Serious Wednesday: Do You Enjoy MYSTERIES?

 Who Has Read One of the

Appleton, West Virginia Romantic Mystery books?

* Sabotaged Christmas 

* Knight in Shining Apron

* Undiscovered Treasures

* Toby's Troubles

AND now...

The Golden Touch

Want to know more about my books?

Join me at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732

* Book Cover Reveal

* Want to win a copy of The Golden Touch?

* Want to get the updated news about what's happening this month?

Use this link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/183457429657732

STAY TUNED!

Serious Wednesday: Passionate About Writing

I Love being an author!

I didn't discover writing after I got older. I've always loved it, from grade school to today. I went from writing fun school assignments, to poetry, to children's stories, to teen stories, and then adult inspirational fiction. 

Although I was good in English, etc., when I seriously began to pursue writing fiction as a career, I had to re-learn and update my writing. I went to classes, had edits by professionals who critiqued my works and encouraged me toward publication. I joined critique groups who gave me honest critiques, some harsh--and I could have quit, but my LOVE for this stood me in good stead. I didn't quit. I kept going.

Writing gives my happiness and satisfaction. I enjoy the creating, the work of research, the finishing that is like nothing else. 

Yes, it's work. 

• Creating the characters and getting them right. Developing a plot and making sure timelines and all events line up correctly. Have an appropriate beginning and ending. So-o-o satisfying! 
• Hitting a plateau is hard and discouraging, but then...then when you get that right thought on where to go next...it overwhelms and makes you forget the struggles. 
• And one of the best parts: Writing the Words:  THE END!   

I did it!

Don't quit!

Keep writing!

Push on! 

Work hard!

Believe!

You can do this! 

Serious Wednesday: The Craziness of Writing

On Passionate Writing

It is a writer's greatest pleasure

to hear that someone

was kept up until the unholy hours 

of the morn

reading

one of his books.

--B. Sanderson

Writing is the strangest

and most interesting,

besides the most misunderstood,

craziest and hardest

most frustrating--

yet satisfying talent--

or is it a curse?

career?

hobby?

job?

                                                                          purpose?

A writer will certainly dwell in stages of 

despair

discouragement

hopelessness

yet writing affords deep . . .

satisfaction and pleasure,

determination

happiness and joy 

by one act of a reader, in reading.

To the real writer, 

that is enough.

Blessings!

Thankfulness for . . .

My life:

• the desire to write
• the privilege of seeing my name on THREE books
• the adventures I've shared with family
• the awesomeness of serving such a magnificent God

The excitement over my new WWII novel: With Music in Their Hearts:

• being able to dedicate it to my mother
• the fun of writing this novel
• seeing the results of my labors poured into it.

My Favorite Time of the Year:

• Getting to enjoy another beautiful October!
• Learning new things all the time.
• Gaining new friends; enjoying the fellowship with old ones
• Anticipating a camping trip with hubby and grandson

Thank you, God, for my blessings today!

Amen.

Guest Blog from my dear friend, Linore Rose Burkard

Naming Your Fictional Character


by Linore Rose Burkard

Do you struggle to find the right name for a character when writing? Is there such a thing as a "right" name? And if there is, how do you know when you've found it?

Here's my personal take on these questions, as well as some of my favorite ways to find names when I need them.

First of all, I think most writers do struggle at times with naming one or more characters. If you've never struggled with this, be grateful. If you have, it probably means that you had a good idea about the sort of character you were naming, and you were smart enough to recognize that not just any ol' name would do.

When I am in need of just the 'right' name for a character, I usually use a stand-in or temporary name until I find the right one. (The temporary name isn't important, so use whatever you like, but I would avoid going with "Character A" and "Character B"--these are cardboard-flat names and won't help you envision your character at all.) If you get really stuck on what the "right" name should be, it may help you to do some further brainstorming about that character. The better you get to know this person, the easier it will be to settle upon a name that feels right.

One of my tricks is to search catalogs with lots of models (both male and female) until I find a face that really matches my idea for a person. Once I have a face, I can usually decide upon a name. Some writers use baby name books, but I don't find these helpful until I have a face in mind, first. I also find that movie credits sometimes contain wonderful names. I never borrow anyone's full name, but I find both a first name and a surname that I like, and combine them to get that "just right" name for my character.

Each writer really needs to find what works for them.

Secondly, is there such a thing as a right or wrong name? Again, this is partly subjective, but in some cases, such as with historical novels, it is more a matter of being period-correct.

Some things to consider when choosing a name are:

1. Will it make the reader stumble each time they encounter it? Some historical novelists choose names that are period-correct but impossible to pronounce unless you "know" that period. Don't make reading your book a chore! Find a name that is both correct for the time and place of your novel, while also going easy on readers. If you must use an obscure name, or one that has an obscure spelling, use another character to let us know exactly how the name should be read.
2. Check that the name was in existence for the period you are writing in. Many authors check to see if the name was popular during a given period, but this is not necessary in many cases. The fact that it existed is technically all you need to know; however, when naming a Puritan, you wouldn't want to try something like "Crystal" when names such as Mary, Patience, and Charity were really the vogue. If you were trying to emphasize the singularity of a character, the difference between him and her and the average person of the world they live in, then a very different-sounding name might be just right, however.

So, the story-line plays a part in naming.

I'll never forget this lesson from T.S. Eliot: He wrote a heart-tugging poem called, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." Say that name aloud! It is anything but romantic, anything but what one would associate with a love song, and the poem indeed conveys Prufrock's utter inability to "sing" one, even when opportunity and desire are there. Eliot named this character carefully. The awkward name emphasizes the pathos of the character. Can you do this in your fiction?

It's not by accident that romance writers try to choose pretty or exotic or smooth-sounding names for their heroes and heroines. Give a girl a pretty name, and it's easier to see her as attractive. Give a hero a strong name, and it's easier to see him as strong. Even a hero, however, can have a "wrong" name and triumph anyway, when it's part of their appeal (such as in the Johnny Cash song, " A Boy Named Sue").

Interestingly, you might want to choose the name for your villain as carefully as for the hero or heroine. A villain often disguises him or herself as a hero or heroine, at least for some portion of a book, and until they are found out, a beautiful name will go far to fool the reader. Conversely, an uncertain name, one that is not particularly evocative or attractive (think: Clark Kent) can be used to de-emphasize the real hero or heroine until they are revealed for their true colors later in the book.

There's also the idea that evil can appear beautiful, and a lovely name for a villain can make for fun reading. In my book, The House in Grosvenor Square, the good-looking villain's name is Lord Wingate, or Julian. Neither sound ominous, but "Julian" has a sort of mysterious air to it, which I think supports the character's
persona.

You shouldn't need to obsess over naming a character, and only historical novels can objectively be accused of having a "wrong" name, anyway--either for their time or place.

Above all, have fun naming your characters! Find a method you like, whether it be an internet search, a baby-name book, movie credits, or any other source, and have at it. Experiment with different names for the same character if you're just not sure, and see what sits best with you. Eventually, you will find the "right" name for each character, and your book will be stronger for it.





BIO-LINORE ROSE BURKARD

Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the era of Regency England (circa 1800 - 1830). Fans of classic romances, such as Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Sense & Sensibility, will enjoy meeting Ariana Forsythe, a feisty heroine who finds her heart and beliefs tested by high-society London.


Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends, The House in Grosvenor Square, and The Country House Courtship. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Her books and monthly newsletter captivate readers with little-known facts, exciting stories, and historical insights. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy romance that reminds us happy endings are possible for everyone.


Publisher's Weekly affirms, "Ms. Burkard's command of period detail is impressive, evident in material details, but also in dialogue. Her novels even help non-Regencyphiles learn the difference between ladies' pelisses and spencers...On the whole, it's a tasty confection."

Ms. Burkard began writing when she couldn't find a Regency romance with an inspirational twist. "There were Christian books that approached the genre," she says, "But, they fell short of being a genuine Regency. I knew that many women like me want stories that are historically authentic and offer glimpses of God's involvement in our lives. So, I finally gave up looking and decided to write one myself."

Ms. Burkard was raised in New York, where she graduated magna cum laude from the City University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. She lives with her husband and five children in a town full of antique stores and gift shops in southwestern Ohio. Her hobbies include working on four new Regency novels, family movie nights, swimming, and gardening.

Blessings, readers!

There are Winners . . . And More Winners!

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


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

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

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

THANK YOU, beloved followers, for participating!

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

Blessings!

I'm Thrilled to have Jim Rupart on my Blog This Week!

For a chance to win his book, Rooms, please leave a comment and email address!
Now on to the 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?

Deep down I've known I was a writer from the time I was eleven. It was the dream in the deepest part of my heart, but I didn't believe it—or I should say start to believe it—till eight years ago.
What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

If I could explain it I would. I had a friend say, "Your writing is a little bit C.S. Lewis, a splash of Nicholas Sparks, some Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, and some George McDonald." I've never read Sparks but the others are some of my favorite writers so I’m honored to be described that way. My genre? I'm not sure. My books don't fit neatly into a pre-described genre but the three I've written so far are contemporary novels with a heavy dose of supernatural suspense, strong female characters and deep psychological ponderings. Does that help? Smile.

Yep, good answer. 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?

Unlike many novelists I don't have any unpublished manuscripts sitting in a drawer so I've "practiced" with ROOMS (2010) BOOK OF DAYS (earlier this year) and THE CHAIR (September 2011).

ROOMS took me six years to write, BOOK OF DAYS took two years and THE CHAIR took five months. I tend to write in bursts. I'll not write at all for two months but when I'm on deadline I'll often take a weekend and write for eight hours a day. Those deadlines are motivating!
You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?
BOOK OF DAYS is the story of a young man who is losing his memories—especially troubling to him is the memories of his late wife that are slipping away.

His only hope is the find God's Book of Days which has recorded the past, present, and future of every soul who ever lived. He has no idea if the book exists on earth, but he's determined to fine out—even though it seems everything has come against his chances of success.

I've been fortunate to have wide distribution so people can find my books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble dot com, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay, Books a Million, CBD … just about everywhere.
What is the spiritual message in your books? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

ROOMS is a story of freedom and healing, and stepping into our destinies.

BOOK OF DAYS is a story of forgiveness, of others and maybe more importantly of ourselves.

THE CHAIR is a story of restoration—specifically of friendship.

My hope is with all my books that readers are entertained and taken away to another world, but also that they see themselves in the stories and come away with greater freedom, a deeper relationship with God, and healing of the wounds that hold so many of us back from living a life of vibrancy and passion.
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?

Have you heard the saying, "Make your play your work and you'll never work another day in your life?" I was talking to a close author friend yesterday who said, "Yes, there are hassles being published, more than pre-published writers realize, but how can we grouse? We're living the dream.

I remind myself of that when I want to give up, or am discouraged or I think, "What I am thinking? I can't write!"

All writers feel this. Even authors who have sold millions of books. I talked to a multi-mulit-million bestselling author about this the other day and he said, "I wonder every time I pick up my laptop, 'Can I do it again?'"

I know that feeling well!

But this is my destiny—what God has called me to—so I push on even in the down times. I'm living my dream, how can I complain?

I've always loved that quote because it's so true. Who’s inspired you the most?
My amazing wife, Darci. She has been a fervent support of me and my writing for twenty five years. She's believed in me, encouraged me, challenged me, prayed for me and fought for me like no one else. It's cliché to say but it's true, I wouldn't be published if not for her.
I love it when a spouse is like that! My husband is the same. 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?

Yes, essentially I sit out on my back deck all day now and watch the clouds scuttle by. Not exactly. People told me before I was published that the pressures and expectations only increase. What they didn't tell me is they increase exponentially.

My route to publication: I went to my first writer's conference in the spring of '06. In September of that year I signed with an agent and he shopped ROOMS to the major publishers. All basically said, "No thanks, the guy can write but his book is a little out there and with a debut author we can't take a chance on a book like that." So I put ROOMS on the shelf and started on BOOK OF DAYS.

(I have to admit there is a part of me that smiled inside when ROOMS hit the bestseller list as I thought of those houses who passed on acquiring the book. Also, I want to use myself as an example to pre-published writers who are rejected. Not that often, but sometimes editors and agents get it wrong.)
A year later—in fall of '07—I sat down with David Webb who was the executive director of fiction at B&H at the time. He said, "I've read 200 manuscripts since I read yours, and yours is the one I can't get out of my mind. Let's take another run at it." So I wrote a new proposal and he took it to committee on May 4th 2008 and was sent a deal point memo on June 23rd. (Not that I remember the specific details or anything.)

The dream had come true. Happy Jim.
What an encourgement to the prepubbed to hang in there! Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

Hobbies? Yes, I used to have some of those before becoming an author! Seriously, writing has been all-consuming for the past three or four years but I do have a number of things I love to do. In no particular order: Dirt biking, water skiing, back packing, photography, guitar, golf, and reading.
Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

People can find me on:

• Facebook as James L. Rubart,
• Twitter: @jimrubart,
• Web site: http://www.jimrubart.com/
• and folks can find my blog from there.

And I love hearing from readers so don't be shy.

Thanks so much for having me, Carole!

Thanks so much for being here, Jim. I've loved having you!
Don't forget to leave your email addys and comments, readers!
 
Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Beautiful sunny weather
Rain, even if I think we've had enough, God knows
The birds' songs
Wind
A lovely Mother's Day
Sharing a Sunday meal with people I love
God's strength to keep going
My "almost" grandchildren
Unexpected sweet blessings that thrill me
Hubby's morning kiss.

Smiles and blessings!

A Big Welcome to Our Interviewee This Week: Cynthia Ruchti!

 Leave those comments (and email addresses), folks, for a chance to win Cynthia's book!

Now on to the interview with Cynthia:

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, and always appreciated the power of story. But it wasn’t until I was in my mid-20s that I considered the idea of exploring writing as a serious pursuit. That was when I was handed the opportunity to write radio drama/devotional thoughts for a small radio station in North Carolina, an opportunity which now is a daily fifteen-minute broadcast heard on 16 stations across the country. After many years of writing those short fiction pieces that were the opening vignettes for each broadcast, I challenged myself (or God challenged me) to consider longer works of fiction—novels. After many years of testing that idea and learning everything I could soak up at writers conferences and through ACFW, my first novel debuted in May 2010—They Almost Always Come Home by Abingdon Press.

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

I write both women’s fiction and romantic comedy. Romantic comedy is self-explanatory—lighthearted stories with uplifting romance at their heart. A Door County Christmas is romantic comedy. Lighthearted doesn’t have to be “fluffy.” I wrote “The Heart’s Harbor” for A Door County Christmas novella collection with a desire to make the story both as romantically funny and as comically romantic as life sometimes is. Women’s fiction is a little harder to define. It’s a story with a woman as the prominent character and with her emotional journey at its heart and some element of romance, although that does not have to dominate the story. It may also have an element of suspense, as does They Almost Always Come Home. But how the woman faces her challenges, fears, or heartbreaks is the focus.

Sounds fun and interesting. 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?

Someday…ah, someday I’ll set word count goals. During my term as ACFW president, it was important to focus a great deal of attention on that position. I’m thinking about my stories all the time and am giddy with gratitude when I find a pocket of time to devote to getting them down on paper, or in the computer. But I’m also a marathon writer and if a deadline looms will set personal goals, breaking the project into manageable pieces. My first novel was written over the course of about 9 months. I work with a more complete outline now than I used to have, so the words pile up more quickly when I’m free to give attention to them.

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

A Door County Christmas released September 1st from Barbour Publishing. The setting is Door County, Wisconsin, one of my favorite places on earth. The charming shops and even more charming natural beauty of the rugged Great Lakes shoreline and wide stretches of water hold a strong appeal for me.

Each of the four authors in this collection took one of the villages along the shoreline as a setting for their novella. I chose Egg Harbor, a wide spot in the road with a stunning harbor and delightful orchards and artistry as well as unique gifts shops. My character, Amanda, is drafted into serving as temporary innkeeper for The Heart’s Harbor Victorian Inn just in time for its legendary Christmas Tea. She wrestles with quirky guests, natural and man-made disasters, and a broken heart as she serves, wondering if Christmas and love have anything in common.

Readers can find both books wherever books are sold in brick-and-mortar stores and online. A Door County Christmas is also available through Walmart and Sam’s Clubs. I love supporting local Christian bookstores with my own purchases and hope other readers do, too.

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

A lesson I learned not all that long ago is that the best relationships are ones in which the two parties, though different in personality, learn how to “serve in the same direction.” That makes it sound like a heavy-subject story. But it’s a lot of fun to observe how Amanda and Jordan discover that truth.

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 think the specter of giving up haunts every writer’s thoughts, if just for a moment…every day. Wanting to give up is a given. And some writers do. The writers who push past that natural emotion are the ones with the greatest possibility of a fulfilling (notice I did not use the word “successful”) writing career. Bad reviews are natural downers. Great reviews are artificial uppers. I’ve learned or am learning not to take either too seriously, but to be grateful for connections with readers who found something meaningful in the stories I’m led to tell. Anything good within me and anything good that comes from my “pen” is from the Lord anyway. So I have no choice but to trust Him with the outcome.

Who’s inspired you the most?

Many writers have inspired me. Many dear family members have played inspiring roles in my life. No one inspires me to give my all like the One who gave His all.

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?

Abingdon Press developed a fiction line that seemed a good fit for my debut novel. They were interested in stories that took risks, either in subject matter or in style. Editor Barbara Scott was the perfect person for my first editor/author experience. I’m forever grateful for her faith in that story and in me. Barbour Publishing has had great success with its Christmas novella collections, so that too was a natural connection.

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

If I had the freedom to travel wherever I’d like, I’d start on my “bucket list” with places like Tuscany, maybe a Mediterranean cruise, anywhere with ancient architecture and natural beauty, Banff Provincial Park in Canada, New England in the fall (which is odd since my backyard in Wisconsin looks like New England in the fall. I’d go back to Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA at the least provocation, and I hope to return to Alaska some day, visiting more of the interior and Denali.

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

Thank you for the opportunity to connect with your readers, Carole. They can learn more about my writing and life through Facebook, Twitter, or through my website: http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/ or http://www.hopethatglowsinthedark.com/.

That’s what I do—write stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark.



Readers, don't forget to leave those comments and your email address for a chance to win Cynthia's book!

Blessings! 

Join Me Today in Learning More About Author Amanda Flower

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

When I was in sixth grade, I wrote a humorous story about a trip with my brother and neighbor to a local amusement park. When I read the story to the class, I had them in stitches with my description of being stuck at the top the Ferris wheel. It was at the moment I knew this was what I wanted to do. I wanted to write stories that make people laugh. I do describe that moment as my calling to be an author. The certainty I felt about it was undeniable.

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

I write mysteries for adults and children. My subgenre is cozy mystery. Typically, these are novels in which the violence takes place off page and the protagonist is an amateur sleuth. Many times, cozies are humorous, but they don’t have to be. However, Maid of Murder is definitely a funny cozy.

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 try to write at least an hour every day. I must emphasize the word try because I don’t always depending what’s going on in my life. When I do, I write in the evening after a full day of work. In addition to being an author, I am an academic librarian at a small college in Ohio. Most of the time, I just write for the hour and call it quits, but if I am on a roll, I can write well into the night. Caffeine is mandatory to make it through the next day at the library.

I don’t have a certain number of words I have to write every day, but I do set a weekly page goal. Most of the time this means, I’m writing like crazy on Saturday night, trying to reach that goal.

It took me three years to write Maid of Murder. It took so long because I was in college and graduate school while writing the original draft and all that pesky schoolwork got in the way of my writing. When I wrote the first draft of Maid of Murder’s sequel, it took me six months. However, I spent another six months revising it with the help of my wonderful first readers and critique partner before I was ready send it to my editor.

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

In Maid of Murder, India Hayes, a college librarian and reluctant bridesmaid, is thrown into the role of amateur sleuth as she hunts down the person who murdered her childhood friend and framed her brother for the crime.

I’m sure different readers will receive different spiritual messages after reading the book, but for me the message is about loyalty. My main character, India Hayes, is loyal to her friends and to her family maybe even to a fault. I’ll let the readers decide whether it’s a fault or not.

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?

Like any aspiring writer, I’ve certainly have had times when I was depressed about my writing. From the time I started writing my first novel to the time it was published, it was nine years. Almost an entire decade of my life was dedicated to this book. However, I never seriously considered stopping. Sure sometimes, I would ask myself why I put myself through it when I didn’t have to, but then a piece of dialogue or an image of a character would hit me. I had to write it down, or I would burst. Writing is so much a part of who I am I don’t know who I’d be if I weren’t a writer.

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

After my first literary agent and I decided to part ways, I decided to query some mystery publishers that didn’t require an agent. Five Star was the first one I queried. I’d known of them through a critique partner. The first time around they rejected me, but about a year later, they came back and asked me if I still had the manuscript. It was a wonderful surprise!

I learned very quickly that selling your first book doesn’t mean it’s time to relax. In fact, the opposite is true. I’m busier than ever as I write the sequels to Maid of Murder while trying to promote the novel itself. Plus, I recently got a great new idea for a new series I’d like to write and am wondering how I will fit that in. Of course for a writer, this is a good problem to have, and I’m so grateful for all of it!

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

Likes:

• My family including the feline members.
• Travel to just about anywhere.
• Laughter, I just love to laugh!

Dislikes:

• Clowns, mimes, people dressed up at cartoon characters. I just find them a little creepy.
• Spiders… I saw Arachnophobia when I was child and NEVER got over it.
• Cinnamon. I know this is weird, but I really don’t like the taste of it.

My number one hobby would be reading, of course. I also like to do arts and crafts like scrapbooking, making jewelry, and painting. I enjoy doing anything that is creative except music. Trust me, I have no musical talent whatsoever. Oh, and cooking. I can’t cook either!

I’ve been blessed to travel quite a lot and have been to seventeen countries and forty-eight U.S. states. The thing about travel is the more you go, the more you want to go. So there are many places I haven’t been to and want to visit. In fact, I have a list. Some top picks are New Zealand, Alaska, South Africa, India, and Spain.

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

Maid of Murder is the first in a cozy mystery series, featuring librarian-sleuth, India Hayes.

When bride-to-be Olivia turns up dead in the Martin College fountain and the evidence points to India’s brother Mark, India must unmask the real culprit while juggling a furious Mother of the Bride, an annoying Maid of Honor, a set of hippie-generation parents, a police detective who is showing a marked liking for her, and a provost itching to fire someone, anyone—maybe even a smart-mouthed librarian.

Maid of Murder can be purchased online at

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.borders.com/

and through my publisher Five Star / Gale Cengage.

You can also order it through your favorite local bookstore.

Gale Cengage is a major book distributor to libraries, so suggest Maid of Murder to your local library to purchase. That way you will get to read it and so will others in your community!

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.amandaflower.com/

Author Blog: http://amandaflower.wordpress.com/ 

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Flower/199666665449?v=wall&ref=mf

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aflowerwriter

If you’d like to be added to my mailing list to receive postcards about my upcoming books and other announcements, send an email with your snail mail address to amanda@amandaflower.com and I will add you.

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, Amanda.
 
Blessings

First Blessings

I wandered out to my garden pond flower garden this week and found a surprise. A sign that spring is here regardless of the fact that the weatherman is calling for snow Monday.

Spring is stealing in like a shy maiden. One foot forward, one step back. Blushing, radiant, and breathless with new life.

I'm ready!

Quote:
Every path has a few puddles.

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!