Rambling Friday:

MY THOUGHTS ON WRITING 

HUNTER'S ROSE

When I first began writing this book,

I was excited and thought I knew 

where I wanted to go with it.

The more I wrote, the less confident I was.

I 

But as I moved further into the story

I felt like I was not creating it as it should be.

I thought I was failing, repeating, overstating.

BUT...

I kept writing.

Kept my writing schedule most days.

And when I finally finished the book,

reread it as I edited

(and edited, and edited more)

I realized I loved the book,

loved Hunter and Rosita's relationship.

It was a nice feeling to know that my fretfulness over

the story not being as thorough or as good as I wanted,

was, actually, wrong. It was quite well done.

I give God all the glory for his help.

As much as I enjoy creating stories,

I know without his constant help and inspiration,

I would have quit a long time ago. 

If you love westerns, historicals, romance and a bit of suspense,

then you should check out this one. 

I think you'll enjoy it! 

ON PREORDER 

this month only!

$.99 Kindle

https://amzn.to/3ReNCen

 Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: This Month: A Contest for Readers

Do You Love to Read? 

Then this contest is for YOU!!

If you've read BOOK ONE of the

Troubles in the West series, 

(Caleb's Destiny),

and you want to win BOOK TWO

Hunter's Rose,

then this one's for you:

To win a copy of 

Hunter's Rose,

Here's what to do:  

1.  Share about this contest,

then post your link here in the comments on where you shared

2.  Tell me why you should win this contest

3.  And why you want to read 

It's easy and fun! 

Follow the directions above

Make sure you do all THREE of the requirements,

AND then later this month,

I will choose ONE person to win

a KINDLE copy of 

Hunter's Rose,

Book Two

of the

Troubles in the West series. 

Have fun! 

Serious Wednesday: A Warm Welcome to Linda Weaver Clarke!

I'm delighted to welcome Linda back to Sunnybank Secrets! She's a delightful author with quite a few novels. I hope you will check out the novels she's highlighting today!

Courageous Women Throughout History

The women of the past were brave and spirited ladies who knew what they wanted in life and wanted to make a difference. In the late 1700s, Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, was the first woman to stand up for women’s rights but America wasn’t ready for equality at that time.

There were many who spoke out on women’s rights. Elizabeth Stanton was one of them. She said that women should have the right to vote and receive an equal education. She had received higher education at Troy Seminary in New York and felt all women deserved the right to be educated.

When she gave lectures on the subject, it was frowned upon. A pastoral letter from a minister in Massachusetts said a woman who speaks publicly is “unwomanly and unchristian.” The pastor also mentioned that it would “threaten the female character with widespread and permanent injury.” Was this how the men really felt back then? Why were women being held back? Even though it was not proper, women still gave their opinions.

Elizabeth was also an abolitionist and fought adamantly against slavery, prejudice, and inequality but it was not readily accepted. When Elizabeth Stanton went with her husband to a convention in England that was against slavery, she tried to give her opinion but was put down and told that women were not permitted to give speeches. It was solely a man’s place to speak publicly.

Frederick Douglass, who was a public speaker, author, and statesman, said: “When the true history of the antislavery cause shall be written, women will occupy a large space in its pages; for the cause of the slave has been peculiarly a woman’s cause.”

Susan B. Anthony was another who fought for equal rights. When she defied the laws and voted illegally on November 5, 1872, in a presidential election, she was arrested and fined $100. But she refused to pay it. She said, “Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.” She was angry when she heard the politicians say that women wouldn’t understand politics, so there was no need to have them vote. It was up to the men to decide what was best.

These courageous women were an important part of history during this time period and made a difference. Did you know the first four states to give women the right to vote were Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho? It did not take long until women began running for office in each of these states.

Do you have some courageous ancestors that were an influence on you? I had a great grandmother who stood up for her rights and would not allow anyone to intimidate her. She was told by a group of men that if she denounced her religion then they would not burn down her home. The leader of the mob was a large burly man and she had every right to be frightened. But Martha would not give in to fear. She was a devout Christian and would not deny her Faith. With strength and courage, she stomped her foot and said: “You may burn it and be damned.”

I had another great-grandmother who was an influence on my life. When she saw some thieves stealing her grapes, she knew they would not be afraid of her if she tried to chase them off. An idea came to her. Frances put on her husband’s cavalry uniform, tucked her hair inside his hat, and grasped his sword from its scabbard. Bravely marching outside onto the porch, she brandished the weapon in a threatening manner and demanded in a loud voice “Leave or perish!” I’m sure she smiled inside when she saw them take off like scared rabbits. And maybe she was quaking in her shoes just a little from the experience?

All of us have challenges in our lives. Sometimes we wonder if we are the only ones who are experiencing difficulties. Have you ever felt that each trial you have endured was so difficult that you wondered where the “light at the end of the tunnel” was? Many times we don’t bother talking to anyone about it or asking for help. But we are not alone in our grief. Others have walked the same path.

It touched my heart when I read about another great grandmother’s experience, which was written by her daughter. Her courage and difficulties touched my heart.

Hannah and her husband came here to America in the mid-1800s for a better life. On the ship from England, Hannah’s one-year-old daughter became very ill, which resulted in deafness. One year after arriving in America, Hannah gave birth to a baby boy but she was not meant to have him long. He died six weeks later. A year later, the sheriff came to her door and announced that her husband had been murdered on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. Realizing she had to make a living for her children, Hannah took a job as a maid at the largest hotel in St. Louis, hoping to earn enough money to move on.

What a courageous woman! Would I have been that brave if I were Hannah? Would I have turned around and headed back to my family in England? Her family volunteered to pay her passage if she returned. But she chose to stay instead.

“No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This was Hannah’s attitude as she tried to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How many times do we search for that light, wondering where it is and hoping that our trials will soon end? Is God watching over us? Is He there when we need some comfort? In our darkest moment, does He know how we feel? I believe He does.

Five years later, Hannah earned enough money to board a riverboat and head northward, far away from St. Louis. That was when she met a wonderful man who fell in love with her. 

My great-grandmothers were an example to me. If I were in their shoes, I wonder if I would have had that much courage. After reading their biographies, I took their stories and created a series of novellas called Women of Courage. Hannah was the inspiration for the first novella. Using her experiences, I created a historical romance called The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

In The Light at the End of the Tunnel, Hannah is a young single mother who has had some hardships since arriving in America. But the trials in her life only make her stronger. Wanting to be independent, she opens a hot chocolate shop. At first, it’s a struggle. But she will not give up.

In A Lady of Refinement, Serenity is an educated young woman from Wales. After arriving in America, she decides to teach adults how to read and write. She is determined to help the citizens learn the enjoyment of reading. One of her favorite books is Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. No one seems to measure up to this valiant knight until Jonathan comes along.

In A Mississippi Sunset, Laura gives lectures regularly, encouraging women to fight for their beliefs
and be heard. Equality is her message. But she soon finds out that women who speak publicly are looked down upon and criticized, saying it is unwomanly and unchristian to speak publicly. But she has faith in God and knows He will help her in the cause for justice.

Here's a link to a video that Linda created to share about her books. Check it out!

https://vimeo.com/721762655

Connect with Linda here:  

Learn about your heritage at FamilySearch: https://www.familysearch.org

Author’s Official Website: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Family Friendly Blog:
https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Thanks for joining Linda and me today! 

Serious Wednesday: Welcome to Linda Weaver Clarke and her Newest Book!

Isn't this stunningly beautiful? --

Linda Weaver Clarke's newest book,

And she's willing to give one commenter an

e-book copy of it!!

How cool is that?

Don't forget:

For every comment, you'll get one chance to win an e-book copy of this book! 

 

Linda's thoughts: 

Seeking a Better Life: Women of Courage

Some immigrants learned about America and its opportunities from the newspaper while others heard about it from traveling missionaries. Many were seeking relief from political and religious persecution but others were just following their hearts. They didn’t know what the future would bring to them. Frances Davies, my great-grandmother, was one of them.

She left her beloved homeland of Wales to live in America, the land of opportunity. Frances had attended a private school and received an education that set her apart from other young women. She was referred to as a “lady of refinement.”

Her Aunt Susan didn’t want her to leave and begged her to stay in Wales. She said that Frances would inherit her fortune if she stayed but Frances stood firm and unyielding and wanted to join her brothers who had immigrated to America a few years earlier. No matter how hard Aunt Susan tried, she could not influence her niece’s decision.

When I read about my great-grandmother’s experiences written by my grandmother, I was impressed with her courage. She was only seventeen when she left for America. That would take a lot of bravery. But that wasn’t all. She faced some thieves, dressed in a cavalry uniform, and chased them off her property. Then she saved a man’s life who had been gored by a bull in his abdomen.

When I decided to put together a series of novellas called “Women of Courage,” I took many of my great grandmother’s experiences and gave them to a fictional character named Serenity, bringing her story to life.

A Lady of Refinement is a historical romance set in 1844. Reading is Serenity’s favorite pastime, where she can go on one adventure after another. She wonders if anyone can measure up to the heroes in her books. But the adventures soon become real after arriving in America.

When Jonathan meets Serenity, an educated and courageous woman from Wales, he becomes intrigued with her and wonders how he can win her heart. Her brother gives him some advice, but Jonathan begins to question his wisdom. Should he trust his friend or is he leading him astray?

Louise Pledge, a reviewer, wrote: “How I enjoy finding a book that will not let me put it down until I'm done!  This was the case with A Lady of Refinement.  Linda Weaver Clarke used a true story of her ancestors as a base, and it rang familiar to me, as my ancestors also migrated to America from England during the same time period. The main character, Serenity, is the refined lady, and it was such a delight when she bested a few arrogant males.  My favorite character, however, was Jonathan, who was very taken with Serenity.  Time will tell if he is successful at capturing her attention.”

After arriving in America, Serenity found that many an adult could not read or write, so she set to work teaching an evening class, especially for adults. Each night she teaches her students how to write their names so they wouldn’t have to put an X for their signature. When Jonathan joins her class, her world takes a new turn, one she didn’t expect. What was her reaction?

Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “At first she sees him as a quiet man, but when she witnesses some of his heroic actions she thinks of Ivanhoe, a character she admires in a book. Even though she’s drawn to Jonathan, she has a rule that won’t allow her to date a student, and she’s sticking to it. Jonathan’s infatuation leads him to try many approaches to get to know Serenity better, even to the extent of following her brother William’s sometimes bad advice.”

How did Jonathan react to William’s bad advice? There are some comical scenes in this story that will make you laugh out loud. Gail went on to say: “I enjoyed this sweet love story, especially Jonathan trying desperately to win over Serenity, while she hesitates to get to know him. Based on true events of the authors’ ancestors, the book takes the reader back to a gentler time when men were more chivalrous and a woman like Serenity more difficult to win over.”

This book is available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Refinement-Women-Courage-ebook/dp/B09PHZK76M

Author Links:

Linda’s Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com

Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

Thanks for stopping by, Readers!

Serious Wednesday: One Important Rule...

Downtime.

What do I mean? 

Writers push themselves many times. They have deadlines. Times when fans and readers want books, more of your books, and we certainly don't want to disappoint them. We push and push, sometimes book after book until...

Burn out overtakes. And that is not a good thing to go through. Let me share a bit about 2019 with you.

I was writing and writing, busy with getting everything done, one book after another, research, promotions and more. Until when 2019 arrived, I couldn't write. I tried, I honestly did. I struggled, with no thoughts, no ideas how to proceed, until I finally realized I needed a break. I needed a period of time to rest, collect my thoughts and enjoy life for a bit. 

That was my whole year. Rest, recover, rejuvenate my mind, my body, and soul. 

And in 2020, I was ready to begin writing again. I hit the ground running with two books published. 2021 has seen the same results. But I've learned one thing which I should have known all along. Sometimes our bodies try to tell us something important. It's okay to take a break. It's okay to wind down with other things that give our minds a break, our bodies time to exercise and overcome the focus on one thing that we love. It's okay to spend extra time with family and friends. It's okay to rest. 

Remember, if you feel you're dragging your "writerly feet" then take that break. Whether short or long, do it. Allow yourself to renew your spirit. You'll be much better for it. More relaxed. More focused. You'll have clarity of mind and that zeal to write will return. 

I highly recommend taking breaks. They're a valuable part of a writer's life! 

Serious Wednesday: Welcoming Cindy Ervin Huff

A warm welcome to my long-time friend and author Cindy Ervin Huff! She's a talented and award-winning author, and YOU CAN POSSIBLY be chosen as a winner of one of her books (two winners)! What to do? Comment and let Cindy know you're interested, ask a question or just show your support of authors! 

Now on to read some of Cindy's answers to the questions I've asked her! Enjoy!

What started you on your writing journey?

My eighth-grade teacher submitted a short story I wrote to a kid’s magazine contest. I didn’t win, not even honorable mention. But the idea of putting my imaginary thoughts on paper intrigued me. It was years though before it was more than a hobby for me. And once I felt called to write novels that brought people hope, I was on my way.

What distracted you from writing earlier?

Life, more specifically raising my five children and homeschooling them. Then there was my feeling of inadequacy to the task. Took a bit to learn to ignore that distraction.

Is there a story behind Rescuing Her Heart?

Yes, someone near and dear to me suffered through an abusive relationship and I wanted to create a character who was willing to leave her painful past behind to find a new future. I also have another who is near and dear who suffers from PTSD. Having a strong hero who must deal with that and still find peace added to the creation of this romance between two broken people.

What is my strangest habit?

It may not seem strange to others, but it has sometimes embarrassed my kids. I can’t resist talking to strangers in line or in a waiting room. I really enjoyed visiting with a lady in the restroom of Cracker Barrel somewhere in the south. Southerners don’t find my need to start a conversation with a total stranger weird at all. Some of those chance encounters give me some interesting info. While standing in the tomato sauce aisle at a large grocery store where a masked gentleman and I struck up a conversation regarding the many uses of pasta sauce.

Why do I like writing historical romance?

There are things one can share in a historical scene that resonates with a reader. Because my characters are imperfect and struggle with their own self-worth, it makes them real to the reader. Some of their struggles are very painful and relatable to modern readers. Ecclesiastes says there is nothing new under the sun. And that is so true.

Special scripture.

He makes all things beautiful in his time. Ecclesiastes 3:11. I have seen God take me through some yucky stuff and bring me to a beautiful place. Had I not gone through that trial, I’d have not reached the wonderful conclusion Jesus had for me. I continue to go down hard paths and see my children do the same. My prayer is for all of us to trust that God truly makes all things beautiful in His time.

Bio:

Cindy Ervin Huff is a multi-published writer. She’s been featured in many periodicals over the last thirty years. Her historical romance Secrets & Charades won the Editor Choice, Maxwell Award and Serious Writer Medal. Her contemporary romance, New Duet released in 2018 placed second in the 2019 Serious Writer Awards and a finalist in the 2019 Selah Awards. Cindy is a member of ACFW, Mentor for Word Weavers. founding member of the Aurora, Illinois, chapter of Word Weavers and Christian Writer’s Guild alumni. She loves to encourage new writers on their journey. Cindy and her husband make their home in Aurora, Illinois.

Visit Cindy at:

Website: www.cindyervinhuff.com

Facebook at www.facebook.com/cindyehuff,

Author Facebook: www.facebook.com/cindyhuff11

twitter @CindyErvinHuff

instagram  @CindyErvinHuff

Book Blurb for Rescuing Her Heart:

As her husband’s evil deeds haunt a mail-order bride from the grave, can she learn to trust again and open her heart to true love? 

On visitation rounds as a lay preacher, the last thing rancher Jed Holt expects is to be shot at from the barn next to a burned-down homestead. But the soot-covered woman hiding inside needs protecting, and Jed is the man to do it whether she likes it or not. Delilah James’s nightmares began when she came to Kansas as a mail-order bride. Her husband was nothing like his letters. Now that he is dead, she can’t shake his abuse from her heart. Trusting men tops her never-again list and taking a job on the Holt ranch as a housekeeper is a means to save money and bring her parents west. But her attraction to the compassionate former chaplain both angers and confuses her. 

Jed has his own nightmares from a POW camp and understands Delilah better than she knows. Can two broken people form a forever bond?

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Heart-Cindy-Ervin-Huff-ebook/dp/B092SR6B5Y/

Cindy is giving away two Kindle copies of Rescuing Her Heart to two lucky commenters. 

Thank you for visiting, Cindy!

Serious Wednesday: True or False: Becoming a Writer...

True or False:  Being a writer is lots of fun! 

True! It is. 

Seeing the progress you make on your document or novel, 

• seeing your piece published in a magazine or newsletter... 
• or holding your book in your hand...
• and reading the readers' interest/love/emotion in their comments and reviews are satisfying and encouraging. 

But, wait! It's also false! Because? 

• It's hard work to become an accomplished and successful author
• You'll reach plateaus where you think you'll never get off of
• Cruel or supposedly helpful remarks and critiques will discourage you
• You'll learn you have to grow a tough skin
• You have to do a lot of research
• You'll have to edit...edit...edit...and edit some more. 
• Publishers will reject your work.

But eventually, if you're determined enough and work hard enough, follow solid advice and do all you can to make a dream become reality, you'll see results. 

And all the work won't matter anymore...

At least until you begin another article or book. 

But it's all worth it when you type those words: THE END! 

Keep Writing! 

Serious Wednesday: Does Age Matter? by Catherine Castle!

 Well, does it? 

Not according to Catherine! 

Read on to find out what her thoughts are about writing, publishing, and age! Enjoy!

Age Doesn’t Matter—Just Ask Abraham’s Wife Sarah

I got a text from my daughter the other day. It read, “You’re kind of like Laura Ingalls Wilder. She didn’t get published until 65.”

I took a bit of umbrage to that statement, and pulled a bit of pride from it as well. I’d love to be an internationally well-known writer like Laura Ingalls Wilder, who was one of my favorite authors –as well as my daughter’s favorite author, now and when she was young. I wasn’t so crazy about the 65 bit, however. I was under 65 when my first book was published, and well under 65 in how-young-you-feel-and-look years. (And isn’t that what really counts?)

However, my daughter’s statement got me to thinking about how our accomplishments aren’t limited to age. I was actually in my early 40s when I began writing professionally as a stringer for our local town newspaper. I’d always loved to write and had filled a notebook full of poems, written dozens of short stories that never made it past the Mom-thinks-it’s-wonderful stage, and composed countless school essays that always made great marks. The writing assignments that other students groaned about, I relished. I loved everything about them, from the research, to the actual writing, and even the editing—things that serve me well now as a published author.

Writing and reading have always been my passions, along with singing and acting. As a teenager, I wanted to be a rock-and-roll singer or act on stage. At the time, writing never even entered my realm of careers. It was only a hobby I loved. I never made it to the limelight of center stage, in spite of the many times I tried out for school plays or musicals. I got chorus parts, but never the starring roles.

Ahh, but never give up. There’s a time and a place for everything and, for some of us, that time comes later in life. Today, I’m a published author—both as a solo author and co-authoring with my husband. I sing on stage at church, praising the Lord who gave me my voice. I’m also co-writing plays for our church (with my husband), acting and co-directing in plays for our church. Granted, it’s not Hollywood, which I have decided I wouldn’t want to be part of now anyway. Nor am I on the New York Times Bestseller list, to which I still aspire. But I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to. I’ve discovered doing what you love, at any age, is satisfying beyond belief.

Here’s the interesting thing about how everything turned out: I believe I’m right where God wants me to be, at the time of my life he wanted me to be there. After all, if he could give Sarah and Abraham a child in their old age, at just the right time to begin His plan of salvation for the world, who am I to question why my bit of success didn’t come when I was twenty?

Mine is not to wonder why, but just to do and be satisfied. So, if you’re bemoaning the fact that you haven’t “made it” yet in the publishing world, or with any other goal you’ve set for yourself, don’t. Just keep working toward that goal and relish the success, no matter how big or small, when it comes.

Catherine achieved her goal publication and also won several awards with her debut book, The Nun and the Narc. Check out the blurb and read a sample on Amazon.

ABOUT The Nun and the Narc

By Catherine Castle

Where novice Sister Margaret Mary goes, trouble follows. When she barges into a drug deal the local Mexican drug lord captures her. To escape she must depend on undercover DEA agent Jed Bond. Jed’s attitude toward her is exasperating, but when she finds herself inexplicable attracted to him he becomes more dangerous than the men who have captured them, because he is making her doubt her decision to take her final vows. Escape back to the nunnery is imperative, but life at the convent, if she can still take her final vows, will never be the same.

Nuns shouldn’t look, talk, act, or kiss like Sister Margaret Mary O’Connor—at least that’s what Jed Bond thinks. She hampers his escape plans with her compulsiveness and compassion and in the process makes Jed question his own beliefs. After years of walling up his emotions in an attempt to become the best agent possible, Sister Margaret is crumbling Jed’s defenses and opening his heart. To lure her away from the church would be unforgivable—to lose her unbearable

The Nun and the Narc is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems. 

In addition to writing, she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting, and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. 

She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

EXCERPT from The Nun and the Narc

Jed’s head whipped around just as the car plowed through a market stand of live chickens. Poultry, wooden cages, and feathers scattered over the car. An angry hen dropped through the car’s open sunroof, squawking and flapping in front of Jed, beating his head with its wings.

Margaret reached over, grabbed the bird, and threw it back out the sunroof opening. But it was too late. The car glanced off an adobe wall into a second market stand and careened toward another building. Jed jammed on the brakes. The car spun three hundred and sixty degrees before screeching to a stop.

The impact threw Margaret sideways against the passenger window. She hit her head on the glass, the blow blinding her for a second. Jed’s body slammed into the steering wheel setting off the horn. The wail echoed in Margaret’s head as she struggled to remain conscious. Warmth trickled down the side of her head. Margaret managed to focus her eyes as the noise stopped. Two Jeds leaned toward her, in slow motion. She blinked to clear her vision.

“You all right?” he asked.

“I think so.” Something warm and sticky seeped down her face. She reached up and wiped her temple. “I’m bleeding,” she said as she stared at her fingers. The words sounded slurred. At the sight of the blood on her fingers, her stomach rolled. She swallowed to keep the bile down.

“Listen. It won’t take them long to get here. Let me do the talking.”

“You won’t have to worry about that. I feel really odd.” Margaret lowered her head between her knees. “I think I’m going to faint.”

“It might be a whole lot easier if you do.”

Serious Wednesday: Holiday Book News from Linda Weaver Clarke

It's always a delight to have Linda on my blog! Interested in some holiday reading? Try Linda's books! I do believe you'll love them! 

Short Stories to Lift Your Spirits

Tales of Willow Valley and Holidays in Willow Valley are full-length books filled with short stories that have been released for the holidays. Historical Romance is about the adventure of living in a different time period. The romance draws the reader into a world of wonder, but the mystery keeps you turning the pages.

What was romance like in the 19th century? Suko’s Notebook wrote, “Is it just me, or are love stories set in the past more romantic than those set in the present day?” Set in the 1800s, each of the Willow Valley stories has humor, adventure, romance, and mystery.

After reading Tales of Willow Valley, Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “Ms. Clarke brings us five love stories based on the lives of real people and true events. The heroines are brave, spunky women who attract their suitors with their independence and ability to cope with the perils of the day as well as their beauty. Getting lost in the historical detail and excellent characterization, I felt I was with the characters in yesteryear times. The struggles of the heroines and the chivalry of the heroes who won their hearts touched mine and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I highly recommend these stories for those who enjoy history, people facing and overcoming difficulties and romantic scenes.”

These short stories were inspired by the experience of Clarke’s ancestors. Linda Weaver Clarke said, “What if I gave my great grandparent’s experience to a fictional character, how would it turn out? As I did this, each story blossomed before my eyes and I was delighted with the outcome.”

In Tales of Willow Valley, you will read five short stories.

• The Light at the End of the Tunnel: When Thomas finds out that the proprietor of Hannah’s Hot Chocolate Shop is struggling, he comes up with a brilliant idea. Will she agree to such an unconventional plan?
• Leave or Perish: When Jonathan watches Serenity chase off thieves with a sword in her hand, he becomes intrigued with her. How will he win her heart?
• A Broom in her Hand: When Laura reports that a thief snuck into her home, William finds out that she chased the intruder off with a broom, but he soon learns the man’s invasion is much bigger than he realizes.
• Deception: When Peter accepted the job of writing letters to a young lady on behalf of his employer, he soon realizes he is falling in love with Pauline.
• A Cry for Help: When Joshua is sent with a message for Mary, the note says that she must go on a dangerous quest and he is determined to accompany her.

When Sunnie Reviews read Tales of Willow Valley, she wrote: “The stories are refreshing tales of good people working through life as do we today. The title of one of the stories gives me hope for the struggles we are going through now: The Light at the End of the Tunnel.  God is always watching out for us and there are good things yet to come. I found these happy stories just what I needed in these trying days.”

Happy Holidays! 

It’s time to enjoy some holiday stories. Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. The inspiration for these stories was based on true experiences. You will read six short stories: The Valentine Bandit, St. Paddy’s Day, April Fools Pranks, The Daring Escape, All Hallows Eve, An Unforgettable Christmas. These stories have humor with a surprise ending. This book was just released by Audible Audiobooks.

What was the holidays like in the 1840s? 

• How will Emmeline and Felicity celebrate Valentine’s Day?
• Do Sam and Josie believe in leprechauns and the pot of gold when St. Patrick’s Day comes around? 
• Is it common to play jokes on one another on April Fools Day? 
• Nicholas and Lucas find out first hand. 
• Angelica’s eyes are opened when she is challenged on Independence Day. 
• When the Scottish came to America, they brought their Halloween traditions with them. How about Christmas? Will Willow Valley accept these traditions? 

Find out as you share their experiences.

Sunny Reviews wrote: “This book contains six short stories of various characters and different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The book carries Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories and I hope you will take the time to read them!”

Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/438375608

Bio: 

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Southern Idaho and now lives in the red desert hills of southern Utah. She is the author of 30 books: Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery, Swashbuckling Romance, Historical Mystery Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda works at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn about their heritage.

Links:

Holidays in Willow Valley: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CQL6NB

Tales of Willow Valley: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LHJZXD4

Linda’s Author Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Audible Audiobooks: https://www.audible.com/author/Linda-Weaver-Clarke/B004P47EWO

Serious Wednesday: Becoming a Writer

Everyone wants to be a writer. 

Or so it seems.

But it takes more than a desire to be one. It takes persistence and diligence, study and research, tenacity and determination. BUT...

There are some simple ways to get started. Ways to find out if you really have it in you. Whether it's something you want to pursue or not.

Here are a few suggestions to begin:

• Start small and build on that. Try your hand at a very simple (one page? one paragraph?) scene or short story. 
• Think of a title you like, or that's catchy, or that you think could be popular. Work from that by making a list of what could happen.
• If outlines scare you, don't worry about those. Just write and see where you go from there. Don't worry about editing. You can do that after your words are on paper. 
• Create a story poem. 
• Don't worry about where to start. Just write. 

Buy some writing books from your favorite author and read them. Put into practice what you've learned.

As you study writing, keep creating. Do the examples suggested. Keep a list of ideas that you could possibly use someday. 

Remember, there are all types of writers:

• Journalists
• non-fiction 
• fiction (and the various genres)
• poets
• news article writers
• copywriters
• advertisement writers
• memoir writers
• legal article writers

and many more.

Just begin. Then...

Practice, practice, practice.

Happy Writing!

Karen Robbins has a new Mystery book out!

I'm happy to introduce Karen Robbins and her new book: Pickle Dilly. I think you'll enjoy her writing and the fun and delightful characters that grace her pages! Now, check out the interview with TOMMY MADISON of the Annie Pickels story. Enjoy! 

Oh, and don't forget to click on the "Links to buy"!

Welcome Tommy Madison. I understand you are in the pickle business. What do you do?

I am one of the officers of the newly incorporated Annie Pickels Pickles. I’m actually in charge of production. Mrs. A, that is Mrs. Annie Pickels who is the president and originator of the business, taught me how to can her special dill pickles. I helped her out with some problems she had in making a profit and together along with a couple of others, Arnie Forrester and Elma Thompson, we begun to do pretty well.

That’s not your only job though, is it?

No. I work full time actually for Tinkers Tavern wherever the proprietor, Bill Barker, needs me to help out. He’s a great guy and lets me arrange my hours so that I can help out with the pickle business as well.

This Annie Pickels and you got into a little trouble a while back I hear. Can you tell us anything about that?

It’s not something I’m proud of. I was growing marijuana on a plot of land that Mrs. Pickels rented me. You see I have some physical problems with my legs from an accident when I was much younger. The marijuana gave me some relief from the pain. Annie got in some trouble along with me when she mistook it for marjoram and put it into her pickle recipe. That’s kinda how I got involved with the pickle business. I’m working off some fines Mrs. A paid for me. I’ve also found help with the pain instead of the marijuana—lots of prayer and visits to a pain clinic.

What is the latest on the relationship between Arnie and Annie?

Well, if Elma had her way, they’d be walking down the aisle as soon as she could get Annie into a wedding dress. Annie is a deep thinker and she takes relationships seriously. She was married quite a few years ago to a fellow that she really loved and she’s had a hard time getting over his death. I think Arnie would like to be very special in Annie’s life but that’s for the two of them to work out. They don’t need any pressure from me. They have enough from Elma.

Tell me more about Elma.

Elma is a hoot. Annie made her VP of marketing and she has taken it very seriously. She has grand ideas of making our business international. But she also has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She and Annie have been best friends for many years. They live across the street from each other.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell me about Annie or Arnie or Elma?

Arnie is a great lawyer. He’s only doing it part time now that he’s retired but he certainly has helped us all out a lot. We all suspect that Elma may have a new someone special in her life but I really couldn’t tell you yet for sure. And Annie? Well Annie, in addition to her kindness and grace and love for all of us and her pickle expertise, she makes the greatest cinnamon rolls in the world. Hands down!

How can we get to know more about all these wonderful people?

There are two books by Karen Robbins that tell pretty much the whole story. In A Pickle was the first and now she’s finished the Annie Pickels story in a new book, Pickle Dilly. Here’s the teaser as they say:

Annie Pickels, a widowed pickle entrepreneur, and her best friend Elma are off to London for a little holiday. While in London things are happening back home that threaten to cause the loss of Annie’s farm property. Once again she will rely on Arnie, her friend who is a lawyer but who wants to be so much more in her life, to help her out of trouble.

A trip to Alaska and a meeting with her deceased husband’s family solves some of her problems but there are still questions to be answered. How far will the people who want her property go to get it? And, is there room in her heart for Arnie, the one Elma keeps telling her is the “man of her dreams”?

It’s a dilly of a pickle Annie finds herself in but with friends, family and faith the answers become clear.

Thanks for joining us today. Where are you off to next?

I’m off to Mrs. A’s kitchen to get a cup of coffee and the best cinnamon roll around.

KAREN ROBBINS is a writer, author, and speaker. She and her husband are travel addicts and many of her stories are enriched by their adventures in different parts of the world. She has written six novels, collaborated on two non-fiction books and contributed often to Chicken Soup For The Soul books. She is currently working on a Christmas novella, A Pocketful Of Christmas. While the world is fun to explore, Karen most likes to spend time with her grandchildren. They offer the greatest adventures of all.

Catch up with Karen at her blog, Wandering Writer (www.karenrobbins.com), Twitter (https://twitter.com/writerwandering), Facebook (www.facebook.com/KarenRobbinsAuthor) or Amazon (www.amazon.com/author/karenrobbins)

Links to purchase books:

In A Pickle:

https://www.amazon.com/Pickle-Annie-Pickels-Story-Pickes/dp/1974391868/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Pickle Dilly:

https://www.amazon.com/Pickle-Dilly-Annie-Pickels-Story/dp/1974397092/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8