Laurie Kingery is Back!

A warm welcome, Laurie. It's always a treat to have such a talented writer here on this blog! AND she's giving away a copy of her The Rancher's Courtship!
Comments and email addys will put you in the running.

Laurie, tell us about your latest release. The cover looks fantastic!

THE RANCHER’S COURTSHIP is the fourth book in my “Brides of Simpson Creek” series for Love Inspired Historicals. It’s Caroline Wallace’s story. Caroline had lost her fiancé in an influenza epidemic in THE DOCTOR TAKES A WIFE, book 2, and at the end of book 3, THE SHERIFF’S SWEETHEART, we see Caroline deciding to devote herself to the town’s children as a teacher, rather than risk her heart on love any more. Then Jack Collier arrives in town, trailing a herd of cattle, and with twin daughters who need a temporary home…

Oh, my goodness. That sounds great. What was the hardest part to write?

It’s always the middle. I have a great premise in mind, and of course, a Happily Ever After at the end, but when I reach the middle I always panic and wonder what I was thinking, HOW MANY WORDS ARE LEFT? and just what I’m going to do to get to the End. Of course, it always works out, but I leaned heavily on prayer and the advice of a trusted friend this time.

I think that's the hardest for most writers! lol. 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?

I’m fortunate to have an office of my own complete with a desk, computer stand, and shelves for reference books and a chest of drawers for writing supplies—and a window that looks out on a maple tree. I’ve spent a lot of hours gazing out that window, watching the change of seasons. I always burn a candle while writing. My favorite general refence is Rodale’s SYNONYM FINDER and since I write books set in Texas in the 1800’s, Fehrenbach’s LONE STAR, a very comprehensive Texas history.

I love synonym finders. One of my favs too. If you had to choose one person to go with you for encouragement to a secluded cabin, who would that be?

My husband, because he wouldn’t expect me to entertain him. He’d be happy to go off and catch dinner in the lake (or shoot it, depending on the season) or at least grill a great pair of steaks or barbecued chicken.

What are you working on now?

The next book in the series, which will be Faith Bennett’s series. It’ll be called THE PREACHER’S BRIDE. Faith is an interesting person to have as a heroine of a Christian historical, because she doesn’t have any—faith, that is! It’s challenging to write an agnostic heroine, I’m finding, but I never want to write the same thing over and over again, so it’s fun. I’m hoping the readers will find her faith journey especially interesting, as well as her love story, of course!

What is one of the happiest moments of your life or an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of?

Happiest moments—when my two daughters were born, and when I married Tom. I’m proud of being nominated for a Carol award last year from ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for a previous book, THE OUTLAW’S LADY.

How do you choose names for your characters? Do you do a lot of research on them?

I can’t say it’s terrifically hard in the western era because they used Biblical names a lot and generally common names for that era. But I do think it’s important—nothing will throw me out of another writer’s book faster than a name which is too modern, or has a modern spelling to it. Folks in the 1800’s weren’t into cutesy spellings, such as starting a name with “K” instead of the “C” it’s usually spelled with, if that makes any sense, and I don’t like names like that now. I have to really like a name before I’ll use it for a character, because I have to use it for a 75,000-word book—and longer, because these characters may appear in other books in the series.

I agree totally! Can you tell us some of your favorite books or characters that you cherish?

I confess I have a SERIOUS weakness for Roarke in JD Robb’s “in Death” series. Now, there is the perfect man—rich beyond words, yet nurturing of his heroine-wife at the same time. I’d like to be brave and bold like his Eve, too. I don’t write books with a lot of violence and gory detail, so these books are a nice vacation for me.

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

I made a book trailer this time for THE RANCHER’S COURTSHIP! You can see it on the home page of my website at http://www.lauriekingery.com/

I’m really thrilled with how it came out, and can’t recommend Paperbackflyers highly enough!!!

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

Write down the time you spend writing on a calendar that you see every day. That way you cannot fool yourself about how much time you are or are not writing. I use different colored dots to indicate the type of writing day I’ve had, too—red for when the story’s coming “hot,” yellow for average, and blue for when I just can’t get going or am interrupted a lot. I write down time spent in writing-related activities, like blog-writing and conferences, too, but they get a different kind of sticker. It’s a really kindergarten-style form of encouragement, but it works for me. And it’s proof that this isn’t just a hobby if the IRS suddently starts to question my commitment to this as my job—if advance and royalty checks aren’t enough. J

Oh, I like that. Never thought about posting it on a calendar, but I think I'll use that advice. I use a calendar for lots of other things; why not that? Thanks! Please share information where readers can check out and buy your books:

My website is http://www.lauriekingery.com/
My books are available in places like Barnes and Noble, Walmart, etc. as well as online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book Distributors (CBD.com) and Harlequin.com

Thanks, Laurie!
Readers, comments and email addresses will give you a chance to win her book.

Blessings to all.

Meet Prolific Writer, Susan Page Davis!
Don't forget to leave your comment and email address for a chance to win her historical book! Sounds fantastic.

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

I’ve always written stories, since I was a young girl. I started writing “books” in junior high. But then life got in the way. There was College and Work and Marriage and Children. Then I wrote nonfiction for many years, for a newspaper and magazines. When I was 45, I decided to try a serious attempt at writing fiction. It took a couple of years for me to begin selling short stories, and four years to sell my first book. It was published the year I turned fifty.

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

I write in several genres. The book we’re featuring today is historical romance. These are romantic stories set in the past. They might include real events, places, and even real people sometimes. In The Blacksmith’s Bravery, I made up a town in southeastern Idaho, and all the characters are fictional. But the setting is the Idaho mountains in the 1880s. This series couldn’t have taken place anywhere else.

I also write in the romance, mystery, and romantic suspense genres, and I have a couple of book for young people on my backlist. Whatever strikes me as a compelling story, I write.

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?

Right now I usually spend most of the day at writing or writing-related tasks. I am blessed to have a room for my office. The amount I write per day depends on my deadlines. Right now I am writing an average of 2,000 salable words per day, as well as doing some editing and promotional material.
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 Blacksmith’s Bravery

This is book 3 in The Ladies’ Shooting Club series, about a group of women in 1880’s Idaho who support each other while learning to shoot in order to protect themselves.

By age twelve, Vashti Edwards was orphaned and working her way west in saloons. Life in Fergus, Idaho, has given her new hope in Christian friends from The Ladies Shooting Club and an employer who turned her saloon into a restaurant. But money’s tight, and Vashti tries to get the job she’s dreamed of—as a stagecoach driver. Griffin Bane, local blacksmith, is overseeing the stagecoach line and admits he needs more help. But can a woman—even one known to be a good markswoman—handle the challenges and dangers on the trail? And can he brave the beautiful distraction she makes riding alongside him?

Vashti and her boss, Griffin, turn to the Ladies’ Shooting Club of Fergus for extra gun power when the stagecoach line is targeted by robbers. Members willing to defend the passengers and mail can ride the Fergus-to-Boise route for free. Throw a little unforeseen mayhem and romance, and you’ll find this journey unforgettable.

The Blacksmith’s Bravery is the third installment in the Ladies’ Shooting Club series, from Barbour Publishing. These books are available in stores or online at Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, bn.com, and other booksellers’ sites.

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

Acceptance and forgiveness are very important to this story and the entire series. Vashti and Griffin must learn to accept themselves and each other as they are. Forgiveness from God, from others, and from themselves brings them along their journey.

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

I have had days like that, when I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” But those days are fewer and farther between than they were five or six years ago. Before I had an agent, I remember I always tried to keep at least ten short stories or book proposals in the mail to editors. While they were out, I would write away on the next one. I remember one day I got back three rejections in my mailbox in one day. That was very painful. Now I’m in the delightful position of not usually writing the book until after it is bought. That doesn’t mean I don’t have discouraging days. I received a rejection on a book proposal—cushioned through my agent—just a few days ago. It definitely helps to have a squishable agent. He /she can take the worst hits for you and help you put them in perspective. (One of my agent’s stock lines is, “She doesn’t hate you, Susan.” So I guess that tells you I do still have “those” days.)
Who’s inspired you the most?

Many, many people have taught me things that have helped in my writing—other authors, teachers, my parents, my critique partners. But there are three people who always encourage me and make me want to do better, and I’d like to recognize them here. Pat, you taught me to read and so much more. You always have a word of cheer for me. Pam, you’re always ready for whatever comes next, and you urge me to get out of my own little box. Mim, I’ve tried to emulate your graciousness and generous spirit. These are my sisters. We didn’t pick each other, but we choose to remain close friends.

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’ve been privileged to work with several publishers, and I believe the connection is in God’s hands. But I believe in taking steps as you seek God’s will. For my first published book, I deliberately targeted Barbour’s Heartsong line. I’d already received several rejections on a police mystery series, and was beginning to think that would never sell. (It hasn’t. Any editors out there want to see it now?? )

But seriously, I began to study the Writer’s Market for publishers open to unagented unknowns. Ones that would publish books from a Christian world view. Ones that paid royalties. The intersection was Heartsong. I read several of their books and determined to sell to them.

I sent Tracie and Jim Peterson several manuscripts and got several rejections (encouraging rejections, but still “NO’s”) before Jim finally called me on the phone and told me that Heartsong was buying my book. I’ve had a great relationship with Barbour ever since, and I say that even though ALL of their editors subsequently gave me rejections. So far I’ve published 14 Heartsongs, three mysteries, two novellas, and three trade books with Barbour, and more under contract.

For my other publishers (including Summerside, Harvest House, Love Inspired, and JourneyForth) it’s been a case of sending or having my agent send the proposal to the publisher where it seems it would fit best. Guideposts was a little different—I auditioned for a spot in their Patchwork Mysteries series by submitting a sample chapter, and they chose me from a fairly large pool. I’m now working on my second book for them. And no, I’m not sitting back and relaxing yet. I don’t plan to retire for a while, and it’s still vital to find the right publisher for a story and vice versa.
Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

There are tons of places I’ve never seen and would love to see. I wonder if one of my editors would be interested in a story set in Switzerland…or Tahiti…or New Zealand. I’ve always loved animals (right now we have a cat, a dog, and a horse), and I enjoy puzzles and reading and genealogy. I also like needlework but haven’t had time to do any for a while now. I hate to cook. I also dislike vinegar and mustard.
Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Come see me at http://www.susanpagedavis.com/. At the end of each month I draw at least one name (sometimes several) to win a free book, and the winners choose the books they want. I won’t use your name for anything else, so feel safe in entering (there’s a little “enter the monthly contest” form on the left side of my home page).

The Blacksmith’s Bravery can be read as a standalone if you haven’t read the other books in the series—but why would you want to miss the fun? Look for The Sheriff’s Surrender and The Gunsmith’s Gallantry too.

I also have a page on FaceBook that my daughter Amy maintains for me. I can’t answer your comments there, but she tries to post my interviews, book signings, new releases, and other events: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Page-Davis/139580589399172?v=wall


Don't forget those comments, readers, and your email address! You don't want to miss a chance to win this book!
 
Blessings!

Winner of Laurie's Book!

Donna Alice!

Contact me, Donna! You've won one of Laurie's books!

Big congratulations!

Thank you, everyone, for participating and helping to make Laurie's interview such a success.

Tomorrow: Wednesday, January 27, Linore Rose Burkard will be on my blog! Yippee! She's a super writer of regency novels. Remember Mr. Darcy? She's got a hero that's fantastic.

Come visit us tomorrow!

Blessings

Winners & GiveAways!!!

Winners for Cerella Sechrist's giveaways:

• Goodies from the basket: Michele Vasquez
• One of Cerella's books (Love Finds You in Hershey, PA): Martha A.

Martha, contact me or Cerella with your address.

COMING UP TODAY:

An interview with established author Laurie Kingery. She writes Love Inspired Historicals and the cover on her last book is beautiful! She's giving away a book to some special person, so come on folks. Comment. That's not so hard to do, is it?

Next post . . . Laurie Kingery!!!!

Blessings!

An Interview with My Friend . . .

Laurie Kingery!

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

I’ve been writing since before I could write—that is, I’d draw pictures (badly), then make up a story to tell Mom to go with it. I worked on a horse story in elementary school on our old typewriter, hand-wrote Beatles love stories for the entertainment of my friends in junior high…I guess I always felt I had a gift I should use, but I never really felt a "call" till I turned to Christian fiction (from secular).

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

I write Christian historical romance—I prefer to call it "Christian" rather than "inspirational" fiction, which just sounds like political correctness to me. Call it what it is! A salesgirl at Barnes and Noble didn’t even know what I meant when I asked for the "inspirational fiction" section.

Christian fiction incorporates the faith journey of the characters as well as the romance, if there is one, and the rest of the plot. It should organic to the plot, not something that feels "added in" to a secular story. These books should not be preachy, "like a religious tract enclosed within a story," nor is there always a conversion for one of the characters or both. Sometimes it’s just about Christians going through the stresses of everyday life, experiencing the conflicts that people do. Often the hero and heroine may be at different points on their faith journey, which may cause the conflict.

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 still work outside of writing—I’m a nightshift ER nurse—so I write in the afternoons after I get up, or after doing chores if I didn’t work the night before. No, I don’t set words-per-day goals—that would make me anxious if I didn’t reach my goal. But I do watch the calendar and orient my life around when the deadline is, and start writing more hours as the deadline gets close. I always resolve to just write steadily along, but my process seems to work only as I just described it. I take about 6 months to write a 80-85,000 word book.

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

I’m going to talk about the book that was out in August, THE OUTLAW’S LADY, since my next book won’t be out for a year. It’s off the bookstore shelves, but it can still be ordered online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book Distributors, etc. It’s the story of Tess Hennessy, a lady photographer in the 1880’s in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and Sandoval Parrish, a half-Mexican, half-Texan who may or may not be an outlaw in the notorious Delgado band of raiders. Tess is kidnapped to photograph the exploits of Delgado. Sandoval, as well as a secondary character related to him—feel they are beyond forgiveness—so I would say my spiritual message is that no one is beyond God’s forgiveness.

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

Many times it’s hard for an author to answer this question, unless they received the plot as a dream or something. I don’t know why I get ideas, and non-writers don’t, but then I don’t get the urge to paint or build a house, either. As for character names, I just pick names I like, but which were current for the period. Nothing throws me out of a story faster than the author using a name that I know was not current then. In historicals, the hero tends to have a name that’s very masculine or somehow out of the ordinary—they’re rarely ordinary, like "Bob" or "Bill," are they? Sometimes that can be overdone and become clichéd, like "Colt Travis" in a western. My female characters may have some similarity to personality characteristics I have, but it’s probably an unconscious thing. My heroines are certainly thinner, prettier, and sometimes richer than me!

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

Timely question in that I just got a royalty check for the first Christian historical I wrote that was out in Oct. ’08. It’s frustrating when a line seems to be selling so well, as Love Inspired Historicals is, yet the amount of the check is so small. Most of the money for me is still in my advance check. But publishers hold increasingly larger "reserves against returns"—i.e., they can hold back a large percentage of the royalty since booksellers can return unsold books for so long, but they must release the reserves held by the third check. Royalties are paid twice a year by my publisher. So the spring check hopefully will be larger, and since they sell all over the world in different languages, it should continue to earn out for a long time.

The only time I came really close to quitting was when I stopped being able to sell my historical romances (before I wrote Christian fiction.) I was ready to stop writing altogether, let my writing organization memberships lapse, etc. But I think it was a "God thing" when my agent urged me to try writing for the new line Love Inspired was planning to launch, Love Inspired Historicals. So now I’m working on my 5^th book for them, writing under my own name, after selling 16 secular historicals as Laurie Grant.

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

I write historicals because that’s what I like to read most. It probably helped that my editor for Love Inspired Historicals, Melissa Endlich, was my editor for Harlequin Historicals too. We already had a relationship, and she knew I turned in my manuscripts on time, was receptive to doing revisions, etc.

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

I love to read—that’s how most writers start. And I have to continue reading—it’s a deep innate need. I don’t understand when some authors say they’re too busy to read now. So collecting books seems to be my hobby. Outside of reading and email, I’m interested in my grandchildren (6), my dogs (3) and in history—all history, but especially Texas and medieval England . I’d love to see more of the West— Montana , Wyoming and Colorado —especially, and I always love going to Texas . I wouldn’t mind going to England , Ireland , Scotland and Wales again, or Australia and Europe . Then there’s cruises…I have more desire than money in that regard!

What do you have coming out in the future?

My next book, MAIL-ORDER COWBOY, out in November 2010, will be the start of a series called "Simpson Creek Brides." It’s about a town without eligible bachelors…and mail-order GROOMS. I’m enjoying writing those. Each story will stand alone, but it’ll be more fun if you read them in order.

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

www.lauriekingery.com

My blog is right on that site. I love it when readers comment.

I’m also on Facebook, Goodreads, and Shoutlife, where I want to make friends and build relationships, rather than secure email addresses so as to "push my book" at people.

Thank you, Laurie for joining us today! Loved reading more about you and your books!

Don't forget to comment, friends, for a chance to win one of Laurie's books!

Blessings!