Sandra Robbins "The Columns of Cottonwood"

We're happy to have Sandra Robbins with us today talking about her book, The Columns of Cottonwood. To learn more about Sandra and her book, read on!


1) How did this story come to you?I’ve always enjoyed reading and studying about the Civil War and its aftermath for the people who lived in the South. The paddle wheelers that plied the rivers and transported crops to market played an important part in reestablishing the agricultural heritage that had been damaged during the war. I thought it would be interesting to set a story in a fictional riverboat port town. The story involves two people—(1) a woman who lost everything she holds dear during the conflict but has a dream to raise her family’s plantation from the ashes of war; and (2) and a man, a stranger who never meant to put an end to her dream when he purchased her land for the back taxes. They both have plans for their futures, but they discover God’s plan is best for both of them.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published?I knew that the Heartsong Presents Romance line at Barbour needed a three book historical romance series set in Mississippi, and I wrote a proposal and sent it in. I didn’t hear anything from the editor for a year and a half. One day I received an email from her that said she had two Mississippi proposals that she liked, mine and another, but she didn’t have an Alabama one. She asked if I could change my setting to the Alabama River. I quickly did some research and found that it would present no problem to change the setting. So I moved the story from the Mississippi River to the Alabama River.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.I hate to wash dishes. I love to cook, but the clean-up afterwards is something I always dread.

I am the mother of twins (a boy and a girl) who were born before my two older daughters started to school.

Although I’d always had a desire to write, I majored in music in college with piano as my instrument and taught music in the public schools for years.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?I have just finished the first of three romantic suspense books that are set on Ocracoke Island. I vacationed on that small barrier island off the coast of North Carolina several years ago and couldn’t wait to set a book there. The first one will release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense in July 2011.

5) Parting comments?Thanks for having me on your blog today. I hope readers will enjoy The Columns of Cottonwood. The two books to follow are Dinner at the St. James and Blues Along the River.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?I always enjoy hearing from my fans. You can contact me on my website at http://sandrarobbins.net/ my blog at http://www.sandrarobb.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter and Facebook.

I also hope readers will go to my website or blog and sign up for newsletter.

Register to win a getaway weekend with bestselling author Lisa Wingate!

What could possibly be more fun than reading a great book this summer (well, maybe not more fun, but a totally different kind of fun)?

Celebrating 2011 with national bestselling author, Lisa Wingate, in beautiful, historic, antique-filled Jefferson, Texas for the fun-filled reader event of the year, the Pulpwood Queens Girlfriend Weekend 2011 book extravaganza! If you've never been to the Pulpwood Queens annual tiara-wearing, book sharing event, or even if you have, you'd be in for a treat! Head Pulpwood Queen Kathy Patrick hosts a weekend filled with books, authors, beautiful bed and breakfast hotels, antiques, a costume ball, and more fun with books than you can imagine. Kathy has over 50 authors on the slate, including Lisa Wingate. This year, the Keynote speakers are Fannie Flagg, Rick Bragg, and Pat Conroy!

The best thing about this girlfriend getaway is that the winner and companion can do as much or as little as they like. Girlfriend Weekend offers two days of amazing events, and the town of Jefferson features everything from museums and antique shopping, to quilts, history tours, and carriage rides!

The prize package does not include travel. The winner be responsible for travel for herself/himself and guest (that's right, this package is for TWO). If you're the lucky winner, you'll get:

***TWO fully-paid admission armbands for Girlfriend Weekend 2011 (one for you and one for your best girlfriend, or your favorite Timber Guy). This includes admission to Saturday night's big-hair extravaganza, the "Great Big Ball of Hair" where you can come as you are, or arrive dressed as your favorite book character and compete in the costume contest. Who knows? You might become "Miss Hairball Queen 2011!"

***TWO nights in a room fit for a queen, amid the opulence and grace of the 1920s at the beautiful Delta Street Inn bed and breakfast in historic Jefferson, Texas. (double occupancy)

***Your very own "Insta-Queen Kit" featuring a gorgeous tiara and a smaller porta-tiara for more casual occasions (or one to keep and one to share with your best girlfriend), free autographed Lisa Wingate books, your scepter, a copy of Kathy Patrick's Tiara Wearing Book Sharing Guide to Life, your very own Pulpwood Queens T-shirt, and everything else you need to crown yourself and read like a Pulpwood Queen!

More details and entry form are available at http://www.lisawingate.com/. This is a great opportunity for readers or writers, so don't forget to spread the word to your book clubs, co-workers, family members, and girlfriends -- after all, if one of your friends wins, you can come along as the guest! Contest ends November 15.

Martha Rogers' "Finding Becky"

We're happy to have Martha Rogers with us today talking about her book, Finding Becky. To learn more about Martha and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It was a natural progression of a character from a previous book. I wanted a young woman who was independent, searching for truth, and firm in her belief about equality for women. Becky is all of those and her journey was fun to write.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It’s the third book in the series Winds Across the Prairie and was part of a three book contract. It took several years for an editor to choose the first book for publication. This one was only a one paragraph summary, so I had four months to plot and write it. Luckily I knew all but a few new characters, so the story came right along. It was the most fun to write.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love Christmas and my house is totally decorated for that season. I have 24 storage boxes of decorations in my attic.
I am a Baylor graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in what was once Home Economics but is now something like Consumer Science.
My husband and I have lived in the same house for 34 years. (Didn’t think I’d haul all that Christmas stuff around did you?)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve just started a new series and am working on the first book. This one starts in Connecticut and ends in Texas.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for hosting me, and I hope you enjoy this new visit to Barton Creek with the Haynes and Frankston families.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://www.marthawrogers.com/

Alison Strobel's "The Weight of Shadows"

We're happy to have Alison Strobel with us today talking about her book, The Weight of Shadows. To learn more about Alison and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
A few years ago I heard about a high school senior who was involved in a wreck that killed an off-duty policeman who'd been out cycling. She was, as you can imagine, completely devastated by the experience, not to mention terrified that she would be found at fault even though she hadn't been. But before the findings of the investigation even came back, the officer's widow met her and told her their family harbored no ill-will toward her, and that they didn't blame her at all for what happened. The grace they gave her was just amazing. But it made me wonder what would have happened if she actually *had* been at fault--and no one had found out. Would she have come forward and admitted it? Would she have kept the secret? And if she did keep the secret, how would that secret affect her soul as the years went on? From there, the story evolved of a woman who allowed herself to be abused because she thinks she deserves it because of the guilty secret she harbors.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I already had a contract in place, so getting the book picked up by a publisher wasn't a problem, thankfully! However, the writing of the story was a very different experience from the experience of writing my first two books. It was the first time I'd used the Snowflake Method of plot and character development, and it made the process so much smoother. After using it on that book I vowed never to write another book without it!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1 - I was hopelessly addicted to online roleplaying games in college. For a writer, they're *so* much fun--you're basically writing a story on the fly, but you don't get to control all the characters.
2 - My other dream job (since writing is my #1 dream job) would be to be a Broadway musical singer. I can really belt Eponine's songs from Les Miserables
3 - My husband and I met on eHarmony. com. He was my 100th match, after being on the site almost a year. I was his first match, after being on the site for about ten minutes.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My fourth book, Reinventing Rachel, just came out Sept. 1. I have two more books scheduled to release next year--The Heart of Memory comes out in April, and book #6, currently titled Trouble Child, comes out in September. My husband and I also have a second children's book coming out in the spring, and we're hoping to add two more books to that series.

5) Parting comments?
I host a number of contests and giveaways on my blog and through my newsletter. I currently have two contests going to celebrate the release of Reinventing Rachel--one for college students and one for everyone else. :)

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.alisonstrobel.com/
Children's book website: http://www.danandalimorrow.com/ (we have contests there, too!)
Blog: www.AlisonStrobel.com/alison-blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alison.strobel.morrow#!/alison.strobel.morrow
Twitter: twitter.com/alisonstrobel (not that I'm on there much, but I'm making an effort to be more active)

Deanna K. Klingel's "Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog"

We're happy to have Deanna K. Klingel with us today talking about her book, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog. To learn more about Deanna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Telling stories about the therapy dog visits with my dogs, seemed to be of interest to people. When out with my dogs I'm always asked questions. So I decided it was a story that needed to be told.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Every publisher I submitted to sent back encouragement. They loved the book and hoped I could publish it. One even explained why he couldn't publish it: because of the economy they were cutting back to five books (dog) and they were all how-to. This book doesn't fit neatly into any genre, and I'm an unknown author, so it was very difficult to sell. The only publisher who didn't like it said I needed to develop the character and create a plot. I knew he didn't get it. There is no plot and it's not about characters. It's about moments. I finally found a publisher who "got it," and was willing to take the risk of a book outside the box.

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

Usually the thing that surprises most people about me is that I have seven children. The other surprising things are probably that I'm OLD and I attend college classes, known as a non traditional student. Otherwise, I'm not a very surprising person.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have three manuscripts that I'm peddling right now. I have an early chapter book, Walker Hound of Park Avenue, a middle grade non-fiction, Bread Upon the Water, and a teen novel, Cracks in the Ice. But, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog will occupy me this fall with the marketing details and some travel.

5) Parting comments?
I'm enjoying this slippery slope called a steep learning curve. I hope you'll enjoy the results.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

In September my book can be found on therapydogstories.com, and I can be found on http://www.booksbydeanna.com/.

Elizabeth Goddard's "Exposing Amber"

We're happy to have Elizabeth Goddard with us today talking about her book, Exposing Amber. To learn more about Elizabeth and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I’ve always wanted to do a story about a fossil dig and I found a museum that was connected to one and knew it would make the perfect setting for a book.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
For some, especially these days, it seems the journey to publication happens quickly. For me it’s been long and arduous. I started working toward publication in 2001, though at the time I hadn’t yet decided to focus on novel writing. But when I attended my first conference, ACW, and met DiAnn Mills I knew I wanted to write novels. I didn’t receive my first contract until 2007.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’d rather go to Yellowstone National Park than Disney World. I prefer action movies over chic flicks. I haven’t read any Amish novels. Not even one.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I recently turned in a romantic
suspense proposal to a category romance publisher and I’m working on a big story for my agent right now. I’m very excited about both stories, but I don’t want to give away any company secrets.

5) Parting comments?
I’m so thankful the Lord opened these doors for me—I love to write!

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

Phyllis Johnson's "Being Frank With Anne"

We're happy to have Phyllis Johnson with us today talking about her book, Being Frank with Anne. To learn more about Phyllis and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My book, Being Frank with Anne came to me after reading her diary. The effect the book had on me never let me go. In my adulthood, I felt moved to interpret the diary entries into unrhymed verse.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
There was the process of sending it out to publishers. Then someone in my writing group suggested I send it to Community Press and the publisher decided to publish it as my second book with them. This book is posted the New York Anne Frank Center website bookstore, a copy was autographed by Miep Gies and reviewed by her first cousin, Buddy Elias.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I like to act and model. I’ve been in FBI Files and New Detectives. I’ve also been in a feature film on the big screen.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve co-written a young adult suspense novel with Nancy Naigle. I’m also working on a book of funny high school stories and a book of monologues.

5) Parting comments?
I tell aspiring writers to never give up their dreams.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is http://www.phyllisjohnson.net/ and they can read more about Being Frank with Anne at http://www.beingfrankwithanne.com/

Blog Tour For Your Inner Diva!

Leave a comment below for a chance to have your name entered in the blog tour for your inner diva contest.

Blog Tour Grand Prize!
• Turquoise purse/tote
• Silver flip-flops
• Purse and shoe picture frames
• Box of Godiva truffles
• DIVAS of the Divine book & journal


DIVAS' Top 10 Necessities for a Fulfilled Life
1.A Great Bra! (Prayer Foundation) – Even though many women don’t enjoy wearing this undergarment, it is the most critical aspect of any DIVA’S outfit! Why? It is the foundation—just like a relationship with God that offers support and is always uplifting.
2.Mirror (Real Beauty) – A DIVA looks into the mirror to check hair and lipstick but more importantly to make sure what she sees is real—to make sure her beauty is reflected from within, transparent and authentic.
3.Shoes (God’s Purpose) – The perfect designer shoes guide her daily walk with Christ. Must fit her style as an individual and accentuate the relationship that is uniquely hers in order to make every step count. Little steps help her go the distance.
4.Sunglasses (Priorities) – Oh, how important to filter the harmful rays and the worldly view of the sunlight so she is only exposed to the pure Son and all of His benefits!
5.Chocolate (Time Out) – Every DIVA’S little piece of heaven! It may be small but it’s sweetness, it’s creamy comfort, and its AHHHH factor, is enough to sustain her until she gets to experience the wonder of heaven. It’s the little pick-me-up that will remind her to sustain her eternal perspective no matter the circumstance.
6.Wrinkle Cream (Forgiveness) – It is the hottest thing on the market for any DIVA who wants to remove lines and wrinkles. The Spirit-inspired ingredients are key to erasing the fine lines of stress, worry, and bitterness to help her let go of the past. This cream is full of the healing power of forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love.
7.Watch (Commitment) – Every DIVA has a favorite watch. This piece of bling pulls every outfit together. She feels lost when she forgets to wear it. Time! Time requires commitment and every DIVA chooses wisely how she spends it.
8.Girlfriend (Accountability) - The most important necessity for all true DIVAS. She’s caring and fun to be with. She is the “speak the truth in love” kind of friend that will hold the DIVA accountable to being the true Designer Original she was created to be.
9.Purse (Balance) - Whether it’s top-of-the-line or a bargain-deal, the DIVA’S purse must be perfect to keep all her most important things close—flexible to bend when in tight spots but sturdy enough to withstand day-to day-use. Her purse contains the necessary items to stay balanced and “keep it all together.”
10.Lipstick (Positive Words & Attitude) – Positive words and a polished tone flow from her lips in pretty colors and a high-gloss shine. Her words inspire others.

About the Authors:
Donna McCrary
From high top basketball shoes to high heels, each step of Donna’s life has equipped her for a Life Coaching career. She is a challenging facilitator whose “tell it like it is” approach always incorporates a call to action from her participants.
Donna draws from her background as a recreational therapist to create dynamic outcome-oriented keynotes, retreats, and curriculums. Her greatest passion and deepest joy is to “coach” women in realizing God’s plan for their lives and in discovering for themselves the source of genuine joy.
Donna is a wife, mother of two, and beloved friend. Donna’s hobbies include hiking, vacationing at the beach, and trying projects from popular HGTV home improvement shows... much to her husband’s dismay!

Sherri Holbert
Sherri invested many years with companies such as Biltmore Estate, Chick-fil-A, and Chimney Rock Park in developing new and creative programs to excel these corporations to higher levels of success.
Sherri is founder and CEO of Power-Up!, a coaching company whose mission is to take individuals and corporations to the next level of success. She works as a coach, facilitator, and speaker for a variety of clients ranging from corporate executives to stay-at-home moms. Sherri’s passion is unlocking the untapped potential within others to help them gain fresh perspectives, develop clear vision, and establish action steps that will make their dreams reality.
Sherri is a wife, aunt, and friend to many. She has a self-proclaimed addiction to shoes, purses, and Starbuck’s coffee. One of her life goals is to be on Survivor (her favorite TV reality show!).


ADVICE FOR ALL DIVAS!

Sherri: If life for you is like driving 100 mph in a convertible, make sure you have a map to your dream destination and a friend to keep you focused on the plan so you don’t get sucked into the tourist traps along the way. Don’t be Thelma and Louise! Allow your passion to drive you to the mountain top of success instead of driving you off the cliff with no purpose.

Donna: The shopping mall is full of new shoes but they can only be enjoyed if you take off the old,
try on the new, and then commit to pay the price.


For more information visit the DIVAS website: www.walkofpurpose.com
or view their information at Docstoc or Google Docs.

Tessa Afshar's "Pearl in the Sand"

Here's Moody's blurb about Tessa's book...
Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel' Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes.
Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well-walls of fear, rejection, unworthiness.
A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith - of pride; a marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Sand-Novel-ebook/dp/B004089202/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1284082202&sr=1-1-catcorr

Sarah Sundin's "A Memory Between Us"

We're happy to have Sarah Sundin with us today talking about her book, A Memory Between Us. To learn more about Sarah and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My first novel, A Distant Melody, was originally meant to be a single novel, but while doing research, I became enamored with the US Eighth Air Force in World War II, and I wanted to tell the full story to V-E Day. Since my hero had two pilot brothers, I decided to write a three-book series, with each book focusing on one brother, with each book standing alone.
About this time, the character of Army nurse Lt. Ruth Doherty came to me—what if a poor girl made a bad decision in order to feed her family? What kind of girl would make such a decision? What would she be like when she grew up? I mentally put Ruth in the same room with Jack Novak—and sparks flew! Writing A Memory Between Us was a blast. Jack and Ruth were such fun characters.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I first submitted A Distant Melody at Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference in 2003. I received good feedback from published authors, editors, and agents—and began accumulating a stack of “good” rejection letters. They liked my writing, my story, and my characters—however, historicals weren’t selling. They wanted chick lit. This continued through 2007. I often felt discouraged, but the Lord made it obvious in many ways that He wanted me to finish the series so I kept plugging away. Then at Mount Hermon in March 2008, I heard, “We don’t want chick lit. We need historicals.” And there I was with the first two books in the Wings of Glory series complete. I submitted to Vicki Crumpton at Revell, and in September 2008 I was offered a three-book contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I hate housecleaning—but I enjoy laundry.
I wrote my rough drafts longhand in pencil, curled up on the couch.
My sons think I rock. My daughter (14) thinks I’m a dork. She’s closer to the truth. 

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I turned in Blue Skies Tomorrow (Book 3 in the Wings of Glory series) to my editor recently, and now we’re going through the editing process. I’m putting together a proposal for another series set during World War II.

5) Parting comments?
If God has given you a dream, have the courage to do what He asks you to do. Persevere, learn, seek support, and keep praying.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com/
Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahsundin
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin

Lorna Seilstad's "Making Waves"

We're happy to have Lorna Seilstad with us today talking about her book, Making Waves. To learn more about Lorna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and Lake Manawa is about a ten minute drive from my house. Since my dad lived there as a child, I’d heard stories about the resort’s heyday, but I had no idea just what a fascinating place it was until I began to research it. After I did, I had to write a story set there. I wanted to bring the area back to life—at least on paper.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
At the 2008 ACFW conference, I presented this book to Andrea Doering. I completely forgot my pitch and just handed her my one sheet. Then, I sat there while she read two chapters. Thank goodness, she laughed in the right places! I knew I was in trouble if she didn’t.

After she was done, she complimented my fresh voice and asked me to send of full copy to her. Less than a month after I submitted the manuscript, I received an e-mail asking for a couple more ideas to make this into a possible series. A month later, Revell offered me a contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I’m good at pinball. This really surprised my husband when we were dating.
2. I’ve never sailed, although I’d love to. I read “Sailing for Dummies” when writing Making Waves. I also had help from a sailing writing friend to make sure I got the information correct.
3. I occasionally serve as a wedding coordinator. I guess romance is in my blood

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
There are two more books in the Lake Manawa Summers series. The next book is called A Great Catch and occurs five years later at the lake. I’m busy working on book three which will be yet another five years later and will feature the resort’s new roller coaster.

4) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me today. It’s been fun.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love connecting with and hearing from readers. I can be found at:
http://www.lornaseilstad.com/
http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com/ (10-writer blog)
On Twitter and on Facebook

Leanna Ellis' "Facelift"

We're happy to have Leanna Ellis with us today talking about her book, Facelift. To learn more about Leanna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Most of my ideas are a little whacky and this one began with the idea of a woman who is extremely self-focused and vain. What’s the worst that could happen to someone like that? A botched facelift. She is actually the ex-mother-in-law of my main character. I wanted to probe how society often makes women feel inadequate. Even the church sometimes makes us feel that way when we’re compared to the Proverbs 31 woman. I’ve struggled in this area my whole life. It’s definitely a battle. And yet, if women could just see themselves the way God sees us…well, I believe it would revolutionize the church and the world.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Right before I started writing this book, my father passed away. So in the aftermath of all of that, I had to begin. But it was a slow process. Some days I could only write two words: Chapter Five. Literally two words. When you’re on deadline, that’s a bit of a panic situation. But I tried not to pressure myself or beat myself up over those days. Some days were very depressing. But I made a conscious decision to get out to take walks when sometimes I just wanted to curl up in a ball and pull the covers up over my head. But in going through that I learned not only about the choices we face and decisions we make but also about my character Kaye and her lessons in this book.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I utilized our crazy labradoodle we call the Hilo Monster, a combo Labrador and poodle that likes to eat our eye glasses and everything else in sight in FACELIFT. Many days she seemed bent on creating more headaches than smiles but hopefully she adds some nice humor to the book as she added that bit of levity to our lives during a rather difficult and painful period.
2. I just started fencing! And it’s a lot of fun and a LOT of hard work. Very good exercise.
3. I have a weird sense of humor. Oops! If they’ve read my books, then I guess they know that.

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

The book I’m working on next is FORSAKEN, book one in the PLAIN FEAR series, which is an Amish/vampire story.

5) Parting comments?

God is good. Always. Even on the difficult day, the trying days, the painful days, which we all go through. It’s important to keep our focus on Him. Two of my favorite passages fit beautifully with FACELIFT:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to hard you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 139:14-16 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Carie Lawson's "Beyond Summer"

We're happy to have Carie Lawson with us today talking about her ebook, Beyond Summer To learn more about Carie and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The story evolved out of the hero's character. He was such a pushy guy, stubborn, maybe more than a little temperamental. Of course, he had to have the one woman he would despise on sight...as a learning exercise.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Because it is Insprational Romance, I was very skeptical about Beyond Summer being published at all because the hero is divorced and the story centers around the marriage Carly is escaping from. I was so thankful to find Desert Breeze as a home for it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. My friends reading my books makes me ridiculously nervous.
2. I have four kids that I homeschool.
3. I went to Romania one summer with a missionary team and my soon to be husband. While we were there, I got to visit the "real" Dracula's castle.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on revisions for the third book in the Twisted Roots series, Beyond Ever After. It's Haven McCord's story about falling in love with her first crush, marrying him and getting to a place where she doesn't know if she can love him anymore.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me today! It was a lot of fun and I hope whoever wins the free copy enjoys it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I have a website, http://www.carielawsonbooks.com/ and a facebook page, Carie Lawson books.

K. Dawn Byrd's "Killing Time"

Mindy McLaurin, thinks it's the end of the world when she's incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement charges. While in jail, she investigates the death of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose. Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate dies and she learns that both women had ingested the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t stop thinking about. She faces many challenges, including constant interrogation by the Major and emotional abuse from the other inmates. Upon release, someone is stalking her and framing her for the murder. Can she prove to Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all charges before she loses him forever?



Purchase links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Time-ebook/dp/B003XYE8K8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1280791153&sr=1-1

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-103/k-dawn-byrd-killing/Detail.bok

Barnes & Noble: http://www.b&n.com/

Sony ebooks: http://ebookstore.sony.com/

Joyce Magnin's "Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise"

We're happy to have Joyce Magnin with us today talking about her book, Charlotte Figg Takes over Paradise. To learn more about Joyce and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It’s part of a series of books I will be doing with Abingdon Press. It’s not exactly a sequel just more mayhem. The story deals with domestic abuse in a back door sort of way. It’s a subject I would like to raise awareness about—not just physical domestic violence, but emotional and verbal also. So I came up with Charlotte and set her on her way to find a path that would bring her to some difficult conclusions.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’m one of the fortunate authors. My first book, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow did well and my publisher wanted to do more Bright’s Pond books. Very sweet.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love to play video games—RPGs.
I have never owned an umbrella.
I once won a year’s supply of chocolate for writing about my Dad.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just turned in the 3rd Bright’s Pond book ``Griselda Takes Flight and I’m writing the fourth—Blame It On The Mistletoe.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you Dawn for inviting me back to your fabulous blog. For you writers out there still waiting for the call—perseverance is key. And for the readers, thank you and keep reading. And eat your veggies, get some exercise.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
You can find Joyce at her blog http://www.joycemagnin,blogspot.com/ or website http://www.joycemagnin.com/ or on Facebook.