writing career. Not writing dry spells, but publishing my writing dry spells. I had two historical romances published in 1978 and 1980, but then I didn’t keep up with market trends and was told my books were “too clean.” So I switched over to the young adult market and was able to publish eleven novels for young teens and middle readers. I liked writing for young adults, but my market dried up there too. I suffered through several years of writing but getting nothing but reject after reject. Suffered is an apt word. My stories were never quite right. So I decided to forget the market and write a story I loved. That turned out to be The Scent of Lilacs and that story did find a loving editor in the inspirational market. A couple of my much rejected stories have been published now after some rewriting. So if you want to write, keep on believing in your stories and write.

Great advice for the unpublished. Who’s inspired you the most?

I like reading books on writing and other writers’ stories about how they got started writing and made their first sale. I had never met another writer before I published my first novel. I couldn’t really say I ever did more than say hello to any other writer before I started publishing in the inspirational market. Now I count several writers among my friends and we can encourage one another. But as a beginning writer, I never had that teacher or family member who read my writing and encouraged me to continue. My mother thought I could do whatever I set my mind to do, but as a young adult, I was very secretive about my desire to be a writer. I was afraid everybody would think I was crazy to even dream such a big dream of being a writer. But the urge to see my words in print was strong within me and it couldn’t be denied.

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

For most of my writing career, I wrote the stories and then hoped beyond hope that some publisher would choose to publish it. I did have an agent before I sold my first novel, and I did sort of pick that person with nothing but chance going for me at the time. I was a very young writer then. When I changed agents a few years ago, I was much more sensible about choosing an agent by asking advice and doing my research.

I think you can tell by my previous answers that no, I can’t sit back and relax because I’m published. I want to write more stories and I want readers to have the opportunity to read those stories. That means I have to come up with good ideas and then I have to get those ideas out of my head and into a book. And now I’m thankful for deadlines even when they loom. A deadline means I get to dive into a new story.

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

• I like babies and children. I have nine grandchildren and they are all beautiful and smart.
• I like small churches where everybody is like family.
• I like walking in the woods with my dogs.
• I like meeting reading friends in person or on line.
• I like strawberries straight out of the patch.
• I like a good story and endings that let me hang on to hope for the characters.
• I like bluebirds in the fields and hummingbirds buzzing my feeders.
• I like to see little boys playing in the dirt and little girls splashing in puddles.

There is so very much to like that I could go on forever.

• I don’t much like politics.
• I don’t like unhappy endings.
• I don’t like rejections.
• I don’t like caviar or turnip greens.
• I don’t like watching my mother struggle with memory loss.

To relax, I enjoy hiking and reading – of course. It’s fun to have my grandkids come visit. Learning new things about history is great, so I don’t mind doing research. I don’t watch much TV except when the University of Kentucky basketball team is playing. I’m a big Cats’ fan.

As far as traveling, I’d like to visit all the National Parks and walk in the waves on a dozen different beaches and hike up a hundred mountain trails. I’d like to go to Alaska and Hawaii. But then I like it here at home too.

You sound like my kind of friend. Smile. Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

• My website is http://www.annhgabhart.com/. I send out occasional newsletters and you can sign up for them from my website. I do book giveaways several times a year that I list on my website and tell readers about in my newsletters.
• I blog on most Wednesdays and Sundays on One Writer’s Journal at http://www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com/. I also have an author page on Facebook – Ann H Gabhart – and I tweet on Twitter under the user name annhgabhart.
• I do enjoy hearing from readers and try to personally respond to each e-mail I receive. I also enjoy talking to book clubs in person if the book club is close enough to drive or by phone if the club is far away.

Thanks, Carole, for inviting me over to talk to your reading friends. It’s been fun sharing about my books and my writing.

And, thank you, Ann, for visiting. We wish you much success in your writing.

Blessings! 

CONTEST:
Summer Reading Extravaganza


BOOKS!


        BOOKS!


                BOOKS!

Hot diggety dog! My friend, Suzanne, and I are cooking up some summer relaxation time for two people.

FOUR books for ONE Fortunte (LUCKY?) person who's chosen from this blog and . . .
FOUR books for ONE fortunate (LUCKY?) person who's chosen from Suzanne's blog!

What more could a reader ask for than to have FOUR FREE BOOKS given to them to enjoy all summer long?

Here's what to do:

• Comment whenever you see a post about this summer reading extravaganza! I'll make sure to have at least one or two mentions a week about this contest! Don't miss out; you get your name in the "baggie" for every comment.

Want EXTRA chances? Then . . .

• Broadcast this contest! On your blog. Facebook. Twitter. Shoutlife. Email. Snail Mail. Word of mouth. Airplane messages. Message in a bottle. Messenger Boy. I trust you. Just make sure you mention it in your comments HERE so I can add your name.

• Check out my friend Suzanne's blog for an extra chance. And don't forget, by doing that, you're getting chances to win her FOUR books too.

And here's the books I'm giving away to ONE person who's chosen from my blog:

• The General's Notorious Widow by Stephan Bly (historical western)
• The Restitution by M. L. Tyndall (historical/pirates)
• Rain Song by Alice Wisler (contemporary dealing w/a woman raised in Japan but who vows never to return)
• Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart (contemporary w/touches of suspense and humor)

Here's Suzanne's blog addy:



http://suzanne-hartmann2.blogspot.com/
And the four books she's giving away:

• Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs
• Almost Forever by Deb Raney
• The Alarmists by Don Hoesel
• An Irishwoman's Tale by Patti Lacy (autographed)

End Date for both giveaways? June 30th.

Have a sizzling hot summer of fun!

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Couples laughing
Busy days
people who enjoy their meals
hope for tomorrow
people who enjoy their singing even when they can't carry a tune
roses in my garden
frogs croaking
decks to overlook my garden pond
cool days
enthusiastic people

There are Winners . . . And More Winners!

May's over and the BIG contest for May is over too! Without further ado, I'm going to give you the names of those who won a book. Ta da . . .


Wendy
Eileen
Linda Kish
Books are a Blessing
Tomynate
Jan Marie
Jo (ladijo)
Brookside Medi
Christian Book Nook (ibjoy)
Miss Kallie
Karen Lange
Arlene
Jeanette Levigne
Linda Glaz
Faye (crazi swan)
Lorilyn triple C
Diane Estrella
Cathy Shouse
Amanda 38401
Rose McCauley

Roseanna White won the Pirates kit from Eddie Jones
Pegg Thomas won Sharon Elliott's Suit of Armor for women

Please give me till the end of the month to get your book to you (that's if you respond promptly to your notification email I'm getting ready to send you)

THANK YOU, beloved followers, for participating!

Want some extra books for your summer reading? Look for the next contest coming RIGHT AWAY!

Blessings!

Welcome, Eileen Rife. We're Happy You're Visiting This Week!

She's giving away a copy of her book, Chosen Ones! Leave a comment and email address for a chance to win it!

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?


When I was a child, I used to walk to school. To fill the time, I created characters who talked to one another, creating conflict and developing a story line. Later, I delved into drama, acting on stage and writing plays. Since I received good feedback, I began to try my hand at other writing projects. However, I didn’t pursue publication until 11 years ago.

What fun imaginations are! What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write both Christian fiction (romance, contemporary issues, women’s fiction, general) and Christian nonfiction on topics that deal with marriage, spiritual growth, and contemporary issues the Church faces in our culture today.

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?

Someone once asked a mother of five, “Which child is your favorite?” The mother said, “The child who is sick or needy.”

In some ways, that’s true of my work day. Typically, I devote equal amounts of time to several pursuits: researching, writing, marketing, teaching, and speaking. However, if one of those babies is in critical need, as in a deadline to meet or my creative juices are particularly flowing in that area on a given day, I will devote more attention to that baby.

If I’m able to devote at least four hours a day, three – four days a week to writing, I can complete a first draft in around two to three months. Of course, then comes the rewriting and critiquing by others. All told, a novel might stay in my hands as long as a couple years before editing and publication are complete, and that’s if the novel has already been contracted by a publishing company. And even after publication, I still find errors and areas that need further work. Writing is an art form which requires continual study and growth.

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

CHOSEN ONES profiles a missionary couple in crisis who unexpectedly meet a child taken captive.

Here is the back cover blurb:

Life in Chennai, India is complicated. While Maggie and Gavin Munsfield adjust to a new baby, missionary friends Dan and Yvonne Pratt experience the heartbreak of infertility and miscarriage. When their lives intersect with a young girl caught up in the horrors of sex trafficking, each of them will receive a precious gift. But will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome so different than what they expected and hoped for?

Oh, my, it sounds fantastic! What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

I want readers to come away with two things:

1. A greater awareness of the horrific crime of the sex industry.
2. A determination to help stop human trafficking in our lifetime.

Good goals. 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?

Do I ever feel like giving up? Oh, just every other day, sometimes more, sometimes less. Whenever I feel especially discouraged, I ask the Lord, “Is writing really what You want me to do, or is there something else I’m supposed to devote my time and energy to for Your Kingdom?”

Invariably, I receive a book order, an email, letter, or phone call from a reader sharing how much my writing has encouraged her/him. Here’s a note that accompanied a book order the other day:

“You keep writing! God has given you a special gift.”

The best inspiration to keep writing, definitely. Who’s inspired you the most?

In the writing realm, I would have to say Francine Rivers and Angela Hunt, my two favorite Christian authors.

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

OakTara picked up my first novel, Journey to Judah, Book one in the Born for India trilogy, after Writers Edge accepted the proposal. The agency posted the proposal along with chapter one on their website and in their print magazine which goes out to around 75 Christian publishers.

After waiting a year and a half, I received an email from the editors at OakTara saying they liked the book idea and wanted to see the full manuscript. A year later the novel was released with two other books in the series contracted by the same company.

Another stand-alone title, Second Chance, has also been contracted by OakTara.

Since I have only worked with this one publishing company, my experience is limited. I still very much consider myself a novice in the writing journey. I know that I must continue to hone my skills, seek the Lord’s direction, and listen for His still small voice every day to know the next step He has for me.

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

• Screw bugs in my popcorn—definitely a dislike! In fact, this little shield-backed fellow winds up in my next novel, as my protagonist crunches into one by accident while eating, yep, popcorn!
• I sing and play the piano, both for my own pleasure and in ministry.
• I design my own cards and bookmarks under the name, “Artistic Expressions by Grandma Eileen.”
• But my biggest interest these days is playing with my six grandchildren, ages four and under. When they’re around, you can find me under a homemade tent in the living room reading stories with a penlight, racing matchbox cars across the kitchen linoleum, or playing dress up.
• While I’ve been to Canada, several parts of India, and Uganda, I have yet to tour Europe. I’ve endured several layovers in Europe on route to other places, but never any extended trips there. That’s where I would go, especially Ireland, Greece, and Switzerland.

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.eileenrife.com/

http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Available in paperback, Kindle and Nook formats.

A portion of proceeds from CHOSEN ONES supports a girl through Destiny Rescue who has been placed in a Safe House for counseling, education, and a gospel witness.


We wish you the best and many more published books.
Thank you, Eileen, for your wonderful, inspiring comments!
Blessings, Readers! Don't forget to leave your comments and email addresses for a chance to win her book.

Monday Morning Gratitudes

My hubby's laugh
The confidence I can lean on my husband if I need to
The flower bouquet my No. 1 son put together
The great father my No. 2 son makes
Chapstick!
Batteries!
Central air/air conditioners!
Memorial Day fun with family--cookout and swimming
Mischievious boys
Pontoon boats that help a family have a good time together.

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace



That heart that loves is always young.

Greek Proverb

Blessings!

A Review of The Resurrection by Mike Duran
Back Cover:

When Ruby Case raises a boy from the dead, she creates an uproar in the quiet coastal town of Stonetree. Some brand her a witch; others, a godsend. But the controversy is just beginning. For the resurrection has awakened more than just a dead boy.

Reverend Ian Clark does not believe in miracles. Haunted by demons, both past and present, he is resigning from the ministry and has no interest in the city’s spiritual climate, much less it’s urban legends. But he is about to get a wake up call.

Together, Ruby and Reverend Clark are thrust into a search for answers . . . and a collision with unspeakable darkness. For the forces unleashed by Ruby threaten to destroy them all. In the coming battle this unlikely duo is the town’s only hope. But can they overcome their own brokenness in time to stop the evil, or will they be its next victim?

My Take:

Duran’s skill in weaving a variety of plots and subplots into the story was masterful. His careful alluding to the artifacts, the real meaning of Mr. Cellophane, even the real purpose for Reverend Clark and his stumbling wimpishness were all threads that provoked interest, Ruby’s meek, rather bland life, but subtly strong personality had me rooting for her from the beginning. Her crippled leg only added to the interesting image we saw. Reverend Clark and Ruby’s problems and personalities only aided and abetted the plots.

As usual, the church is the center for unrest and disturbance. As in most churches, the peaceful, believing Christians grow alongside those lacking in faith. Reverend Clark’s church was no exception. Members of the elite board fought change. Ruby and her two best friends pray for revival. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Ruby, God works through her in the raising of a dead teenager. Troubled by the sudden uprising of the town’s viewing of her miraculous power, she searches for truth. Why does she not have the power to raise others? What was the purpose of the boy’s resurrection? Shaken at the vision that literally lays her on the ground, she fights to maintain her mentality and normal existence. Only when Ruby finally understands the ultimate sacrifice demanded of her—death—does she find the answers she’s seeking.

Reverend Clark, on the other hand, has his own personal demons to fight. After the death of his beloved sister, and the divorce and desertion of his wife, Clark dips deeper and deeper into a melancholy state, unsure of his own beliefs, doubtful of God’s existence in the form the church has always viewed it. In a dangerous move, he turns to a seeming friend who dabbles in an evil that hovers over the community. On top of that, Clark is visited by a ghostly figure he daubs Mr. Cellophane, flees from the presence, and refuses to deal with it. At the peak of his despair, Clark, faced with a resurrection he can neither explain nor believe in, is forced to face his doubts. Once questioning and seeking, he sees the answers and begins down the path that will lead to ultimate victory, not only for his own spiritual welfare, but his church and the community as a whole.

The setting was prevalent and lent a weird feeling to the story. Talk of the fogs that hovered over the community, the atmosphere of smallness, the blend of education and backwardness, the mountains and valleys all were a part drawing the reader deeper into the story.

This was a fascinating story that lovers of a touch of “other worldly” will love.

 
Blessings!

Please Welcome Melinda Evaul to My Blog This Week!
She's giving away a copy of her "Grow Old With Me!" Please leave your comment and email address.

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 started writing about six years ago when my mother needed constant care and came to live with us. Writing became stress relief from the care giving and a break from her game shows and baseball games.

While communicating with people on a TV show forum site, I felt called to tell them that God had more to offer than the world. My posts communicated my faith. God gradually led me to attend conferences and online classes. I honed my skills so I could extend my witness for Him. Since then, I’ve written four novels, won several article contests, and published an article. Grow Old With Me is my debut novel. My other books may get a facelift in the future.

English was a strong point for me during school. I’ve always enjoyed creating stories in my head and I won essay contests back then. I never considered writing as a career. It’s my mid-life change of pace.

What is the genre you write in?

I write contemporary inspirational romance.

Would you explain what it is?

My novels are modern day love stories. I like to show the development of a true-to-life relationship where internal conflicts or external problems keep the hero and heroine apart. My characters grow closer to God as their personal relationship develops.
How do you spend your writing days?

I teach or attend water aerobics in the mornings and write during the afternoon and evenings. Add that to pastor’s wife, grandmother, and part-time nurse—life is very full. I’m in the research phase for my next book. It’s the time where I get to know my characters, learn about their spiritual needs, and form the plot in my head.

Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?

I try to have a goal but it’s not a rigid plan. I make lists and end up ignoring them when other items take precedence. I never have enough hours in the day to accomplish the items on the “to do” lists.

Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I’m a perfectionist. Letting go of my “baby” is hard. I allow myself a year to pull everything together and arrive at the point where the book is ready for viewing.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us?

Grow Old With Me
Novel # 1 in the Quilt Trail Series
A modern day Beauty and the Beast meet in their fifties when a disfigured carpenter becomes a long-term guest at a bed and breakfast in the western-style tourist town of Love Valley, NC.


Benjamin Pruitt plans to repair the town’s buildings before retiring to a solitary life. Sarah Campbell longs for freedom since her long task as caregiver has ended.


Can Benjamin and Sarah piece the tattered remnants of their lives into a beautiful design to warm their waning years?
This back copy from my novel gives a hint at the story. Grow Old With Me pairs two middle-aged, hurting, and damaged people who discover they complete each other. Along the way, they develop a strong relationship with God.

It’s set in the real town of Love Valley, NC. Most descriptions are true to the town. You can view pictures of Love Valley on my website. The characters and some structural details are fiction. Mosey Inn doesn’t exist. The house on the cover is miles from Love Valley. I found it while following a quilt trail. The Unicoi County Heritage Museum in Erwin, TN was the home I’d imagined while writing about Sarah’s B&B. If the mention of a quilt trial leaves you clueless, visit my website to learn about quilt barns and quilt trails.
How and where can readers buy your books?

The paperback version is available from my website http://melindaevaul.com The e-book version is sold on Amazon. I’m formatting the book for Nook and other e-book readers. I’ll eventually have the paperback edition available in other locations. Those are items on that perpetual “to do” list.
What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

My focus verses for Grow Old With Me came from Heb. 4:15-16. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (KJV)

Just think about it! Christ faced every tough question and temptation of life. God lets us boldly ask questions. He can equip us to face every need and never turns us away when we seek answers. God longs for us to be totally dependant on Him. That was the message Benjamin and Sarah needed to learn. I’ve faced some tough situations in my Christian walk too. My works of fiction allow me to share answers with readers who face similar fears and questions.
Do you ever feel like giving up?

Of course! Writing is hard work but so rewarding when God uses the words I write to change lives.

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?

I sought agents and publishers for Grow Old With Me. I wrote this book based on a request from a publisher. I felt sure they would offer me a contract. After six months, they rejected it. I realized I could sell this series as niche books to an audience of quilters and people who value the heritage of rural America. Once I found that target audience, I established roads to reach them. The traditional publishing route didn’t fit my goal, so I chose to publish my own book. I didn’t want to wait several years for my book to release and my story won’t languish in some draw or hard drive. I believe I wrote a book worth reading. God will place it in the hands of those He wants to reach with its Christian message.

Who’s inspired you the most?

My husband believed in me and encouraged me to devote time to writing. He’s a great proofreader and doesn’t hesitate to offer the male perspective for the hero. More than once, he told me Sarah’s words would offend Benjamin’s male ego. I thought she’d said words of encouragement! I listened to the male in my life. My critique partner, Lynn Dean, saw me through many edits and pushed me to write the best book possible. She helped my husband create a beautiful cover design and drew the interior quilt graphics. I wouldn’t be writing blog interviews without these two special people God placed in my life.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?”

It’s not a simple task in the world of traditional publication. As publishers shrink their yearly acquisitions, the field for new writers becomes very narrow. Agents and publishers reject most manuscripts. I decided to form my own publishing company, Winding Road Ink. In addition to creating the book design and hiring a printer, I handle the marketing. Most traditionally published authors fulfill that marketing task anyway. Thanks to e-books and POD technology, the cost was reasonable. I’m not sure I want the stress of a huge writing contract. I’d love to keep writing Christian fiction and living my life much as I do now. That’s another advantage to self-publication. I’m under no obligation to fulfill a deadline or contract unless I self-impose one.

Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Hardly! In many ways, the work has just begun. Marketing requires time. I love traveling and meeting new people. Receiving emails from readers and invitations to speak or do a book signing brings me great satisfaction. Book sales are consistent and readers are spreading the news about the novel and my husband’s beautiful note cards. I don’t expect to earn huge money. Few writers ever become rich. I’ve given myself six months to work on establishing this novel’s reader base. Another book in this series will broaden that field, so I’ll switch to the task of creating my next set of characters and a new spiritual dilemma. It’s a constant cycle of writing and marketing. My goal is to have another novel ready by Christmas of 2011.
Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests?

• The swimming pool is my second home since I can do exercises in the water I could never do on land.
• In my younger days, our family enjoyed snow skiing, hiking, and camping. I’m getting softer as I age, so a tent isn’t home after a hike.
• Photography is my husband’s hobby so we share that by traveling the quilt barn trails or some rural back road.
• Reading and chatting with my FB friends are downtime events.
• Spending time with my grandchildren is special treasure.

Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love cruises and have taken several fabulous excursions in the Caribbean. I won a travel-writing contest with an article I penned after a cruise. I’d love to visit Alaska at some point.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?

• My blog and webpage are at http://www.melindaevaul.com/
• I also send a quarterly newsletter to readers who subscribe.
• I joined Goodreads.com not long ago and have an author page there.
• April and May are travel months with a long book signing tour. A list of events and locations is on my website and at Melinda Evaul-Author on Facebook. If you live nearby, come see me.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Many of my husband’s photos are available for sale as note cards, prints, or postcards. We make a donation to preserve barns and the heritage of quilting from these sales.

Promotional information?

Contact me through the webpage or my publishing company email windingroadink@att.net
I love to hear from my readers.
Thank you for hosting me today, Carole. I’m anxious to see who gets the free copy of “Grow Old With Me.”

And thank you being on my blog, Melinda. Loved having you!
Readers, Comments and email addresses.
Blessings!