Serious Wednesday: Welcome, Linda Weaver Clarke! And a GIVEAWAY!!

 Welcome to talented Linda Weaver Clarke who writes historical, romance and mystery novels. 

SHE will giveaway the book: 

ONE LAST DANCE

 to everyone who comments on this blog post! 

Never Too Late To Dream

I believe it’s never too late to accomplish one’s dreams. Some people have a bucket list that has daring things to do or something they longed to do for years. It is never too late and you are never too old to do something you have longed to do.

After raising six daughters and believing it is never too late to dream, I decided to go back to college. It was a scary thing to do and I don’t know why I was so worried. At the age of 50, I graduated from college with a Theatre and Arts Degree. After that, I performed for a concert series. It was unbelievably fun and enjoyable until I got reflux and lost my voice. Feeling discouraged, I didn’t know what to do with my life. But . . . when one door is closed, God opens another door for you to walk through. And that was exactly what He did for me.

An interest in writing engulfed me. So I went to the library and studied every book available about writing. I wanted to write family-friendly stories for all ages. So I sat down and wrote a few books until I was brave enough to send one to a publisher. At the age of 56, I became a published author and won an award for my first book, which surprised and delighted me. After writing five historical romances, I wrote 12 cozy mysteries and then wrote three swashbuckling romances. Since I was a fan of Robin Hood, Zorro, and The Scarlet Pimpernel, I couldn’t help it. I even wrote some non-fiction and a children’s book. 

Being an author has been an interesting path to travel. The most recent series that I just completed is a historical mystery romance series set in the 1830s. It is called A Willow Valley Historical Romance. Each romance has a mystery to solve.

One Last Dance is the first book in this series, which will keep you guessing until the end of the book. When Felicity meets their charming new neighbor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom, a precious treasure found in her attic, her life takes a new turn.

“This book has my favorite genres: historical, romance, and mystery. Although I enjoyed the romance, what I liked most was the mystery. Intrigue and suspense kept me hooked and I loved the air of mystery behind a few of the characters. It kept me guessing to the end, and of course, it had a sweet, happy ending. This is one of my favorite books by Linda Weaver Clarke.” –Inishowen Cailin, Book Reviewer

Book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

Angel’s Serenade is the second book in this series. Each day as Emmeline practices the piano, she doesn’t know the new doctor in town secretly sits on his porch to listen to her music. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice, and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/408058731

In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

“I loved this book!  It was a great historical read and full of surprises.  I totally didn't expect what happened… to happen.  The time period was an interesting one and I love how the author intertwines historical events into the story.  It was a new and refreshing tale.” –Sunnie Reviews

Book Trailer:

https://vimeo.com/427914575

Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. This book is a collection of six holiday stories, something that I hadn’t done before. What were the holidays like at Willow Valley in 1840? While writing this book, I learned to appreciate our holidays.

“This book contains six short stories of different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The characters and the book carry Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories!” --Sunnie Reviews

Book Trailer:

https://vimeo.com/438375608

I soon realized that writing short stories was a pleasure and quite fun. So I decided to try it once again. So I wrote the fifth and last book in this series called Tales of Willow Valley. It is a collection of five “Love Stories.”

“If you are in the mood for some sweet, clean, historical, romantic short stories then look no further. I enjoyed each story and how the women are not sitting back waiting on a man, but are take-charge women that start their own businesses, aren’t afraid to face ruffians, and encourage women to fight for their rights. It is amazing what you can learn when an author does research into events in the past to make sure their works are as authentic as possible.” –Story Book Reviews

As of today, I am the author of 32 books and 28 Audible audiobooks. You can order any of my books from Amazon and Audible Audiobooks at my websites below.

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

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

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

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

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Thanks for joining me today, Linda! 

Folks, please check out her blogs and be sure to comment to receive the book: One Last Dance

Serious Wednesdays: Janet Grunst is visiting today with Information on her Books! AND a reminder of August Contest

Don't Forget About August's Contest! 

Best Friends Contest for August:

To win one of my KINDLE books for you...

(Your choice) ...

and to win one KINDLE book for a friend or relative...

Tell me: 

If you wanted to share one of my books to someone

* who would that be 

* and why?

* * *

Janet Grunst is Visiting Today!

And she's offering:

One Winner a Choice of either:

 A Heart Set Free or A Heart For Freedom

Setting Two Hearts Free is the third story in my Revolutionary War series. 

It’s a stand-alone story that picks up five years after A Heart For Freedom. 

This story covers the lives of the next generation.

Setting Two Hearts Free addresses what we now understand as PTSD. Trauma is a condition that has always beset mankind. During different historical eras, the invisible wounds resulting from war have been called by different names, nostalgia, shell shock, soldier's heart, and combat fatigue. In this story, the Revolutionary War is winding down but there are still battles to fight and many of them are internal.

Releases:  Oct. 6th

Here’s the blurb:

Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, 

battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. 

The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. 

Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him.

Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, 

helping them operate their ordinary. 

Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … 

until that day the evil side of war touches her.

Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. 

Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. 

Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost, Setting Two Hearts Free?

Author’s Bio

Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight who lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband. 

Her debut novel, A Heart Set Free was a Selah Award winner. A Heart For Freedom was a Christian Indie Award winner.

A lifelong student of history, her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that communicate the truths of the Christian faith, as well as entertain, bring inspiration, and encouragement to the reader.

​https://JanetGrunst.com                                                                                                                                 

https://www.facebook.com/Janet-Grunst-Author-385405948228216

https://colonialquills.blogspot.com/

https://www.instagram.com/janetgrunst/ https://twitter.com/janetgrunst

https://www.pinterest.com/janetgrunst/ 

Thank you, Janet, for joining us today! 

DON'T Forget, READERS, to check out

Janet's books!

Please leave a comment with your email addy 

for a chance to win a book!!

Serious Wednesday: On Passionate Careers

To love what you do and feel that it matters--

how could anything be more fun?

--Katherin Graham

I've always felt

that life is too short

to allow it to be boring.

It's way too short to stay in a career that you hate.

So, don't stay.

If you can at all, do something else.

Sometimes life is such

that we have to stay.

Stick it out.

BUT...

that doesn't mean you still can't enjoy 

what you're doing.

Find joy in something,

for each day to be happy about,

whether it's walking to work,

singing in the rain with a colorful umbrella above you.

Count the stars when you return from work.

Or...

Smile at a stranger,

speak a kind word to a clerk,

buy the person behind you in line...

their meal,

their purchases,

or whatever.

Call a friend,

or enjoy an evening 

soaking in a warm tub,

reading a book,

thinking,

splurging on a favorite bath salt.

You might...

if you want...

bake some cookies for your fellow workers,

Or solve a problem between two arguing people

(or ignore them and thank God you're not involved!)

Make life matter.

Make what you do important,

if only to yourself.

Make your career the best it can be.

Do all you can to be your best!

Whatever career you have,

whether you love or hate it,

don't let it get you down.

Be thankful you have a job,

be hopeful for a better one,

Be diligent in searching for one that is satisfying.

Be cheerful by thinking good thoughts.

And be blest!

Serious Wednesdays: Write that Great Hook!

Last Wednesday, I wrote about some items that a writer needs to create a great novel. The first one
was writing a hook to draw a reader into your book. But what is a hook and how do you create one? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Make your characters sympathetic and relatable immediately
2. Create an inciting incident by using a setting
3. Create intrigue about your characters
4. Startle with the first line
5. Up the stakes within the first few lines
6. Use an ominous something as soon as you can
7. Use a mood theme
8. Begin with a life-changing moment


If you can successfully use one of these ideas for the opening lines in your novel, you will have pulled your reader into your book. Remember: the keyword is "successfully."  Study other successful authors' openings, practice, but never give up.

You can do this!

Happy writing!

Serious Wednesdays: Writing the Suspense Novel

Lots of people want to write a book; many even think there's nothing to it (HA!)

Let's talk today about suspense books and some of the things you need to develop to create a well-written suspense novel.

1. A strong hook that pulls the reader into your story; that demands he/she keep reading. 
2. Active reader involvement in piecing together information. The reader will feel he/she is in the middle of the story, a part of it.
3. Red herrings create diversions that keep the reader reading. The ending would be a dull mess if everyone could figure out what was going to happen in the first chapter
4. Suspenseful dialogue is necessary to keep the tension and interest high.
5. Effective, descriptive mood and language. This also allows the reader to be an interested party in what's happening. It makes for a sound book that creates what it's intended to do.
6. Well-structured chapters balance out the book. No one thing dominates the story, but each chapter is written so as to give the right "feel."
7. A satisfying conclusion is a vital part of a great suspense novel. Without it, the reader will close the book dissatisfied and likely to avoid the author's other books. 

That's a start. More later.

Happy writing!

Serious Wednesday: Passionate Writing--When the Light Hits!

2019 was a tough year for me as far as writing is considered. I struggled with coming up with ideas, plots and how to proceed, no matter how many times I  brainstormed with myself or other writing friends.

The problem?

• Too many things going on in my life. When you get so busy, you fail to accomplish some goals. There's no way to do everything. Sometimes something has to give.
• Taking on a project that seemed bigger than life. Especially one that, at times, I didn't know how to do or even want to. 

The solution:

• Adjust your life goals. Sometimes shorter is better. It seems more attainable. You can always add more as your list grows shorter.
• Evaluate what you really want to do, what you feel you should do, and what is important to you. Once you have the answer to these things, it will be much more satisfying to make your list of goals. 

For me, 2020 dawned new and bright. The discouragement and stress from 2019 evaporated. I was able to begin focusing on what I wanted to do, what I needed to do and how to go about it.  

Late one night right before I fell asleep, ideas popped into my head. Perhaps through the turmoil of the past year, they'd been percolating inside my brain, waiting for the right moment, the time to reveal themselves.

I felt invigorated and inspired to write. Eager to write, thrilled that the hated blockage of writing ideas had disappeared. 

In the days following, I've been hard at it, with a plan, to follow through and continue to labor toward my goals. 

What does it take to break through a rough patch of writing? I can give you answers, but sometimes none of those will do the trick. 

I think, at times, the brain and body need a break. Maybe there were things going on I'll never realize or know. And that's okay. For now.

Let me tell you one thing. I hope I never have such an uninspiring writing year as 2019. 

Here's to a goal-driven, prosperous and successful year of writing! 

For sure! 

Happy writing, authors!

Serious Wednesday: Linda Weaver Clarke has a new book out!

Welcome to my friend, Linda!

Learn about her new book, just out,

and...if you're interested...

sign up for her newsletter

and get a FREE ebook! 

(Details below)

Enjoy!

A Willow Valley Rivalry

This new Historical Romance series is set in the 1800s. Each story has a mystery to solve and each book is family-friendly. I have released a new book in this series, which takes place in 1839 in the United States. This was a time of turmoil for many, especially for those who supported the abolitionist movement.

In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica Davis is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley to take over his grandfather’s business. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon Morgan owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? Will it be Angelica or Simon? Gradually the feelings she once had for him return as they both search for the same stories. To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

“I loved this book!  It was a great historical read and full of surprises.  I totally didn't expect what happened… to happen.  The time period was an interesting one and I love how the author intertwines historical events into the story.  It was a new and refreshing tale.” –Sunnie Reviews

You will learn about the Trail of Tears, the abolitionist movement that began in Illinois, the refugees that were kicked out of Missouri, and you will fall in love all over again as you see two classmates bond in a pleasant rivalry.

It has been thirteen years since Angelica saw her classmate. He left at the age of seventeen to join the Navy. Now he’s back to run his grandfather’s newspaper business. With Simon running the Willow Valley News and Angelica writing articles for the Chronicle, the competition is on. Who will get the story first? Angelica or her rival?

“Watching the rivalry between these two will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next. I would give this book a higher rating than a five-star review if I could. Linda Weaver Clarke is an amazing author.” – Debbie Jamieson, Reviewer

Since this is book three in the series, you will meet a few of those from previous stories. You will see Nicholas and Felicity from book one and Emmeline and Lucas from book two. They were beloved characters that snuck back into this story and are even more enchanting. They add a bit of spice to this story.

The first book in the Willow Valley series is One Last Dance. Felicity Brooks is an artist but her career is cut short when her father passes away. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father had discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

“One Last Dance is a historical romance with a mystery to add to the tale. Felicity has always been a strong and independent woman. Amongst mystery, loss, paintings, and a career, she is going to have to decide if love has a place in her heart.” --Author Anna Del C Dye

The second book in the Willow Valley series is Angel’s Serenade. Emmeline Scott is raising her sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping her nephew adapt to his surroundings. It is not easy to be uprooted and have to start a new life. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, Lucas Golden, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Here is a video link for you to dance to with One Last Dance:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

A Pleasant Rivalry is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z49N2LJ

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RV79LDN

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNWSP9

About Linda:

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Cozy Mysteries, Swashbuckling Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda teaches a class about writing your family history that is free to the public at the Family Search Center in Southern Utah. She is also a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors and learn about their heritage.

GIVEAWAY!
Want a free book? Everyone who wants to sign up for Linda's newsletter will receive a free ebook when you email Linda at lwc@lindaweaverclarke.com   She'll send you the ebook and sign you up.


Happy Reading!

Serious Wednesdays: When Life is Too Much at Christmas

Is there a busier time than at Christmas? Why do we think EVERYTHING has to be done? Let me tell you something...

It doesn't.

Several years ago, I came to realize that I just could not do everything, go everywhere, be everything. Something had to give. So...

I decided we would not do everything, go everywhere, be everything. We (Me, mostly) would choose and pick. And I did. Those things that were the most important to us is what we would do. The places we most want to enjoy (that's the keyword there: enjoy), we would go. And we would not allow ourselves to be roped into doing all things.

It's been so-o-o much easier and happier these past few years. And, yes, things and people ask (or demand) and sometimes we have to give a little, but on the whole, we've worked to keep Christmas and December simpler and happier.

Here's' a few tips that may help you to enjoy Christmas a whole lot more:  

1. Consider...what do you and your family really enjoy in December? Make a list of those events you and your family specifically appreciate. Do not add anything you feel obligated to attend.
2. On a second list, list only those things that are "have-to's." Look over this list and cross out anything you can possibly NOT attend. 
3. What home activities do you and your family particularly love doing in December? Camping? Skiing? Walking through a winter wonderland? Playing games? Putting the tree up together? Don't add anything that is just "have-to's."
4. Decorating your home, baking, cooking, other at-home things you've always done. List anything that can pertain to this list.
   
5. Now, go back over these three lists and carefully consider each one. This is important and you don't want to allow that mentality of obligation to push you into leaving even one item on your list you can do without. What ONE thing can you cross off? Remember, this is your chance to pare down those overwhelming chores you're dreading. If you can possibly find two on each list to cross off--well done!

The idea is to have lists that are easily doable, fun or very important to you and yours. December shouldn't be a stressful and exhausting month. Enjoying and celebrating Christmas should be peaceful, relaxing and fun. Don't allow it to become the most dreadful period of your life!


Happy Christmas!

Serious Wednesday: PTSD: The Hurting Military Families

Many military people dread Christmas due to various sadness, physical problems, financial setbacks, and loss of loved ones. It's a struggle to move forward, to face each day let alone enjoy the season. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a serious threat to soldiers returning home.

I wanted to share a bit today that is the real--the true meaning of overcoming and/or getting through each day.

Here's a story example of possible causes of PTSD:
He started to scoot out onto the balcony when pain shot through his whole body, and he wanted to scream. He pulled himself from the window ledge and staggered forward two steps before falling on his face.

What had happened? Marshall’s screaming voice echoed outside his head, but the world had faded to mental darkness. His left leg had gone numb. He shook his head. He couldn’t lose consciousness. To do so might mean death. He hung over the rail and surveyed the climb 
he’d have to make. His stomach churned with nausea.

The pain, the danger, the loss and more can affect men and women so much it takes months, years even to recover.


The pain and fear of facing the unknown, of knowing you're injured...
“What happened?”

Her gaze flicked to the bottom of the bed, then back. “You were shot.”

The memory of that night swarmed in. “How long—”

“Must you talk? You’re still pretty weak.”

“How long?”

She sighed. “Two weeks. You almost died.”

Facing the fact that you are injured. Learning what exactly that injury is. Knowing you're at the mercy of the doctors, possibly your wife or family, sometimes it all seems too much...
“Jerry. Lie still. You’re too weak to get up.”

Squeezing his eyes shut, he gritted from between his teeth. “I have to. It’s too dangerous for you to be coming here.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I do. Help me, and I’ll try it again.”

“I wasn’t able to get a doctor. Our family doctor is not to be trusted. You almost died. Medwin—my cousin—has a bit of medical training and he thinks a bone or bones was shattered in your leg. He did what he could but your leg still became dangerously infected. I thought—”

“What?”

Vanda bit her lip. “I thought we’d lose your leg if not your life.”

“The infection’s gone?”

“Yes-s. But it still looks bad.” Her brow lined with another worried frown. Her gaze flicked to his legs and back. “I-I’m not sure you’ll ever completely recover from that wound.”

The reality of the truth: you won't ever be the same as before. Through luck, carelessness and/or lack of training or funds or uncooperative military bureaucracy, life will never be the same.

Soldiers who've given their lives for their country and come back injured severely—and their families—face extreme difficulties. It takes strong and determined companions to get through, to accept the fact that this new life will be a life long endeavor. There are no magic wands to change the facts of war.

Besides the horrific injuries many face, the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with its moodiness, verbal abuse, feelings of wanting to commit suicide, embarrassment, rejection, etc. takes its toll on soldiers.

What You Can Do:
In the second book of my THE SPIES OF WWII series, Book Two: A Flute in the Willows, I tried to show a bit of this in Jerry and the effect it had on Josie, his wife. Young and inexperienced, both of the Pattersons struggle to understand and deal with conflicting emotions. Josie's father, experienced in war service, offers advice and encouragement.

“You're going to have to be stronger than you've ever been in your life.” He warns Josie, and those words stay with his daughter over and over to strengthen and give her a boost to not give up on Jerry. In time her patience and love for Jerry win out.

“I'm here if you ever need to talk.” Knowing what military service is like, and having lived long enough to know a few things, Captain Ossie, Josie's father, offers, but never intrudes on

Jerry's emotions. In time Jerry does head to his father-in-law's office to seek guidance.

• Families need to understand that their soldier is going through unspeakable damages. Love, offer help and listening ears, don't talk when their loved one is moody, encourage and never, never give up on them.

• Appreciate Friends who are there, offering hope and encouragement. Accept any help given and be grateful you have those kinds of friends.

• Encourage your hurting soldier to turn to God. Ask and accept God's guidance as you do what you can for your soldier. God is truly the only source who can pull a person through. Whatever comes, God is the strength, the supreme encouragement, the one who understands all, and the one who loves you unconditionally. Lean on him. Trust. Believe.

Both Josie and Jerry come through their own personal, and shared, problems, with God's help, and understanding from others, that pull them through.

That's what it takes for servicemen/women to overcome the worst of the nightmare of PTSD and injuries during the Christmas season--or anytime throughout the year. God, understanding, and love.

Read about the Patterson's struggles and how God helped them overcome

their troubles in the midst of danger and heartache.

Amazon

Serious Wednesdays on Passionate Writing

On Passionate Writing

What do these quotes tell you?

If you start with a bang, you won’t end with a whimper. – T.S. Eliot

Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river. ― Lisa See

You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. ― Jodi Picoult

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed. 

– Ernest Hemingway

If a story is in you, it has to come out. – William Faulkner

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.

— Louis L’Amour

So...what do these quotes tell you?

That...writing is hard work.

Those who want to write books must remember that to do so,

you must work at it.

But, if you have it in you,

you will work at it.

You will write.

Happy writing!

Serious Wednesdays: Life and Death

Why is it that sometimes there's someone who passes through our lives--just for a moment, a week, a month, maybe longer, who affect us profoundly? Who touches our lives in such a way that we don't--can't--forget it or them?

That's what Amanda's mother for me. Don't get me wrong; I didn't know the woman; hadn't met her yet. That's right I didn't know her, yet I did. In the last few days, I heard more about her than possibly I would have learned had we had a chance to talk. Maybe.

How did she affect me? I've thought about this and realize it's not been something I've necessarily wanted, yet the details of her life, her death, her influence on so many in the community, it's all impressed me whether I desired this touch on my life or not.

• She's made me want to be a better person. Less complaining, more generous, more loving . . .
• In spite of her physical problems, she put others first. I don't want to ever live selfishly.
• She made me aware--again--or my own mortality. And of those around me.
• She's made me want to be friendlier. She loved everyone. She never met a stranger. She remembered those she met, even if just for a moment. I want to be like that. Or at least strive for it.
• Her death reminded me what I've missed; what I'll never get a chance to experience.
• She's helped me more than ever to appreciate each day that God gives me.

There's more. Much more. But that's enough.
Thanks, dear woman I never knew, wonderful person, who in our eyes (those who knew her and those of us who didn't) should have lived much longer, but who in God's eyes was wanted in heaven. We'll miss you.

Blessings!

Serious Wednesday: Jennifer Allen Shares About Becoming a NEW Author!

A warm welcome to Jennifer Allen,

one of the authors of the 

Christian Fiction off the Beaten Path anthology.

What does it mean to be a newly published author?

Most people would say the only difference between a writer and an author is the money. An author is

paid for his or her writing. But since I’ve become an author in the last fourteen months, I’ve discovered being an author of Christian fiction means more than just a paycheck.

I’ve always thought of myself as a novelist. I wrote a YA Christian crime novel and spent years improving it because it was the kind of story I like to read. But I got nowhere seeking an agent for it. I had many agents ask to see sample chapters and my business plan only to have them to turn it down for various reasons, usually because the YA Christian fiction market is so tough to publish in.

Then I had the opportunity to write a short story for Mt. Zion Ridge Press. The only constraint was that it had to be set in Ohio. Although I am a huge fan of mystery short stories and have read hundreds of them, I’d never thought about writing one. My first crime short story, “Debt to Pay”, appeared in the anthology From the Lake to the River, last September. So I was now officially an author. But I didn’t grow into that role until three months later.

Last December, Mt. Zion Ridge Press was accepting submissions for Christmas short stories. I had two weeks to come up with a 5,000-word story that actually made sense. As slowly as I write, 5,000 words seemed as unconquerable as climbing a 5,000-foot peak in my bare feet. But I decided to go for it.

As I worked on my YA mystery, “A Rose from the Ashes”, I became more concerned with writing the story the way God wanted me to rather than taking it over and writing it to please myself. I didn’t think of it as my story. For some reason, God wanted to filter this story through me. I was very aware that it was finely balanced, and I didn’t want to wreck it.

And something funny happened. As I wrote and revised and sweated, the story became exactly the kind of story I’ve always wanted to write. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and some of my favorite mysteries are set at Christmas. Here I had the chance to write one. I’m a country girl at heart, and the story is set in a rural county in Ohio. The mystery hinges on mercy and forgiveness, two qualities I focus on as I grow as a Christian.

So being a newly published author does mean getting paid for my art. Having the owners of Mr. Zion Ridge Press accept my stories was a wonderful validation of my hard work. But the true payment for being an author means collaborating with my heavenly Father as a junior partner. I can’t wait to see what other projects He has in mind.

Jennifer's holding a book giveaway on her site! 

Click here for details

BIO

JPC Allen started her writing career in second grade with an homage to Scooby Doo. She’s been tracking down mysteries ever since. A former children’s librarian, she is a member of ACFW and has written mystery short stories for Mt. Zion Ridge Press. Online, she offers writing tips and prompts to beginning writers. She also leads writing workshops for tweens, teens, and adults, encouraging them to discover the adventure of writing. A lifelong Buckeye, she has deep roots in the Mountain State. Join the adventure on her blog, Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads.

Book Blurb

Christmas fiction off the beaten path

Not your Granny’s Christmas stories …

Step off the beaten path and enjoy six stories that look beyond the expected, the traditional, the tried-and-true.

Inspired by the song, “Mary Did You Know?” – a mother’s memories of events leading up to and following that one holy night. MARY DID YOU KNOW? by Patricia Meredith

A young woman seeking her own identity searches for the man who tried to kill her and her mother on Christmas Eve twenty years before. A ROSE FROM THE ASHES by JPC Allen

Princess, tower, sorceress, dragon, brave knight, clever peasant – combine these ingredients into a Christmas-time story that isn’t quite what you’d expect. RETURN TO CALLIDORA by Laurie Lucking

Anticipating tough financial times, the decision not to buy or exchanged presents leads to some painful and surprising revelations for a hardworking man and his family. NOT THIS YEAR by Sandra Merville Hart

Years ago, a gunman and a store full of hostages learned some important lessons about faith and pain and what really matters in life – and the echoes from that day continued to the present. THOSE WHO STAYED by Ronnell Kay Gibson

A community of refugees, a brutal winter, a doorway to another world – a touch of magic creating holiday joy for others leads to a Christmas wish fulfilled. CRYSTAL CHRISTMAS by Michelle L. Levigne

BUY LINKS

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, 24Symbols, Kobo

Serious Wednesdays: When You're Stuck in the Mud

Have you ever had your vehicle stuck in the mud?

We have, and it's not a pleasant thing. Spinning tires, flying mud, frustration rampant. Definitely not a fun event any way you spin it.

That's kinda what it's like being a writer, especially when you've lost your inspiration. I've had that experience a time or two, and, to repeat the above phrase: it's not a fun event.

I know there are seasons in our lives where writing is nearly impossible. Health. Death of a loved one. Moving. A serious issue that suddenly appears. Busyness.

So I've learned a few things these past few years of writing.

When I'm lacking in that inspiration and excitement to keep writing, when I can't find the next words, the next paragraph or even the next chapter, then I know it's time to spend some time with writing buddies.

Laughing, talking, plotting, brainstorming together stirs my creative juices. By the time I head for home, I have ideas and an enthusiasm that has me skipping over mud puddles and dancing in the rain of discouragement.

For now, at least, I've plowed through those mud puddles and left them behind...

Till next time, but we won't dwell on that for now.

Happy writing!

Serious Wednesdays: Passionate About Life

Don't take life for granted.

But do appreciate every minute you have.
Seek your purpose in life.
Enjoy.
Act.
Live.

Experience new things.
Repeat good things.
Share life's joys.
Share your extras.
Give abundantly.
Praise God.

Shout when you feel like it.
Whisper your secrets to the wind.
Raise your arms.
Stretch.
Curl in a ball.
Relax.

Love fully.
Believe with all your heart.
Grasp your faith and hang on.
Never give up hope.
Cherish your memories and make many more.

Don't take life for granted.
For one day it will cease.

Stay passionate about life!

Serious Wednesdays: It's Time to Get Healthy!

Staying healthy is always important. But sometimes it seems overwhelming. These simple tips will
help keep us writers, and others too, in the best of shape.

1.  If you work, make sure you enjoy what you're doing. Hating what you do is draining. And it's certainly not worth the taxing it takes on your mental and physical body.

2.  Take care of your teeth. Not only does it help to give you a younger and healthier image, but it's better for your health. Brush. Floss. See your dentist regularly.

3.  Watch what you eat. One thing that helps me is by remembering that it won't be the last time you can enjoy that favorite meal. Cut back a little. Eat more fruits and veggies. Lean meat. Limit sweets. I've recently cut back on ice cream, one of my very favorite snacks, by limiting how and when I eat it. I feel much better and don't miss it quite as much.

4.  Drink plenty of water. It hydrates your body and keeps your system cleaned out. AND it's a great way to lose a few pounds. :)

5.  Exercise regularly. Whatever method you choose, so so wisely and with a doctor's consent. Walking, cycling, weights, jogging, etc. are all great ways to wake up your brain and feel better.

6.  Keep your brain healthy by socializing. It gives your mind a break from worries and problems. It gives you a new outlook on others. And it's downright fun!

7.  Show your feelings: to your companion, to your friends and family, to those who wait on you in public, those who give to you in simple ways. A smile and a word of appreciation not only brightens up others' day but gives you a fulfilling moment too.

8.  Don't spend too much time on screens. They are everywhere! They're in our lives, demanding attention. And, yes, some are needful. But reduce that time and seek other methods of entertainment like games, social life, church, outdoor activities, get a pet, etc. Much more rewarding.

9.  Depending on your money and time, be charitable. Do what you can. Remember those in need. Those without much money, can share time. Listening is valuable. Choose what works for you. That sense of accomplishment and contentment at helping others goes a long way in promoting longer life.

10.  Take care of your body. Exfoliate your skin so that new skin cells can breathe. Get a short nap for extra energy in the evening. Go outside and walk a little. Be careful to avoid too many sweets. Use natural and pure oils (fish oil, rose, etc.) for inside and outside your body.

Do what you can to stay healthy. You only have one life. Take care of it.
Enjoy!