Serious Wednesday: Hunter's Rose is Coming! Win it!

 In case you don't remember...

I mentioned in a recent earlier post,

a bit about Hunter's Rose.

To clarify,

Hunter's Rose is the second book in the

Troubles in the Wes series.

(The first book is Caleb's Destiny).

Preorder for this book will be available beginning in July!!

Don't miss out on this opportunity

to read Hunter's Rose at a discounted price!

Answer this question for an opportunity

to win a free Kindle copy!

Question:

Rosita's past engagement with Carlos De Leon

went sour before she fled Mexico.

Now married to Hunter Carson,

she's still being followed by Carlos. 

Does he still love her?

Or is there something more sinister

he wants from her?

Hunter's Rose!

Serious Wednesdays: Surprised by Love by Sandra Merville Hart

It's my pleasure to welcome my friend and fellow author to my blog site today. Please welcome her! 

The Troy Flood of 1913

Troy citizens couldn’t foresee the tragedy ahead as they traveled to church on the stormy Easter morning of March 23, 1913.

The previous day had been unseasonably beautiful in the small Ohio city set on the banks of the Great Miami River. The Miami and Erie Canal ran through town.

While the river rose, the canal overflowed on Sunday night. Men, carrying lanterns, walked between the two waterways to monitor water levels.

When ankle-deep water became waist high in twenty minutes, folks became alarmed.

Relentless rain flooded houses, driving people from their homes. Some were trapped. Men rowed to their neighbors’ aid.

Tragically, not everyone survived. Temporary hospitals and public shelters were set up for those displaced by the flood.

The Flood of 1913 is Ohio’s greatest natural disaster. The worst flooding occurred along the Great Miami River. Statewide, at least 428 people lost their lives.

This flood is the setting for my novella, Surprised by Love, in the “From the Lake to the River” anthology.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Sandra’s bio: 

Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover fascinating historical facts for her stories. 

• Her debut Civil War Romance, A Stranger on My Land, was IRCA Finalist 2015. 
• A Rebel in My House, set during the historic Battle of Gettysburg, won the 2018 Silver Illumination Award and second place in 2018 FHL Readers’ Choice Award. 
• A Musket in My Hands, where two sisters join the Confederate army with the men they love, releases November of 2018. 
• Her novella, Surprised by Love in “From the Lake to the River” released in September of 2018. 
• Trail’s End, in Smitten Novella Collection: "The Cowboys” releases in August of 2019.

Find her on her blog, 

https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

Here’s a blurb about Surprised by Love:

Lottie’s feelings for an old school crush blossom again during the worst flood her town has endured in years.

Lottie shoulders the burden for her siblings after their mother’s death. Her seventeen-year-old brother’s disobedience troubles her, especially since she also cares for the boarders in their home. When the flooding river invades not only the town of Troy but also her home, Lottie and her family need to be rescued. 

Desperate circumstances throw Lottie and Joe, her schoolgirl crush, together. Can tragedy unite the couple to make her long-buried dream of winning his love come true?

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1949564002/

Thanks for reading! Do check out her book on Amazon!

A Warm Welcome to My Friend, Peg Phifer

Meet Peg

It's such a treat to have Peg today. She was one of my first critique partners. For a chance to win one of her two giveaway copies (an e-print and a paperback) please leave a comment AND your email address. Limited to those in the lower United States. Now on to her interview:

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?


There was no clear ‘call’ that I can point to. But I knew He called me. Does that make sense? I love creating, the process of taking something, and idea, a concept, and making it happen. I used to design my own paper doll clothes. I love to sew, knit, crochet and do a lot of other handcrafts. Or at least I used to before arthritis invaded my hands. So, yes, along with those other creative things, I love to write. That is a creation effort in a field of its own.

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

I write Romantic Suspense, which is a delicate balance of romance mingled in with all the danger and suspense. Mine seem to have a little less romance and more suspense. At least this first book does.

Well put, Peg. 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’d love to be a goal-setter, but I’m not. Every time I try to establish a set writing time or word goal I fail. I’m a horrible manager of my own time. TO SEE THE SUN has taken me a total of, um, 20 years, give or take. That’s because I couldn’t find the right character and setting to bring it together. I’m praying the next one won’t take that long, because the Lord might not grant me that long to write another book.

And I'll be anxiously waiting for the second book. (She's a great writer, folks!)Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

There really is no solid spiritual message. I’m not made that way. It is written from a Christian Worldview, but the ‘message’ is covert. There’s no “Christinese,” no spurious or gratuitous in-your-face religion. Yet I believe readers will know there is a firm foundation of faith, that the characters are real.

Books can be ordered from:

· Amazon.com

· Amazon Kindle

· B&N (nook)

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?

Yeah, there have been a number of discouraging things that would make me think about quitting, but the Lord wouldn’t let me. My husband doesn’t “get” the writing thing and that’s probably the hardest part. Now he’s delighted that I’m finally published, another battle looms over the marketing journey. And, of course, there’s the work of writing Book Two

Who’s inspired you the most?

I think, of all the many wonderful writers I’ve met and those I admire out there, I’d have to say James Scott Bell, first of all, and then Ronie Kendig. Jim Bell is more suspense than romance, while Ronie writes a more balanced mix. At least that’s what I get from them.

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

Nope, it’s one-potato, two-potato! Seriously, though, my first contract was a totally God-thing. There was no proposal, no synopsis, no agent . . . it just happened through a private email loop where I was asking questions through the writing over the past, oh, three years, I guess. But last spring we mutually nullified the contract. Then I was recommended to Ellen Maze, an Indie who loved the book and took me on. So, I am one of those self-published authors. The whole experience has gone well. I’m pleased.

I'm thrilled for you. Indie publishing is growing nicely. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I’d love to! But no, I’ve got Book Two to finish and start this process all over again. A process I love, despite the occasional, discouraging stumbling blocks.

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

I don’t like gossip or gossipers. They destroy. I love pizza and Mexican food. I love handcrafts of all kinds. Unfortunately, I can’t do them anymore. Arthritis has invaded my hands and I just can’t make them cooperate on the small stuff. But I can still play the piano, and type! Thank God for that, or I wouldn’t be responding to this interview. J

Where would I like to travel? I’d love to take what used to be called the Grand Tour through Europe; I want to see England, Scotland and Ireland, my heritage; I want to go on a cruise.

You recently had a book published. How and where can readers buy your books?
· Amazon.com

· Amazon Kindle

· B&N (nook)

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

Website: http://www.peggyblannphifer.com/

Blog: http://www.whispersinpurple.com/

I have several interviews and guest appearances coming up. To find out when and where, check out this page:

www.peggyblannphifer.com/veranda.htm

Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, book reviewer and author interviewer, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader who loves to escape by diving between the covers of a good book. Peg enjoys handcrafts of all kinds and her home shows off some of her work, though most end up as gifts for friends and family. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband of 25 years, Jim.


TO SEE THE SUN is her debut novel, released January 2012


Thank you so much, Peg, for joining us this week!
Readers, Peg is giving away two copies of her book: an e-copy and a print. Leave a comment and an email address.

Blessings!

OH! I'm Totally Thrilled to Have Karen Robbins On My Blog!

She is Such a Talented Wonderful Person with an interesting blog filled with tidbits of her traveling adventures.

Enough gushing. Now on to the interview!
Tell us about your latest release. The cover looks fantastic!

Thanks for the compliment! Murder Among The Orchids is a cozy mystery with one of my favorite characters, Casey. She is a professional Household Manager, not a housekeeper, and one morning discovers her boss among his beloved orchids. Mr. Popelmayer lay as if he'd gone down swinging. Casey and her detective friend, Max, discover more than one bizarre and exotic turn to the mystery of Mr. Pop's death. Did his daughter, Cattelya, or his son, Garo, want an early inheritance? Or perhaps his first wife has had her revenge. The answer lies in the Costa Rican Forest of Orchids. It was a lot of fun to write and I hear from readers that it’s just as much fun to read. Casey is a fun sleuth.

What was the hardest part to write?

Probably the hardest part was trying to keep from giving away too much too soon in the mystery. You want to drop hints. The fun part of reading a mystery is trying to figure out the who-done-it but you don’t want the readers to discover that too soon. But this ending surprised me. When I got there, I suddenly discovered something that even I didn’t know about my characters. That’s where I credit God. I wouldn’t have thought it up on my own.

That is so true. I love mysteries! We all have choices of items that help us write. What’s yours? Can you give the readers a glimpse into your writing space? What’s your favorite writing reference tool?

Yikes! A writing space? As you know, Carole, my husband and I travel a lot so my “writing space” is anywhere I can plug in my laptop for a few minutes or hours, if I’m lucky. As a matter of fact, a good part of Murder Among the Orchids was written while we were in Hawaii during the whale season. I didn’t adjust well to the time and was waking up really early. I used the time to write.

As for items that help me write, I’d have to say my old worn dictionary and my thesaurus. When I know there’s a better word and just can’t seem to come up with it on my own, I turn to those references. I’ve never been able to figure out any of those programs that are supposed to help you plot, build characters, etc. Although I do use Word Excel to set up a spreadsheet where I can make notes about my characters as they develop in the story. That way I don’t start out with one being blonde and making her a brunette later without the help of Clairol.

I hope I don't show my jealousy in you writing a book in Hawaii! lol. If you had to choose one person to go with you for encouragement to a secluded cabin, who would that be?

If I were going to a secluded cabin, it would be for writing and reflecting and spiritual refreshment. I don’t know that I would take someone with me. I would want to enjoy the quiet, leave myself open to God’s whispers, and pour my thoughts out in words on a page.

What are you working on now?

My coauthors of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts and I have just finished a new book, A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts, due to be released in April 2012. I’m also working on several other novels in various stages of completion. I have a historical that takes place during the Great Depression that has been a work of several years now. Another novel is being rewritten and hopefully will be ready for ebook release soon. Of course the next book in the Casey Stengel Mystery Series is cooking as well.

You're a busy woman! Loved your Christmas First books (Run out to buy it now, readers!) What is one of the happiest moments of your life or an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of?

The happiest moments of my life have been as a wife, mother, and grandmother. I’ve been married to the love of my life for 43 years now. We have five kids, three wonderful daughters-in-law, and eight grandkids who continually bless our lives with giggles, hugs, and lots and lots of crayon drawings. With all of that, it’s hard to pick out just one moment.

Sounds lovely. How could anyone wish for more? How do you choose names for your characters? Do you do a lot of research on them?

Choosing names for characters is kind of like going shopping for new clothes for a special event. I try them on. Knowing what the storyline is helps. Or the time period. Or the setting. Some names are more popular in certain areas of the country or world and fit better. Or sometimes the name needs to fit the picture of the character you have in mind. Just like when you find the right outfit and try it on, you know if it fits. Casey was like that. Her married name was Stengel. Putting the two together, made her a quirky kind of baseball fan even though there was no relationship to the baseball Stengel. That’s what makes the cozy mystery so much fun to write.

Love your explanation. Choosing character names is one of my favorite things to do. Can you tell us some of your favorite books or characters that you cherish?

I grew up loving Scarlett O’Hara. I still think she is a fascinating character. She had courage to stand up to what would have destroyed so many others. Her creativity in dealing with adversity was amazing (I’m thinking drapes to dress). Yet there was a sympathetic side to her—wanting to love and be loved however misdirected it may have been. She wanted to be strong and yet she wanted to be taken care of. She struggled to be the kind of person Melanie was in theory yet she couldn’t because her independent spirit and her fighting Irish spirit made her impatient with her circumstances. She was complex. That’s why she’s iconic.

And fun things about yourself that the readers might enjoy knowing?

I’ve already mentioned our traveling. We have touched foot on all seven continents including Antarctica! And have almost circumnavigated the globe. We are also scuba divers and have been diving in the Caribbean, the Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti to name a few places. And I am excited about being an elf this Christmas season! We have volunteered for our local Polar Express on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. I’ll be the one with the red apron that says “believe” serving hot chocolate and cookies to wide-eyed kids (and adults) as they travel to the “North Pole.”

What fun! Is there one piece of advice that’s been especially valuable to you?

A few years back, I went to a CLASSeminar where we were taught some ways to improve our speaking talents and our small group instructor handed out scripture verses to each of us. She said she had prayed over them and asked God to put the right scripture in the right hand to meet the need of each of us since she didn’t really know us all that well. The scripture she handed me is one I continually remind myself of especially when life just seems to get complicated and I need to focus. It’s Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Please share information where readers can check out and buy your books:

Murder Among The Orchids is available in all ebook formats at http://www.smashwords.com/; also at Barnes and Noble for the Nook and in the Sony Online bookstore for the Sony reader.

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (and in April, A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts) is available at online bookstores such as Amazon, B& N, Christian Books, etc., or ask for it at your local bookstore.


There you have it, folks. A delightful interview with my friend, Karen. Hope you enjoy her book as much as I did.

Smiles and blessings!