Melissa Lea Leedom's "To Forgive Divine"

We're happy to have Melissa Lea Leedom with us today talking about her book, To Forgive, Divine. To learn more about Melissa and her book, read on!


1) How did this story come to you?
I think all stories start out with a couple of “What ifs…?” I worked on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity when I lived in Alabama. The Board President who was rolling off just as I was coming on was a man I greatly admired, but who I could see had real privacy issues in dealing with being a pastor. What if, I wondered, this pastor were single and he and a woman equally reluctant to be the subject of public scrutiny, suddenly found themselves alone together in a restaurant—just as one of the biggest gossips in their church is passing by? What if every circumstance seems, at one and the same time, constantly to throw them together when seeing each other has suddenly become awkward and painful? To Forgive, Divine, as its title implies, explores how two people can find their way back to each other through forgiveness.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Having attended a number of writers’ conferences at which the constant refrain was how next-to-impossible it is for an unknown writer to find an agent or get published, and having also been told that even if one DID manage to get published, one would still be largely responsible for marketing the book, I thought, “Well, if I’m going to do my own marketing anyway, let me just go ahead and publish it myself.”
And To Forgive, Divine has been received by readers and reviewers just as it would have been had it come from Harvest House or Tyndale (check out the reviews and reader comments on my website). I sell and sign books at book stores and other author events, I speak at writers’ conferences, and I have people contact me via my website, just like a “real” author. While I haven’t made the New York Times Bestseller List, To Forgive, Divine is still selling, six years later.


3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. Even though I’m very much a “word” person, I minored in math; this was enough to allow me to teach math at community colleges for 11 years.
2. I’m a “late bloomer” who once despaired of ever earning a college degree. I now have a Master’s degree in English. Never say never!
3. I was heavily influenced by Jane Austen in writing To Forgive, Divine. See if you can see some of her plotting elements (Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion) in the story.


4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I wrote a small book called The Story of the Bible for a group of teenage girls I work with at my church, which I subsequently posted on my website. Last fall, with the help of two women from my church, I translated it into Spanish, and that version is also on my site. I recently translated it into Portuguese for our minister of youth, who is fluent in the language and who is going to be conducting a mission trip to Brazil this summer. As soon as he has proofread it for me, I’ll prepare hard copy books for him to bring with him, as well as post it to my site. My goal is to have it translated into French and Arabic by the end of the year. It’s by far the most visited part of my website.
Also, there are two sequels to To Forgive, Divine planned.


5) Parting comments?
To Forgive, Divine is the kind of book that makes a great gift to the non-Christian reader. Anyone who loves a good romance will love it. But I’ve had readers, both Christian and non-Christian, tell me they appreciated how the story gets the message of Christianity across without being preachy. And isn’t getting the message of Jesus across really the ultimate goal of inspirational fiction?


6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.forgive490.com/
forgive490@yahoo.com

Marybeth Whalen's "The Mailbox"

We're happy to have Marybeth Whalen with us today talking about her book, The Mailbox. To learn more about Marybeth and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?

The story came through my personal interaction with the real mailbox that sits on Sunset Beach NC. I have been visiting for years and one day I realized what a unique premise it would make for a novel. I began to structure a love story around it.

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

I started writing the book in August of 08, wrote til April of 09. My agent submitted it in July of 09 and I had a contract by August of 09-- so it was a fast process! The book came out June 1, 2010, not even 2 years after I began writing it!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

I have 6 children. I have always lived in the town I was born in. I don't eat cheese. At all.

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

There's some discussion about a sequel to The Mailbox-- we'll see if that happens. I just turned in my second novel and it's slated to come out next June.

5) Parting comments?

I feel very blessed to be living my dream of becoming a novelist. If you have a dream, I urge you to chase after it, no matter how far away it seems!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://www.marybethwhalen.com/

Michelle Sutton's "Never Without Hope" is too hot to handle!

Michelle Sutton's new book "Never Without Hope" is not for the faint hearted when it comes to romance or the things that go on behind closed doors. This book is very intense and pretty steamy for an inspirational novel, but Ms. Sutton handles the topics of lust, sin, and an extra marital affair with a grace that only she can. Ms. Sutton's story shows us that God, through his tender and redemptive mercy can reach down and restore us wherever we are and no matter what we've done.

Never Without Hope is much steamier than what I normally read, but since Michelle Sutton is one of my favorite authors, I had to give it a read. It's good, but beware, Ms. Sutton's love scenes are more sensual than most Christian books. Her writing style is edgy enough to portray life just like it is.

I read somewhere that Ms. Sutton intends this book to be a ministry for women who struggle with sexual problems in their marriage and also for women who've had affairs. Never Without Hope is the perfect title because since God loves us with an unconditional love, we are never without hope.

Book description:
Hope believes she is above sexual temptation; that she would never break that commandment like her husband's previous wives had done. After all, she is a good Christian and a loving mother. She has no reason to stray . . . until her husband starts neglecting her needs and things begin to look hopeless. Though she clearly communicates her pain to her husband, he refuses to get help. She starts to wonder...Will she never have sex with her husband again? She soon learns that she, too, is capable of such betrayal when she succumbs to the unthinkable. But things that first seemed sweet and reasonable given her painful situation soon produce a bitter taste when combined with the overwhelming guilt. No substitute will ever replace her love and desire for her husband. If only he would touch her like he used to. If only they could make love again. She misses him so much and wants to tell him the truth hoping it will propel him to do something to fix their problem, but she fears his rejection. Yet, she can't continue living such a hypocritical life. She knows it's wrong even though she continues to crave physical intimacy. Steeped in the quagmire of adultery, Hope must find her way back to solid ground to save her marriage. But will she lose everyone she loves in the process?

Amanda Flower's MAID OF MURDER

We're happy to have Amanda Flower with us today talking about her book, Maid of Murder. To learn more about Amanda and her book, read on!

Your title: Maid of Murder
1) How did this story come to you?
The main character of Maid of Murder, India Hayes, inspired me to write her story. Several years ago, I was sitting in a Blockbuster parking lot on the Fourth of July, and India’s mildly sarcastic voice popped into my head. Although it’s been revised many times since, the first paragraph of Maid of Murder is what India said to me that day. From her remarks, a novel and series was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
My sale wasn’t the typical route, if there is such a thing. After my first literary agent and I parted ways, I decided to submit to Five Star because I knew that they didn’t require a literary agent. They requested a full manuscript and a few months later they rejected me. I was disappointed, but by that point, I had been seeking a publisher for Maid of Murder for many years and had been rejected so many times, I wasn’t heartbroken. Then about a year later, a different acquisitions editor from Five Star emailed me and asked if my novel was still available. I said that it was. She sent me the original editor’s comments about the book which clearly stated why the novel was rejected the first time. She said if I could make those changes Five Star would reconsider my book. I spent the next month tearing the book apart and putting it back together; and in the end, Five Star was pleased and acquired Maid of Murder. I know how blessed I am to have this second chance with a publisher.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
It might surprise my readers to know the following:
1) I’m a birder. I even have a bird list I keep updated on my computer. I drive my family and friends a little crazy because if a bird flies by I am instantly distracted by it. I have been known to wander off in pursuit of a bird I’d never seen before.
2) I hate to cook, but I find the Food Network fascinating. My favorite show is The Barefoot Contessa.
3) I’m a traveler and have been to seventeen countries and forty-eight U.S. states. The last big international trip I took was to Israel and Jordan. I have dear friend, who is a travel agent, and she knew I wanted to go there. She placed me as a tagalong on a trip with a group of retired Southern Baptists from Mississippi. They welcomed this twenty-something Yankee with open arms, and it was amazing to be in the place where Jesus lived and walked. However as far a language acquisition went, I picked up more Southern dialect than Hebrew or Arabic.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Currently, I’m working on the second India Hayes Mystery. In the second book, India, much to her chagrin, is working at a folk art festival as a face painter. She does it as a favor to her older sister, Carmen, and gets tangled up in a murder investigation as a result. I am in the revision stage of this novel and have begun to research the third in the series.

In addition to the India Hayes Mysteries, I have written a middle grade children’s mystery called, The Mystery of the First Andora. I’m currently looking for a publisher for this title. It was important to me to write a mystery for children because I enjoyed them so much as a child.
5) Parting comments?
If you are looking for a fun read this summer and wedding season, Maid of Murder could be the right book for you. Patricia H. Rushford, author of The Jennie McGrady Mysteries, said about the novel, “Maid of Murder is delightful with likable characters and quirky details. Author Amanda Flower did a great job with the plot. It’s a winner!”

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.

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.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Fans can find me online at my website http://amandaflower.com/ . You can also follow me on Facebook at http://tiny.cc/ejquq or Twitter at http://twitter.com/aflowerwriter .

Joseph Bentz' GOD IN PURSUIT

We're happy to have Joseph Bentz with us today talking about his book, God in Pursuit. To learn more about Joseph and his book, read on!

1. How did this story come to you?
God in Pursuit: The Tipping Points from Doubt to Faith, originally started as a book on Doubt. I wondered, what role does doubt play in the life of a Christian? Should Christians fear it? Should they try to stamp it out? Or are there ways in which doubt plays a role in leading a Christian to deeper understanding?
As I worked on those doubt issues, I began to wonder, what leads people to faith in the first place? Why—and how—do people who are downright hostile to Christianity end up as passionate followers of Jesus Christ? Are there common factors that allow them to make that leap of faith? The factors (or “tipping points”) that allow people to move from disbelief to faith are now the central focus of the book, and I also deal with how those same tipping points operate later in the Christian life as believers work through crises of doubt to reach deeper levels in their walk with God.

2. Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had already written two books for Beacon Hill Press (When God Takes Too Long: Learning to Thrive During Life’s Delays, and Silent God: Finding Him When You Can’t Hear His Voice), so this book seemed like a natural follow-up. I read dozens of spiritual memoirs of Christians from the last two thousand years, from Augustine to Anne Lamott and everyone in between. I also interviewed lots of people about their own spiritual journeys. It was inspiring to do this research. Even if I had never written a book as a result of it, the research itself made the whole project worth it for me.
What surprised me most is how persistent God is at pursuing even the people who are least receptive to him. It is not safe to give up on anybody. For all we know, they may be right on the brink of a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, even after years of running from him. God is full of surprises. Anything can happen.

3. Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. My kids sometimes force me to attend WWE wrestling events.
2. I have only had one pet in my whole life, a goldfish.
3. I have broken my collarbone three times—twice falling out of bed and once flying off my daughter’s scooter.

4. What are you working on now and what’s next for you?
I am secretly working on another novel, and I am also under contract for another book for Beacon Hill Press. It is about those times when the veil between us and eternity, between us and the Holy Spirit, between us and the world beyond us, seems thin, and we sense the Holy Spirit in a remarkable way. The extraordinary movements of the Holy Spirit highlight the ways he can also be fully present with us in ordinary moments.

5. Parting Comments?
God in Pursuit is intended not only for individual reading, but also for small group study. A free downloadable study guide is available at the Beacon Hill Press website and also on my personal website.

6. Where can fans find you in the Internet?
My website is http://www.josephbentz.com/ . I am also on Facebook.

Janice Hanna and Kathleen Y'Barbo's "I KNOW I'M NOT ALONE, LORD"

We're happy to have Janice Hanna with us today talking about a book she co-authored with Kathleen Y'Barbo, I Know I'm Not Alone, Lord. To learn more about Janice and her book, read on!

Your title: I Know I’m Not Alone, Lord – Rediscovering Joy and Contentment after Divorce
(by Janice Hanna and Kathleen Y’Barbo)

BOOK BLURB: Find yourself in a season of singleness? Need some comfort, encouragement, and advice for this transition? Look no further than Turning Points for divorced women, an inspirational roadmap to help you find new direction, power, contentment, and joy! Written by “single-again” bestselling authors Kathleen Y’Barbo and Janice Hanna, this navigational guide is packed with proven pointers, successful strategies, and faith-filled concepts, as well as stories by women who have walked a mile in your shoes. Divorce is a detour, not the end of the road. So get ready for an amazing adventure!

1) How did this story come to you?
The idea for “I Know I’m Not Alone, Lord” came from my own personal experience of going through a divorce after twenty-seven years of marriage.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had approached my editor at Barbour to see if she would be interested in doing a book for women who’d experienced the pain of divorce. When she wrote back with the offer to publish the book, I quickly asked if my friend Kathleen Y’Barbo could sign on as my co-author. Kathleen has been through the pain of divorce, too. Her story is completely different from mine. I felt that, between the two of us, we could bring a balanced perspective. We wrote the book together over a period of about two months. This wasn’t an easy task. Writing a book about such a personal subject often dredges up things from the past you’ve already laid to rest. Still, the Lord got us through it, and I honestly believe depth of our experience shows in the pages of the book. I also believe the Lord is going to use this book to minister to the hearts of women who’ve been wounded by divorce.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Here’s one interesting thing that most people don’t know: I have a younger brother who’s younger than my oldest daughter. My step-mom gave birth to my brother Josh five weeks after my daughter Randi was born.
Here’s another thing people don’t know: I have A.D.D. tendencies. I’m completely scattered! That’s why I always have to plot my books, because I’d never keep up, otherwise.
The final thing most people don’t know is that I’m a wedding coordinator. My four daughters all got married within four years of each other. I coordinated their weddings, and have done several others, besides. I’m currently the wedding coordinator for my church. I even bake wedding cakes! I find it wildly ironic that I’ve written a non-fiction book for divorced woman when most of my novels are about weddings and wedding planning.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m just wrapping up “Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee” (a romantic comedy) for Summerside. My third and final book in the “Weddings by Bella” series just released from Revell. It’s titled “It Had to be You” and is also a romantic comedy. I’m anxiously awaiting the release of “Love Me Tender,” a 1950s romance set in Laguna Beach, California. That book is one of the kick-off books in a new line from Summerside called “When I Fall in Love.”

5) Parting comments?
Aside from writing books, I also do a lot of public speaking and teaching. My freelance writing course just debuted online in April and is selling well. For more information, check out my site: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to hear from my readers! Here’s where you can find me:
My website: http://www.janiceathompson.com/
My courses website: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/
My blog: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?cat=1
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts

Stephen Bly's "Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon"

We're happy to have Stephen Bly with us today talking about his book, Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon. To learn more about Stephen and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon is not my life story fictionalized. However, what makes it personal is that I was 10-years-old in 1954 and spent many afternoons playing cribbage with my grandpa, just like Little Brother in the novel. And I also heard many accounts about the “old days.” Many images from those times together in the 1950s embedded in my mind. I finally wrote about it.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After several incidences of almost getting a contract on this story with several publishers, I contacted Center Point to see if they’d like to do another first run hardcover. They had already done a re-release of The Land Tamers and dozens of others of my westerns, plus a first run of Creede of Old Montana, but this story wasn’t a traditional western like their customers were used to from me. This one’s set in the 1950s, but with stories from the Old West incorporated. They finally agreed to give this one a try.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I used to be on a college golf team and still play a pretty good golf round.
My first published books were nonfiction Christian life, theology, and family books. . .such as, Radical Discipleship (Moody Press), God’s Angry Side (Moody Press), The Surprising Side of Grace (Discovery House), How to Be A Good Dad (Moody Press).
I’m a roving editor for Big Show Journal, a magazine for gun collectors.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m looking forward to seeing the first copies of Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon any day now. I’m also writing a story with the working title Throw Away Heart, a western centered around a romance, set on a train in the late 1800s, on its way from Omaha to Sacramento. In addition, I’ve been doing research for a novel featuring my most well-known hero, Stewart Brannon, where he’s invited to a golf tourney on the Oregon coast in the early 1900s. This old cowboy feels very awkward on the links, but he finds adventures anyway. As ardent fans know, Stewart Brannon makes some sort of cameo appearance in every Stephen Bly novel.

5) Parting comments?
Matthew 6:33 is my life verse: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” I apply this to writing too. Getting published is an ‘added thing,’ not the main pursuit of life. His kingdom, His righteousness. . .that’s what it’s all about.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
We have four sites. Check any of them out: http://www.blybooks.com/ (our main website) or http://www.blybooks.blogspot.com/ (our brand new blog) or http://www.onestepovertheborder.com/ (features our “Have your seen my Juanita campaign?”) or http://www.tapaderaswinchesters.com/ (my antique Winchester collectors hobby site)

Robert James Luedke's "Eye Witness"

We're happy to have Robert James Luedkewith us today talking about his book, Eye Witness. To learn more about Robert and his book, read on!

Your title: Eye Witness: Unknown God

1) How did this story come to you?
This is the fourth book in the Eye Witness series, which was originally inspired by a Bible study class about medical evidence that supported the description of the passion story of Jesus.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
When I was originally inspired to create Eye Witness (back in 2001) I had been out of publishing for about 3 years. Once I had the concept for the first book nailed down, I took it to one publisher who liked it, but wished me well. After a bit of prayer, I decided to re-start my publishing imprint (Head Press Publishing) and do it myself.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love dogs. I love Chinese food (could eat it everyday if there were no other options). The last 8 years, Satan has thrown every possible obstacle in my way to prevent me from creating & publishing the Eye Witness series…but through trusting God’s promise, I’ve persevered!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
That’s a good question! I’ve got a number of concepts in various stages of development, but haven’t really settled on one yet. I’ve going to be taking the next 6 to 8 months to promote Unknown God and the Eye Witness slip-cased set (releasing in November of 2010). By the time that is finished, I’ll guess God will have opened a new door for me to walk through.

5) Parting comments?
For those not familiar with the Eye Witness series, it’s definitely not just another comic-book style Bible adaptation. It’s a combination of a modern-day action-thriller intermingled with a very unique take on birth of the Christian faith, from the Passion week through the Book of Acts. As journalist David Crumm has said, “Think about a marriage between Indiana Jones and Eugene Peterson’s Message Bible.”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Our website: http://www.headpress.info/ and on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/rjluedke

Robin Jansen Shope's "Ruby Red"

We're happy to have Robin Jansen Shope with us today talking about her book, Ruby Red. To learn more about Robin and her book, read on!

Title: Ruby Red
1) How did this story come to you?

The story came to me when I was reading accounts of the Orphan Train and saw only white faces on the trains.

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

The book went through many rewrites and it took several years because I had to get into the head of an eleven-year-old African American girl.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

1. I love cupcakes. 2. I garage sale each weekend. 3. I sell on eBay.

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

I am working on the sequel for Ruby Red.

5) Parting comments?

Hearing from readers means the world to me. I write for you.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://write2robinshope.blogspot.com/
And also on FaceBook

Tina Pinson's "In the Manor of the Ghost"

We're happy to have Tina Pinson with us today talking about her book, In the Manor of the Ghost. To learn more about Tina and her book, read on!

(Note: If you're not set up to read ebooks, scroll down on the blog to find out how to download a free Kindle app for your computer.)

Title: In the Manor of the Ghost
1) How did this story come to you?
It unfolded in a dream. I had just visited Minnesota, and passed through an area where there were black walnut groves. I was thinking about how to work the landscape and visit into a storyline, when I dreamed the first chapter for In the Manor of the Ghost, and subsequently the rest of the book.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I wrote the story in 2000 and tried to get it published, only to learn that I hadn't followed the rules of writing. They'd changed while I was on hiatus to have children, so I needed to tweak the story and do more editing to make it sellable.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love to sing, was somewhat of a tomboy growing up, which made me think I should become the next Doris Day. I've been married for over 30 years. I am a grandmother and I wrote my first novel in elementary school.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Lately, when I find time to write, I've been working on a Sci-Fi time-travel series, with clones, gene mutation, and bad people trying to get rid of Christ. Counting Tessa is the first installment. Then I plan to get back to two Civil War Era stories I've been working on, Finding Middle C, and From Hell to Eternity. Another novel, Touched By Mercy, will be released this December 2010 through Desert Breeze Publishing.

5) Parting comments?
Just wanted to take a moment and say a little bit about In the
Manor of the Ghost. Yes, it has romance, a love story and a ghost. But it's important to know that while In the Manor of the Ghost takes place in a manor, some of the houses we reside in aren't made of lumber or stones. They are fashioned from our fears and are as thick around us as a wall might be. Some of the Ghosts we face are those fears. Real or perceived, they can haunt us for years. In the Manor of the Ghost is an inspirational, written with facing those unseen ghosts in mind.
It is my belief that as God is the author and creator of love and romance, some of the most beautiful love stories come out of two people growing together through good times and trials, facing their fears and turning them over to the Lord.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
They can visit my website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/blank.html
Purchase my book at Desert Breeze Bookstore. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-92/In-the-Manor-of/Detail.bok
Stop at my Blogsite— http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share my books and myself.
In honor of the release of In the Manor of the Ghost, I am running a contest, Win a Kindle… Catch a Ghost for the entire month of June 2010. Check out my blog for the particulars.
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/

Robert Elmer's "Wildflowers of Terezin"

We're happy to have Robert Elmer with us today talking about his book, Wildflowers of Terezin. To learn more about Robert and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It’s been decades in coming, ever since my parents lived through the occupation of Denmark during World War 2. That was way before my time, but eventually I knew I had to tell some of their stories, in fiction. For me, Wildflowers of Terezin is the result of growing up in a Danish family.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
After my first series for kids was published (“The Young Underground”) my author friend Bill Myers suggested that I write a “grown up” version of the World War 2 stories. It took years before that happened, and dozens of books in between, but here it is. I’m grateful my friends at Abingdon Press shared the vision and excitement for this story.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
That I’m a grandpa. (Our first grandchild just turned one.) That I learned English on the street and from TV. (My folks only spoke Danish to me.) And that I used to live in Puerto Rico?

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Working full-time as a writer/editor at a university in the Pacific Northwest, glued to the keyboard, working on idea file. Stay tuned!

5) Parting comments?
Sometimes authors will tell you they’ve written a book from their heart, or “this was the book I just had to write.” Well, this was the book from my heart that I just had to write. I’ve put everything I know into this story, and it’s deeply meaningful to me. So far, all the comments I’m hearing are telling me that readers are connecting. I’m thankful!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.robertelmerbooks.com/

Deborah Vogts' "Seeds of Summer"

We're happy to have Deborah Vogts with us today talking about her book, Seeds of Summer. To learn more about Deborah and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Years ago, I took a Flint Hills Folklife course at Emporia State University. Along with classroom study, we took field trips into the heart of the Flint Hills and visited with old-time ranchers, schoolmarms and post-mistresses. It was such a delightful experience, especially our drives into the pastures. We would get on these back roads and drive over pasture guards into the open range. We would travel for miles without seeing another car or even an electric line—just pure, native prairie. That summer, I fell in love with the Flint Hills and it has stayed with me all this time.

For each of the seasonal books, I portray one aspect found in the Flint Hills—and I wanted to include one story about a female rancher. Also because I have three daughters who are spread out in age, I started wondering what it would be like if something happened to my husband and I, and our oldest daughter was left to care for her sisters. That’s where the plot originated for Seeds of Summer.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I met my first agent at the ACFW Nashville Conference in 2005. We hit it off at our meeting, and she gave me some tips on making my book series “bigger.” I did that and submitted my idea to her and she took me on. We shopped my Seasons of the Tallgrass series for a year and had a few bites (one of them Zondervan) but no sale. In the end, she released me, which was a real heart breaker. However, we don’t always see the big picture like God does, and six months later I signed with agent, Rachelle Gardner with WordServe Literary, and we had an offer from Zondervan three months after that in May 2008.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1 – I sold Princess House Crystal when I was in high school.
2 – I LOVE camping in the Rocky Mountains
3 – When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a concert pianist.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently finishing up the third book in the series, Blades of Autumn, which is the story about Clara, the owner of Clara’s Café.
(Blurb for Book #3) With a café to run and three children to raise, Clara Lambert doesn’t have time for men or loneliness, despite what her heart might tell her. When two handsome cowboys vie for her attention, one of the brothers proves to be her soul mate, but at what cost? Will it tear the brothers’ relationship apart or is blood really thicker than water?
After that, I’m hoping for another contract—on the fourth book in this series (Winters Frosty Path), or possibly another series.

5) Parting comments?
Keep smiling, stay faithful to God and to yourself, and enjoy the moments He gives you . . . Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I look forward to hearing from your readers.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I’m on Facebook, Twitter or readers may visit my Web site: http://www.deborahvogts.com/ or my Country at Heart blog: http://www.deborahvogts.blogspot.com/

P.I. Barrington's "Miraculous Deception"

We're happy to have P. I. Barrington with us today talking about her book, Miraculous Deception. To learn more about P.I. and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It’s the continuation from Book One, Crucifying Angel. I had one idea for the story yet when I began actually writing it, a whole other plot just fell into place. Luckily, I was able to stick the original idea in the compact form of a few interspersed scenes to tie it all together. I like this book even better than the first; more intrigue, more betrayal, more surprises. I hope the readers think so as well.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It’s not that I didn’t get involved in the first book, I did. I was in love with Gavin but this was a true “trust the process” situation; sometimes I think that I secretly know what’s going to happen in next book—I kind of decide on who’s staying, who’s going and whatever cliffhanger works best. This was a real labor of love for me because I got to develop lesser characters from the first book and I got to love them too. They come up with some funny if not endearing quirks and attitudes.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
A.) I’m a terrible dancer; I dance like Elaine from Seinfeld.
B.) I’m artsy but not crafty. In fact I’m a rabid anti-craftite!
C.) A smart and funny guy is more likely to win my heart; especially if he can best me with one-liners as well as stand up to me and have a stronger personality than mine. I like a challenge!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Believe it or not, I’ve actually begun writing Book Three of the Future Imperfect series and I’ve mentioned a real surprise ending with Gail (Gail R. Delaney, Editor in Chief, Desert Breeze Publishing) that I really want to use and I think she likes it too! Also, I have a sci-fi novella in the works for a DBP anthology as well and a book I co-authored with my sister, Loni Emmert is out in August. I do have a couple of other things under wraps right now. I’m horribly superstitious and don’t talk about things before they happen.

5) Parting comments?
I hope everyone who enjoyed Crucifying Angel will like Miraculous Deception even more! As I said it was a labor of love for me.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I finally have a real website that fans can visit (and we also now feature author interviews and the occasional music review—hear that authors?) for information on books, events, etc. They can go to: http://thewordmistresses.com/ and/or email us at wordmistresses@yahoo.com.

Anne Patrick's "Ties that Bind"

We're happy to have Anne Patrick with us today talking about her book, Ties That Bind. To learn more about Anne and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?

I was huge fan of the old Profiler series and I like The Medium. I thought, hey what if I was to combine the two. My main heroine, Jo McDaniels, can’t see the spirits of the victims though she senses their pain and emotions at the time of death. In a sense, she becomes the victim.

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

After several self-edits I submitted it and, thankfully, Awe-Struck was interested and they offered me a contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

I love RPG video games; I’m happily single; I’d love to live in Central America.

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

I’m working on a romantic suspense you can read online at: http://suspensebyannewips.blogspot.com and I’m also working on an inspirational romance.

5) Parting comments?

Throughout the month of May you can pick up both of my new releases, Ties That Bind and Out of the Darkness, at 15% off at the publishers. You can find buy links on my website.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

My blog: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/ or my website: http://www.annepatrick.weebly.com/

Maggie Brendan's A Love of Her Own

We're happy to have Maggie Brendan with us today talking about her book, A Love of Her Own. To learn more about Maggie and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
April McBride is character from my first book, No Place for a Lady in the Heart of West series. My critique partners said they wanted to know what happened to her and April needed redeeming. Lol.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’d already pitched a 3-book series and had a contract, so it was a matter of telling April’s story. I had a great time writing a fun adventure for her.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
My brother, Jess McCreede was a western writer while he was alive and was my mentor. I love pretty dishes and have something for just about every holiday. I like antiques and have a small collection of antique head vases. (and a few not antiques ones, but pretty).

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on Deeply Devoted, a series titled The Blue Willow Brides. It’s about a mail order bride from Holland who brings her two sisters with her to America.

5) Parting comments?
I was asked by LifeWay Christian Stores to sign at the Southern Baptist Convention on June 14th in Orlando. I’m so honored and excited. I feel so blessed to have Tamera Alexander, Kim Sawyer and Julie Lessman endorse my books. It couldn’t get any better thank that. Thanks for having me Dawn!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.southernbellewriter.blogspot.com/
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/ Resident Blogger