Anita Higman and Janice Thompson's Ozark Weddings

We're happy to have Anita Higman and Janice Thompson with us today talking about their book, Ozark Weddings.To learn more about Anita and Janice and their book, read on!

Your Barbour Heartsong 3-in-1 collection is entitled, Ozark Weddings. Tell us a little bit about the three stories.
Anita: All three stories are set in Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Larkspur Dreams and Castles in the Air are romantic comedy, while the middle story, The Love Song, is more dramatic in tone.
Janice: Larkspur Dreams is a lighthearted, whimsical tale that will appeal to inspirational romance readers, particularly those with artistic leanings. The Love Song reaches into the depths of the reader’s soul, dealing with the topic of overcoming past hurts. Castles in the Air provides a humorous look at the way we are perceived by others, and teaches us that our prejudices (comical as they might be) often keep us from the very thing God has planned for us.

Anita, you and Janice co-authored the three stories in Ozark Weddings. How do writers go about co-authoring?
Anita: There are a number of ways to co-author a novel. One writer might do the research and the other writer may actually write the story. Or co-authors may each choose a character and write from that character’s POV. In the three novels, I guess you could say I wrote the body and wings of the stories, and Janice helped to make them fly. She has a gift for critiquing.
Janice: Working with Anita is a breeze because she conceives and fully plots the stories then lets me add my thoughts/tidbits to give them flavor. She is so quirky and fun to work with, and I am very proud of the stories we have co-produced.

Were there times when it was hard to work together?
Anita: Janice is not only talented, but easy to work with. There were a few times in one of the novels that I found myself writing in a way that strayed from the general concept of a Heartsong romance. Janice made some good suggestions, which steered me in the right direction.
Janice: I can honestly say that I’ve never worked with anyone who was so willing to accept critique and/or take suggestions as Anita. She is a precious friend and collaborative partner. I already knew she was talented (even before we began this project) but had no idea how gracious she would be. Since I’ve written for the Heartsong line for years, I was able to “teach her the ropes” (as it were) and she was a ready learner! That’s not to say she hasn’t taught me a thing or two. I’ve learned much from her throughout this process, particularly as it applies to romantic tension. She’s far better at that than I am, and I’m happy to admit it.

Why did you choose to be a writer?
Anita: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this need to express myself in some sort of artistic medium. I’ve tried a number of things: piano, painting, decorating, and acting. But I’ve never been very good at any these endeavors, except writing. I guess really then—writing chose me.
Janice: Like Anita, I’ve always been artistic. As a youngster, I sang, danced and played the piano. I was also very involved in theater as a young person. I’ve been writing since childhood. I wrote my first novella in 6th grade, then went on to write musical comedies for the stage before turning to books in the mid-90’s. Like Anita, I can truly say that I didn’t choose writing; it chose me. Or, perhaps I should say that God chose it for me, as a gift.

When did you have your first success as a writer?
Anita: After several years of writing, I had some gradual success—books for children, books of one-act plays, and nonfiction for women. These successes were enough to keep me going toward my ultimate goal, which was to write novels.
Janice: This may sound a bit silly, but my first real writing “success” happened my senior year in high school, when I was chosen to help write the senior production. I had a blast, and the scene I crafted (a 1930’s/Busby Berkeley-esque “The Show Must Go On” scene) was a huge success. I can’t tell you what fun I had, or how great it felt for people to respond as they did.

Do you have any special methods of getting into the writing zone, such as favorite scents, music, or certain foods?
Anita: In the past I used to go to a French café, order coffee and scrambled eggs, and then write a rough chapter. The noise, music, and bustle always energized me creatively. But now I’m more of a homebody, so I sit for long hours in my office, working on my stories.
Janice: An "ideal" writing situation for me would involve someplace like Starbucks (or otherwise) with a cup of my favorite hot beverage in my hand (to be discussed below). Ironically, when I'm at home, I can't stand having music going. I find it terribly distracting... something about the "beat" drives me nutty. Having the television on is okay, but it's often muted. Crazy, I know. I'm a fanatic about my Diet Dr. Pepper and several flavors of hot tea. I particularly love Earl Grey and Chai Latte, among others. And I'm nuts about hot chocolate in the wintertime. I'm also crazy about my puppies. I have two red mini-dachshunds named Sasha and Copper. They usually settle in next to me on the sofa, Sasha on my right, Copper on my left. When we're all in place (with a cup of tea or a Diet Dr. Pepper on the end table, depending on the season) I'm ready to begin. Of course, I usually have to weed through several emails (clearing a path) before I can actually start writing. Whew! Sounds like quite a process, doesn't it?! It's a wonder I get anything done at all!

What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
Anita: If you feel called to write, don’t let people discourage you. I’m sure they don’t realize the impact of their words, but negative remarks can undermine our courage and joy. Comments similar to: “Maybe you weren’t really meant to be published.” Or, “Are you making any money at this yet?” Perhaps you’ve heard, “Why can’t you write like my favorite author?” Honestly, I could go on and on here. Writing is a great and honorable profession—one that can challenge, inspire, and change people’s lives. If you love words and love arranging them into stories, then don’t let the battering influence of dispiriting comments shatter your dream. Keep pressing on!
Janice: I often say this to young/new writers: Learn the craft, but don’t necessarily write what the publishers/agents/houses tell you to write. Trends change. Stick with the stories God places on your heart and if He intends them to be published, He will find the right publishing house in the right time.

What are your writing plans for the future?
Anita: I’d love to just keep doing what I’m doing. But I think I’d also enjoy writing novels for the young adult market.
Janice: I’m open to whatever God wants (and I really mean that). If He shifts me in a new direction (women’s fiction, for example) I’m following His lead! If He asks me to lay the writing down for a season in order to accomplish a different task, I’m open to that, too.

We’d love for you to visit our websites at http://www.anitahigman.com/ and http://www.janiceathompson.com/. If you’re interested in our Heartsong collection, Ozark Weddings, it can be purchased in bookstores or ordered online at http://www.amazon.com/.
Thanks for inviting us to your blog!

Tammy Barley's "Hope's Promise"

We're happy to have Tammy Barley with us today talking about her book, Hope's Promise. To learn more about Tammy and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?

It’s book two in The Sierra Chronicles trilogy, the continuing story of rancher Jake Bennett and spitfire Jessica Hale, now Jessica Bennett. Those two had too much story for only one book. Their story was inspired by my grandmother’s stories of her grandmother and grandfather, a Cherokee Indian woman rescued by a western wagon train scout. Riding horses across the west, historic places I visited there, and journals written by those who lived in the West when it was still being carved—each of these spurred my imaginings, and the story lines and characters that gradually unfolded.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.

Very simple: my publisher, Whitaker House, contracted for the entire series, and this is book two. Book one, Love’s Rescue, was the journey. Fifty-two agents said no, but then Terry Burns, agent extraordinaire, said yes.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I get a kick out of wearing a hoop skirt to book signings.
2. I write while in my comfiest pajamas.
3. I have a secret desire to travel to the far side of the moon, and see just how many stars are really up there. (While wearing a hoop skirt over my comfiest pajamas.) =)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?

I’m getting ready to write the first book in my second trilogy, which takes place in the Wind River Mountains, in Wyoming. Lots of anticipation here, waiting to see it come to life. =)

5) Parting comments? Readers have called my writing unique, and I love that.

My novels will carry you back in time to the far reaches of the American West, place you into the saddle of a running horse, and slip you into the cool water of a purling river on a sweltering summer night. I write that you may experience it all firsthand, the stories unfolding around you, woven throughout with bold, unforgettable characters and plenty of romance. I write that you may live the adventure! I can’t wait to see you there!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

I’m at http://www.tammybarley.com/index.html, and so are a lot of surprises and goodies!

Esther LoPresto's "Where's My Other Sock?"

We're happy to have Esther LoPresto with us today talking about her book, Where's My Other Sock? To learn more about Esther and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I don’t really remember how I came up with it. Losing socks in the laundry happens to everyone. I was a sophomore in high school when I thought about turning it into a story and a friend of mine was crazy enough to write it with me. We spent our junior year writing it.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After lots of research and getting frustrated, then researching again, I nearly fell for a vanity press before finding Tate Publishing & Enterprises. It was the first legitimate publisher I submitted to. The book was published about five years after it was written, and sadly, my friend decided not to be a part of the process. I documented the journey on my blog, from receiving the contract to the official release.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) I graduated with an AAS in accounting and focused completely on business in school. I enjoy both the creativity of writing and the logic of accounting.
2) At 20 years old, I’m a great-aunt, but not even married with kids of my own.
3) I’m not fond of rapidly advancing technology. Were it possible to keep in touch with family and friends and to promote my books without it, I would never use the internet. All these new gadgets are just getting more and more ridiculous and pointless. Whatever happened to simple life?

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m finishing up a YA fantasy novel that I plan to submit to a different publisher or maybe an agent. In addition to this, I have about four works-in-progress and dozens of ideas for future books. Most of my stories are fantasy, but some fall into the mystery/suspense or contemporary categories.

5) Parting comments?
Where’s My Other Sock? is juvenile fiction, but all ages have enjoyed it. It is meant to be a fun story with a little adventure, mystery, and comedy, but without any “hidden meanings” or lessons to learn. My future books, however, I plan to incorporate elements of faith and/or show the forces of good and evil at work in our world.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://legendsofxenos.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/scribeoftheking