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

Cara Putnam's "Stars in the Night"

We're happy to have Cara Putnam with us today talking about her book, Stars in the Night. To learn more about Cara and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I was working on the last book for my second World War II series for Heartsong Presents and beginning to think about where I might want to set a future series. My husband, who is as big a World War II fan as I am if not more, and I were brainstorming one night. Since I’d done two series set in the Midwest, I kind of wanted to branch out, and I’ve long had a love of classic movies. As Eric and I were talking, we hit on the idea of Hollywood during World War II.
There were so many different roles that the stars played during the war. Canteens. USO tours. Active service. 4-Fed. The plot options and historical details seemed endless. Then as I researched I stumbled on the original Hollywood Victory Caravan. My imagination kicked into overdrive. What if I created a second Victory Caravan? What if a killer followed someone on to the train? What if people died and you were trapped on the train with a killer? And what if romance blossomed in the midst of the suspense? I got pretty pumped very quickly.
Then I got a call from the woman who became my editor at Summerside. She wondered if I might be interested in writing historical romantic suspense for them. And as God works, one of the settings they were interested in was Hollywood. It was perfect timing and a great fit.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Once Susan and I had decided the book was a good idea, I got the signed contract in October 2009. The due date for the book was February 2010, and it released July 1, so it was a very quick turn around. But everyone at Summerside was a delight to work with, and I absolutely adore the cover they gave the book. It’s awesome!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I love cats – but love my husband more since he’s allergic which means no more cats.
2. I am a dyed in the wool Cornhusker. Go Big Red! And I’m nervous about the Huskers joining the Big Ten in 2011 since that means they’ll be in the same conference as my husband’s alma mater.
3. Not only do I homeschool my kids, but I was homeschooled from fifth through tenth grades, when I started college.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Currently I am writing book ten in Guideposts’ new contemporary mystery series. I have also written book four which releases in September. It’s a series that centers around a 62 year old protagonist that loves quilts and stumbles into lots of mysteries in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

5) Parting comments?
It is an honor and privilege to be able to write books. My heart’s cry is to write books that honor God and the vision that He gives me while providing entertainment and escape for women as they read. I hope they are swept away into a romance and suspense as they read Stars in the Night.
Could the man Audra loves be her sister’s Murderer?
During WWII, attorney Audra Shaeffer travels with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan – but she’s more interested in solving her sisters murder than selling war bonds. When two people on the train are found dead, including the ex-wife of handsome star Robert Garfield, Audra starts to wonder if Robert’s affectionate overtures are setting her up to be his next victim…

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I can be found at my website (http://www.caraputman.com/), facebook, twitter, and shoutlife. Thanks so much for having me, Dawn!

J. Mark Bertrand's "Back on Murder"

We're happy to have J. Mark Bertrand with us today talking about his book, Back on Murder. To learn more about Mark and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It started with the “suicide cop,” Roland March. When a fellow officer commits suicide, the thankless task of investigating gets dumped on March. How did he end up in this position? What kind of mindset would he have? The deeper I dug into those questions, the more Back on Murder came into focus. It’s the story of a once-promising detective’s restoration to grace.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Dave Long, now my editor at Bethany House, asked whether I’d ever considered writing a detective novel. If I was interested, he told me, he’d be happy to take a look at the result. Since I’ve always loved crime fiction, and had published some short stories in the genre, I didn’t need much convincing.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
First, I write a blog called BibleDesignBlog.com, dedicated to “the physical form of the Good Book.” The number of people interested in Bible design and production continues to amaze me. Second, I was the runner up in a child modeling contest back in 1972. If only I could have held onto my good looks! Third, I have a shoe fetish that would put Imelda Marcos to shame.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I’m working on revisions to Pattern of Wounds, the second novel in the March series. If you thought things were bad for March in Back on Murder, just wait. His next case threatens to undo everything he’s achieved. It’s a nail-biter.

5) Parting comments?
Writing Back on Murder has been a game-changer for me, and I hope that comes through in the story. If you love crime fiction, I think you’re going to love Roland March.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Check out www.BackonMurder.com for more info about the book, and visit my blog at http://www.crimegenre.com/ . And for information on everything I’m doing, bookmark http://www.jmarkbertrand.com/ .

Tracy Krauss' "And the Beat Goes On"

We're happy to have Tracy Krauss with us today talking about her book, And the Beat Goes On. To learn more about Tracy and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
This book is actually the sequel to another novel called Play It Again. In this first book, Mark Graham is an eleven year old child who is interested in fossils and arrowheads and is the son of the main characters, one of whom is involved in the music industry. (In case you’re wondering, this first book is still under consideration with Steeple Hill and is not yet in print!) When I began writing And The Beat Goes On – which is essentially an archeological suspense – Mark seemed like the perfect character to use, only all grown up. It seemed logical to continue with the ‘musical theme’ for the title, since it is a continuation from the first story to some degree, although it definitely stands alone as well. Also, there are subtle references to tribal drumming, the rhythmic continuity of life as it connects to the past, etc. etc. which made the title make sense. (And, no, it has nothing to do with Sonny and Cher!)

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Wow. Actually, I have been writing for about twenty five years, now. About six or seven years ago I decided it was time I submitted something for publication, but having little time, few resources, no contacts, and absolutely no knowledge of the publishing industry, I pretty much blundered along for the first several years. (I naively thought it would be easy since my writing was so fabulous and my ideas so unique!) What a wake up call! Two years ago, after many gut wrenching critiques, revisions, research and plain hard work, I sent out a blitz of submissions. In October of 2008 I finally landed a contract. Little did I know that the real work of publicity was still ahead!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hm. I’ve moved more than thirty times in my life, so I’m an expert packer! (I’ve been less than an inch from a real live polar bear with only the window in my car separating us – this was in the wild, not in a zoo!)
I have more than one piercing (not talking about ears here!), like to hang out with artsy theater types, and still manage to maintain my integrity as a Pastor’s wife and Christian. (It’s time we threw away our stereotypes, folks!)
I was an original Trekkie back in the day and was in love with Leonard Nimoy.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My next novel called My Mother The Man Eater is currently in production and will hopefully be ready for release before Christmas. I’ve got two others under review with various publishers/agents. I am also in the process of seeking publication for the many plays I’ve written and directed over the years as a Drama teacher and director. I’m also working on an illustrated children’s book. (I’m a visual artist as well and also teach Secondary School Art) Finally, I’ve got three other manuscripts in various stages. That enough?

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for this opportunity. I’m glad to be a part of such a vibrant community of writers who support one another.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I currently maintain two blogs:
http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.blogspot.com/
http://www.krauss.aegauthorblogs.com/
I also frequent lots of social networking sites and authors groups, so hopefully we’ll connect somewhere along the way!

Grace Bridges' "Legendary Space Pilgrims"

We're happy to have Grace Bridges with us today talking about her book, Legendary Space Pilgrims. To learn more about Grace and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
One night I was reading Flashpoint, a great book by Frank Creed, and then when I went to sleep, I dreamed all the main elements of this story. Characters, settings, even a couple of major scenes. It was pretty freaky! And interrupted my plans to work on the sequel to my first book, which wasn’t even published at the time.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well, it really was a journey in many, many ways. I began it in Germany, finished it in Ireland, edited it in the USA, and published it here at home in New Zealand. Interestingly enough it’s also about a journey itself, so I hope the grit and reality of my own travels comes through – even though one can’t really compare a Greyhound or a Learjet to a spaceship, I imagine there are certain similarities in the conditions of using one!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I came up blank, so I asked my online friends. Apparently my age is surprising – doesn’t feel young to me...Anyways it seems incongruous for some people that at 31 I’m running a publishing company and several related websites. I suppose other interesting facts might include that I’m a rat fancier (currently without rats – but I still fancy them!) and I play the bodhran, a large Irish hand drum, that I picked up last year in Dublin.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Ooh, lots of things. I write poetry reasonably regularly to flex my wordsmithing muscles. Also writing a monthly serial called Comet Born for the Digital Dragon Magazine, available free online at www.digitaldragonmagazine.net. Then I’m redrafting my completed third book CyberDublin, and progressing on Godspeed, which is the sequel to my first, Faith Awakened.

5) Parting comments?
Parting? Noooo, don’t go away! I’m not done yet! Haha. Let me tell you about the book, hey?
If Pilgrim’s Progress happened in space, this is what it might look like...
On a planet that has never seen the sun, a harvester hears a Voice from beyond. It's time to leave the oatfield. Mario and Caitlin escape the mind control of Planet Monday, following the Voice to unknown worlds where wonders and challenges await. Have you got what it takes...to be a legend?
Christina Berry, a Christy Award Finalist for 2010, said of Legendary Space Pilgrims: "A powerfully imaginative space epic. I couldn’t put it down!"

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My publishing site: http://www.splashdownbooks.com/
Personal blog: http://www.gracebridges.blogspot.com/
Personal author site: http://www.gracebridges.com/

Book page for Legendary Space Pilgrims: www.splashdownbooks.com/legendaryspacepilgrims.html

Mary Ellis' "Never Far From Home"

We're happy to have Mary Ellis with us today talking about her book, Never Far From Home. To learn more about Mary and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Since I live in a rural area, I’ve been fascinated with farms for many years. Researching to write Never Far from Home was a real eye-opener for me. Agriculture, even Amish farming, is much more complex than most would assume. Since I have visited Amish families since childhood, I am enjoying writing stories set in the close-knit Christian community of Holmes County, Ohio. Getting to know sheep and horses up-close-and-personal has been a special treat.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I spent about eight years writing in several different genres and sending to too many publishing houses to count. Then I tried submitting to agents instead. I found my wonderful agent this way, and she sold my two romantic suspense novels. When I decided to change from ABA to CBA, she found my current publishing house, which is a “perfect fit” for me.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I used to teach middle school math and algebra, but not English, which might not surprise my editor. My favorite pastime is snorkeling, even though I’ve never lived close to a beach in my life. And I once volunteered at the Cleveland Zoo as a docent snake–handler. I used to wrap (well-fed) boa constrictors around my neck and shoulders during presentations to school groups.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently finishing the third in the Miller Family series, The Way to a Man’s Heart, which will be released in July. I’m also working on a Christmas novella to be released late next summer.

5) Parting comments?

If there are any discouraged writers who are reading this…don’t give up! Many times I was ready to throw in the towel, but now I’m so glad I didn’t. Have faith.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

Readers can find me at http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/. I love to hear from fans at maryeellis@yahoo.com.

Lyle A. Way's "Shades of Gray"

We're happy to have Lyle A. Way with us today talking about his book, Murder in Shades of Gray. To learn more about Lyle and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?

The idea came to me one night when I couldn’t sleep. It seemed an obvious thriller, because people naturally write the elderly off as being unable to do anything. The story is about a murder syndicate where the assassins are all seniors with the theory that if they are found around the scene of the crime, the police will only want to get them out of the way, never thinking they might be the killer.

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

I pitched the book to publishers and agents at the Christian Writers Conference in Glorietta, New Mexico, and got good reviews. I had it edited by a professional editor and then started the onerous task of sending query letters. After 40 rejections, all saying the same thing, that the recession was not allowing publishers to take on new clients, I chose to self publish, which has worked very well for me while teaching me the importance of marketing.

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

1. I was a deputy sheriff in Oregon many years ago, which gave me a love for police work.

2. I was the president of the largest retirement center in Lubbock for 22 years, which gave me an understanding of what seniors are really capable of doing.

3. I received a Bachelor of Theology degree at the age of 60 yrs.

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

I just finished a sea novel about a smuggler in the South China Seas, and am currently beginning work on a novel about a secret vigilante group bringing crooked politicians to justice.

5) Parting comments?

I love bringing exciting mystery/suspense novels to the Christian market where readers can enjoy a good thriller without being embarrassed by profanity, sexual scenes, or sickening gore. Each of my novels has the Lord Jesus appearing incognito, working with individuals as he has always done. All of my books give the way to finding God, in un-churchy terms.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://www.lyleaway.com/

email lway@windstream.net.

Margaret Daley's "Heart of a Cowboy"

We're happy to have Margaret Daley with us today talking about her book, Heart of a Cowboy. To learn more about Margaret and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I was asked by Love Inspired to do a three book series with homeschooling as the backdrop. I used the ranch that Zachary, the hero, owns in the first book of the series. When I wrote him in the first book, he stayed in my mind and had to have his own story

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Since it was requested by my publisher, there wasn’t a journey so much as coming up with a series that showed different situations that would lead parents to decide to homeschool their child. Then I wanted to write about problems a parent might have homeschooling a child. I only wrote about three situations, and there are many more out there. I admire the parents who choose to homeschool their children.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
That’s a hard one. I’m pretty open. I hate to exercise but I’m exercising every other day. I hate to do yard work but love a beautiful yard. I love playing mindless games as a break from writing. Somehow that gets me back into the writing mode.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m staring my third book in Guardians, Inc. for Love Inspired Suspense. It will be out next year, and it’s about a female bodyguard agency.

5) Parting comments?
I’ve been blessed to be able to write. I hope readers enjoy the stories that keep coming to me.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My web site is http://www.margaretdaley.com/
My blog is http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/

Book Trailers

Sorry guys! For some reason, the Youtube video bar displayed my videos and then switched over to videos I'd never seen before. Here are the book trailers I promised.

Killing Time

or click here to go to the youtube site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ncljBid61g

Queen of Hearts

or click here to go to the youtube site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grqPjGvfRa0

Dan Walsh's "The Homecoming"

We're happy to have Dan Walsh with us today talking about his book, The Homecoming. To learn more about Dan and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The Homecoming is a sequel to my first novel, The Unfinished Gift, which released last September. After finishing the first book, I hadn’t intended to write a sequel. But I knew I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind; they had become like family. And I could see they had at least one more story to tell. This time, a love story. Best-selling author Colleen Coble called it, “One of the most touching and delightful love stories I’ve ever read.” When I read her endorsement, I was so happy, because that’s exactly what I’d set out to do with the second book.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The Unfinished Gift was a one-book deal. My agent and editor both asked me, “What else do you have in mind?” When I told them I thought there was another book here, at first they were reluctant. Both felt the first story seemed complete. Then I said, “I’m thinking about a love story on this...between Shawn and Katherine.” Both said they said they’d thought about that possibility but wondered how it could happen (we all knew there’d be some serious obstacles to overcome). When I told them what I had in mind they both instantly loved the idea and asked me to start developing it. Revell offered the second contract after I’d written about 75 pages.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hmmm…First, I don’t sing half bad; I’m at least as good as the singers on American Idol who get knocked out in the early rounds. Second, while I do love and listen to Christian music, I also really enjoy the old standards, songs being brought back now by guys like Michael Buble and Harry Connick, Jr. And third, when I got saved as a senior in high school, I was a long-haired surf bum who had absolutely no ambition to be anything else for the rest of my life.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
As most of you know, the publishing world moves pretty slow. My second book (the one featured here) has just come out, but I’m actually finishing up my fourth book now. The working title is The Book Nook. It’s a Christmas novel set in 1980, about a little bookstore owned and run by Art and Leanne Bell. The day after Thanksgiving, Art collapses at the store and is found by a homeless man. It’s the busiest shopping time of year but Leanne needs to stay in the hospital by Art’s side. Her son, Rick, a CPA in Charlotte, reluctantly agrees to help. He cancels his skiing trip and drives down to Seabreeze, Florida, his old hometown. He thought he’d left it for good ten years ago. Over the coming days, Rick gets re-introduced to the mother he’s ignored and the stepfather he’s rejected, as he listens to a host of charming and eccentric characters, whose lives have been forever changed…at The Book Nook. Oh…and Rick is also introduced to a woman who will turn his life upside down.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks so much for the chance to interact with your readers. If they decide to pick up a copy of The Homecoming my first hope is that they’ll thoroughly enjoy themselves. I hope they’ll feel transported back to a simpler time when our country made a whole lot more sense and become totally immersed in the lives of characters I’ve come to love. And I hope every reader will be able to say what Colleen Coble said when they finish the last page.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I’d love to have them visit my website, http://www.danwalshbooks.com/ or check out my blog, which they can get to from my website by clicking on “Latest News.” Or they can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/authordanwalsh

Max Elliot Anderson's "Secret of Abbott's Cave"

We're happy to have Max Elliot Anderson with us today talking about his book, Secret of Abbott's Cave. To learn more about Max and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
In addition to writing for kids, I’m a video producer. I had a production in Virginia covering the construction of a unique water reclamation facility. We had to travel there three times, and it gave us the opportunity to visit several of the caves in the area.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I already had a publisher for Secret of Abbott’s Cave, however, the company ultimately went bankrupt late last year. This book will be republished, along with my first 7 titles, by the end of this year.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m an avid NASCAR fan. I grew up hating to read, and English was one of my all time worst subjects in school.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I recently finished Lost Island Smugglers which is book # 1 in the new Sam Cooper Adventure Series. The next two books in the series, Captain Jack’s Treasure and River Rampage are already written. This fall, a second publisher will release Barney and the Runaway. This is the same publisher that will republish my original seven titles and we’ve signed an option for another sixteen titles which are also already written. I’m spending most of my time now in promotion, marketing, speaking, and platform building. I’m also writing shorter material for articles, a Chicken Soup book short story, and projects like that.

5) Parting comments?
I’d love to be writing again. I feel the most at peace when I disappear into my writing room and work on the next action-adventure or mystery. But today, writing is only a small part of an author’s life. We are called upon to do as much marketing and promotion as we can. I like to tell aspiring writers that writing their manuscript is the easy part. It’s what comes next that represents the really hard work including finding an agent, a publisher, and then letting the world know about your work.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Books For Boys Blog
http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
Author Web Site
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/max.e.anderson
Twitter
http://twitter.com/marketpl

Bonnie Leon's "Touching the Clouds"

We're happy to have Bonnie Leon with us today talking about her book, Touching the Clouds. To learn more about Bonnie and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My mother grew up in Alaska where she and her family lived on a homestead. The only way to get in and out was either by boat or plane. Bush pilots were her connection to the outside world. She loved and admired them.

The stories my mother shared about those days have stuck with me, and throughout the years she’s given me several books about the bush pilots of Alaska. One day while reading one of these books I had a glimmer of a story. It grew and soon I was ready to tell the story of a woman named Kate who flew the Alaskan bush.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
How did you know this was a journey? When I first came up with the idea for this story I thought it would be easy to write. After all, I’ve written several books set in Alaska and I’ve done a good deal of writing placed in the 1930’s.

I couldn’t have been more wrong about it being easy. The flying sequences were extremely difficult because I wasn’t a pilot. I needed to find one and I did—Gayle Ranney. She’s been a bush pilot in Alaska for more than fifty years. She’s amazing. I couldn’t have written the book without her.

When I finished the book I felt that something was out of sync with the story. My editor confirmed my fears and I had to go back and rework the book, beginning with my characters. When the characters change, everything changes. I basically had to rewrite the entire book. But, I feel good about the finished product.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1)Back in the 60’s and early 70’s I was part of the hippy movement, a “flower child” at heart. I experimented with drugs and life and was actually arrested at one point. The real secret, though, is that I have good memories of those times—they were fun and weird, and filled with good friends.

2)After four years of marriage, my husband and I separated and filed for divorce. We had only to show up in court when God stepped in and saved us and our marriage. We will celebrate our thirty-ninth anniversary in August. God is good.

3)The first book I ever wrote (The Journey of Eleven Moons) sold to the first publishing house to look at it and it became a bestseller. That whole process really took me by surprise.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on book three in the Alaskan Skies Series. Actually I haven’t started the process of writing yet. I’m thinking mostly and doing some reading. I know how the book begins and how it ends, but all the stuff in the middle is still a mystery.

5) Parting comments?
Remember that God is good all the time. Even on our worst day, He is good. We can trust Him.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers. You can contact me at http://www.bonnieleon.com/

Norm Grant's "You Want Me To... What?"

We're happy to have Norm Grant with us today talking about his book, You Want Me To...WHAT? To learn more about Norm and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
God put it on my heart to share the spiritual journey and story that he’s been doing in and through me since surrendering my life to Jesus Christ. People not only love to hear stories but we learn so much more when we hear stories from others who have gone through similar challenges. My hope and prayer with this book is that it inspires others to draw closer to God and also encourages them to let go and fully trust in His plan for their lives.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I would have never seen myself writing a book, let alone Christian based. The journey of getting this book published has been filled with many insights and experiences. The whole process has been a stretch out of my comfort zone and one that has directed me to rely on and trust in God.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) I’m not your typical churched person.
2) My spiritual journey has taken me from an unreached Saul type of person who had a powerful Damascus Road experience to that of a Paul mission and calling.
3) This whole thing began after my wife made a simple prayer asking God to touch her husband’s heart. (watch what you prayer for)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
At present I’m in the process of beginning the marketing campaign for the book and letting God direct me as to where he’s wanting me to speak his word, wherever that is. He seems to be calling me to share his word wherever that maybe. The funny thing about it is that God is starting to write another book on my heart and so I’m also beginning to work on that as well.

5) Parting comments?
My hope and prayer is that the words written on the pages of this book inspire people to hand the pen over to God and let him start to write the story he has in store for each and every one of us. Answering God’s call on our lives is about risking to leave the safety of our comfort zone by letting go and trusting in God.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
People can find me at http://www.normgrantministries.com/ or http://www.youwantmetowhat.net/

Register to win "Queen of Hearts" by K. Dawn Byrd

Register to win Queen of Hearts...
Hey, guys! Your moderator here. It's been a while since I've given away a copy of my book. Of course, it'll be in eformat. To register to win, place your e-mail address in the box to the right (subscribe to my blog via e-mail) if you've not done so and leave me a commment with your e-mail address. (To learn more about the book, click on the cover image to the left...)

If you don't know how to read an ebook, follow the instructions below on how to get the Kindle for your computer. Scroll to the bottom and click on the link to see 100 free ebooks that you can download after you've installed the Kindle app on your pc.

Follow these steps to download the Kindle app:
1) Go to my Amazon page
http://www.amazon.com/Queen-of-Hearts-ebook/dp/B003EV5T3K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1270176182&sr=1-2
2) Scroll down. You'll see "Kindle for PC" to the right
3) Click to download the Kindle app
4) Go back to my page above and you can download my book to read the first few chapters for free. This will let you know it's working. When it downloads, you'll see the number "1" in the Archive at the top left.
5) Click on Archive to move the book over to your library.
6) Enjoy!
7) If you like the free viewing of "Queen of Hearts," I'd appreciate your supporting my work by buying the book. Thanks so much and enjoy the Kindle books!

Click here for a list of best sellers. When the link opens, the list to the right is the top 100 free books!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/ref=pd_dp_ts_kinc_1