Diane Craver's "No Greater Loss"

We're happy to have Diane Craver with us today.

Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Diane and her book...

"In spite of her friends opposition, Mallory Harrington decides after the end of her marriage that it's time to do something for herself. But falling in love with Dr. Seth Whitman complicates her life."

1) How did this story come to you?
After reading many romances, I decided it was important to have a character with a
physical defect, such as a large nose. Of course, not all heroines in romances are flawless
beauties, but usually the main female characters have smaller noses. I decided that
Mallory would not have a perfect nose. After her marriage ended, she would then decide
it was time to do something for herself.

I have an emotional tie to Mallory – she has a physical flaw that I can relate to on a
deeper level. I got into her mind completely because I know what it's like not to have a
cute, small nose.


2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Last March, I heard about a new publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing, that didn't publish
erotic romance. It was an answer to my prayers. I felt it would be a good fit for the type
of sweet romances I write. I decided to submit my contemporary romance, "Whitney in
Charge." After Whitney was accepted, I submitted my inspirational romance, "Marrying
Mallory" and I was happy to get a second contract from DBP.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was a carhop at a root beer stand for 3 years during high school. And no, I wasn't
the kind of carhop on roller skates.  I suffer from insomnia, getting only get a few
hours of sleep a night. We were blessed with 6 children, two of whom were born with
Down syndrome.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just finished a novella, which is a contemporary romance and submitted it recently. I
haven't started anything new, but have several story ideas with character descriptions and
scenes written down. I've been busy getting our house ready to put on the market.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for having me on your blog. Readers, if you haven't read any of my
books, I hope you will. My first three novels were published by Samhain. I'm giving a
signed print copy of my inspirational romance "No Greater Loss" to one lucky winner!
This book is a page-turner when Dr. Jennifer Hunter’s radio talk show, "Hour of Healing"
catches the attention of a vengeful arsonist. Luke Brunsman and Jennifer must overcome
the shadows of the past and find the courage to love again.

Click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx47eTrY8M0)to see the trailer for my
new inspirational romance, "Marrying Mallory."

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.dianecraver.com/
Blog: http://www.dianecraver.com/blog/
And I'm on Facebook!

Mary Ellis' "Never Far From Home"

We're happy to have Mary Ellis with us today.

Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Mary and her book...

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 www.maryeellis.wordpress.com. I love to hear from fans at maryeellis@yahoo.com.

Michelle Sutton's "First Impressions"

We're excited to have THE "edgy Christian fiction writer," Michelle Sutton with us talking about her new release from Desert Breeze Publishing, First Impressions: Tombstone Treasures Book One.

"Playing the role of a saloon girl taught Sammie Carpenter how to flirt, but it made a lousy first impression on Jimmy... the man whose heart she longed to win."

Click on the photo to the left to visit Michelle's publisher's website and learn more about this book. Read on to learn more about Michelle.

1) How did this story come to you?
It was the first story I ever wrote. I visited Tombstone when I first moved to the area where I now live (and have since returned numerous times) and loved the whole thing. I thought it would be fun to write about the private love lives of people who dress up in costumes and hang around in Tombstone on their time off.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well, my publisher was looking for cowboy romances and I thought, "Hey, I have one!" Then I pulled it out and polished it up since I'd written the story over 5 years ago.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
My mother was a nun.
I graduated from high school a year early.
I have four grandchildren by marriage. My sons aren't old enough to be dads yet.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Working on polishing up my next release for Sheaf House and also starting the sequel to First Impressions.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me on your blog.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.michellesutton.net or http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Fireproof is Awesome!

Okay, I admit it. I stay so busy that I just saw Fireproof. I work full-time and almost every spare minute is spent writing. I have one word for Fireproof...my step-daughter's favorite word....AMAZING! Even my husband loved it. It's a must see for every married couple whether you have a strong marriage or yearn for a strong marriage. I can't recommend it enough. If you've seen it, I'd love to read your comments.

"The Country House Courtship" Linore Rose Burkard

We're happy to have Linore Rose Burkard with us today.

Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Linore and her book...

Description of The Country House Courtship
England, 1818: It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana's sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana's society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice's success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent!

But the Mornay's have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O'Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice's hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!

Fans of Linore's first books, Before the Season Ends, and The House on Grosvenor Square, will be delighted with final addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

About the author:
Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends, The House in Grosvenor Square and, The Country House Courtship. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency. Readers experience a romantic age, where England from the past comes alive and happy endings are possible for everyone!

M.L. Tyndall's "The Raven Saint"

We're happy to have M.L. Tyndall with us today.

Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about M.L. and her book...

1) How did this story come to you?
The Raven Saint is the third book in a series called Charles Towne Belles which follows the lives of three daughters of a British Admiral stationed in colonial Charles Towne in 1718. Hence, The Raven Saint is about the third sister, Grace. What’s really cool about this series is that each daughter represents one of the seeds in the parable of the seed and sower in Matthew 13. Faith in The Red Siren was the seed that feel upon the rocks whose shallow faith falters when troubles arise. She becomes a lady pirate! Hope in The Blue Enchantress represents the seed that fell among the thorns where the pleasures of this world choked her faith. She is the seductress searching for true love. And in this book, The Raven Saint, Grace is the seed that fell on the good soil. She is the saintly sister who gets kidnapped by a French Mercenary (think Orlando Bloom) who intends to sell her as a slave to a Spanish Don.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
God gave me the idea for this series during one of my daily walks on a trail behind my house. At the time, I was still writing The Falcon and the Sparrow, a spy-regency novel. But I thought this was such a cool idea that I wrote up a proposal and submitted it to my publisher. It took awhile—several months—but they finally came back to me with an offer for the entire series. Needless to say, I was very excited. And I’ve had a blast writing these books. Each sister is so different and their stories are so different and yet so meaningful in their own way.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m extremely shy.
I would rather eat popcorn than most anything
I had several stepfathers when I was growing up.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a new series entitled, Surrender to Destiny. The three books are set in Baltimore during the War of 1812 and follow the lives of three women who against their wishes get involved in the middle of the conflict. One of them gets forced to serve on a British warship, another helps prevent Washington DC from being completely burned by the British, and a third helps Francis Scott Key write the Star Spangled Banner while Fort McHenry was being bombarded. And of course these books are all highly adventurous, patriotic and very romantic. I’m very excited about this new series! The first book, Surrender the Sea, will be released in August.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me on your blog! And if anyone made it down this far, thank you for reading my interview. If you haven’t yet tried my books and you enjoy a great page-turning, adventurous romance with a strong spiritual theme, I guarantee you’ll love my books!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.mltyndall.com/
Blog: http://www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/
And I’m on Facebook!

Virginia Smith's "Third Time's a Charm"

We're happy to have Virginia Smith with us talking about her book "Third Time's a Charm."

1) How did this story come to you?
Since Third Time’s a Charm is the third in a series, I knew the character’s overall goal and internal conflict, because they were the same ones shared by her sisters in the first two books. But the plot came from a series of conversations with people who have experience as marketing research analysts, which is the main character’s occupation. As I asked questions about the job, and about the advertising industry, I got different ideas from each of them. It was fun watching all the pieces come together into a story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I got the idea to write a series of books based on three southern sisters as I was driving from Kentucky to Denver for my first International Christian Retail Show in the summer of 2005. Since I’m the oldest of three sisters, I had a lot of personal material to draw on! The contract from Revell came in early 2006. It was my third book contract, following Just As I Am and Murder by Mushroom, and the first multi-book contract I’d ever received.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Number One: I never wanted to be a writer as a child. Instead, I wanted to be a judge from the time I was selected for the role of Judge Jezabell Justice for a mock trial in my 7th grade history class.

Number Two: I’m a singer and have recorded four CDs, three with a contemporary Christian group and one solo CD. (And I still have some of those available, if anyone likes hymns!)

Number Three: I was a smoker for thirteen years, and quit in 1990 (twenty years ago!) as a New Year’s resolution. In fact, back in the 80’s when people still smoked in buildings, I smoked so heavily that when I left that company, my office had to sit empty for three months before anyone could stand to move in there.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve got two more books coming out this year. A Daughter’s Legacy is a romance novel set in a zoo. It will be released from Steeple Hill in May. And I just finished writing Into the Deep, a romantic suspense novel also coming out from Steeple Hill later this year. That one has a scuba diving theme, and is set partly in Mexico. You can tell I have a lot of fun researching my novels! Beyond that, I’m in the proposal stage with a couple of books, so I’ve got plenty to keep me busy this year.

5) Parting comments?
I hope readers enjoy Third Time’s a Charm. I have to say, the ending of this book is one that I’m really happy with. I always pay extra close attention the last line of a book, because I want to leave readers with a satisfied feeling. And since this book concluded a series, I wanted that last line to be really special. I prayed about it, and wandered around the house mumbling to myself. The words finally came, and it was one of those moments a writer loves, when you type them and then stare at them on the screen with chills zipping up your spine. I think it wrapped up the series perfectly!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is www.virginiasmith.org. My blog is integrated in the website, under the tab called Ginny’s Journal. (I call it a Journal so people won’t have expectations of daily posts!) I also spend far more time than I should on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ginny.p.smith

February 2010 Writing Contests

February 1
Fire and Ice
Chicago-North Romance Writers of America
http://www.chicagonorthrwa.org/contest.shtml

Willa Award (for books published in 2009)
Women Writing the West
http://www.womenwritingthewest.org/willaaward.html

February 14
Between the Sheets
Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America
http://www.gdrwa.org/contest_bts_rules2010.html

Merritt Contest (has an inspirational category)
San Antonia Romance Writers of America
http://www.sararwa.net/contest.html

Disclaimer: This is by no means a full list of all contests offered. I do not endorse or recommend any contest, but provide these dates for information purposes only. Do your own research before entering any contest. Dates are always subject to change by contest chairs.

BECOMING LUCY by Martha Rogers

We're happy to have Martha Rogers with us talking about her book "Becoming Lucy."

Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Margaret and her book...

1) How did this story come to you? When my son lived in Tulsa, we went to visit quite often and always stopped at a tourist information system for coffee and restroom break. I became interested in the history of the state and decided to combine it with my interest in Boston.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. I wrote the book in 2004 and 2005 and sent it to my agent. It stayed with one editor who took it to committee, but it was rejected. It was with them for over six months. We changed the title and began submitting it elsewhere. After more revision, Tamela sent it out again to several new editors and Debbie Marrie at Strang picked it up.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers. Hmm, I’m a pretty open book, but they may be surprised to learn I was a nursing student when I started out in college in 1953. Readers might be surprised to learn I am a breast cancer survivor. 10 ½ years since my second surgery. I love to sew and use to make all my own clothes.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you? I’m working on book three in the series and a Christmas novella for Barbour

5) Parting comments? Never give up on your dream, and never believe you are too old to get published.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? www.marthawrogers.com

Margaret Brownley's "A Lady Like Sarah"

We're happy to have Margaret Brownley with us. Read on to learn more about Margaret and her book...

1) How did this story come to you? The story was inspired by the escapades of Pearl Hart. Desperate to help her seriously-ill mother, she stopped a stage and, with the help of a loaded pistol, convinced its passengers to help pay her poor mama’s medical bills. (Bet you didn’t know that health care was highway robbery even back in the Old West.) The question that kept running though my mind was, how desperate would a person have to be to rob a stage? Suddenly Sarah popped up on the page and demanded in no uncertain terms that I tell her story.

So I had my outlaw. Now all I needed was the hero. That turned out to be disgraced preacher Justin Wells who finds Sarah handcuffed to a dying marshal on the dusty trail to Texas.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I entered the book in a bunch of contests at first to get reader feed-back. It won the contests but judges were adamant that I’d have to tone down the heroine if I ever hoped to see the book published. One day, I sat down at my computer to follow that advice, but I felt like I was losing her, losing the person she was meant to be. So I put her back as she was and was determined to keep her that way even if it meant the book would never see the light of day. Fortunately, my agent liked the book the way it was written and she landed me a three book contract. Sometimes, you just have to go with your instincts.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
• I pretty much failed English in school (still can’t diagram a sentence).
• Ditto history (Who can remember all those dates and battles?)
• A historical writer who failed English and history in school isn’t surprising enough?

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just finished book 2 of my Rocky Creek series, A Suitor for Jenny. I’m currently working on book 3. I haven’t had time to think about what’s next.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me on your blog—and thank you all for visiting. Have a great 2010!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet? You can visit me at www.margaretbrownley.com. I’m also a regular blogger on www.petticoatsandpistols.com

Michelle Sutton's "It's Not About Me" Review

"It's Not About Me" by Michelle Sutton

I'm a big fan of Michelle Sutton's "Danger at the Door" and decided to give "It's Not About Me" a try. I'm glad I did. This has been marketed as a young adult book, but it's an excellent read for adults as her characters are heading into college. Trust me, you won't even recognize that you're reading a young adult book.

Michelle does such an excellent job of showing the tension between couples that you feel like you're there with them, rooting for the best man to win (that's all I'll say as I don't want to give away her plot). There are some surprising twists in this book that will keep you reading as you wonder what's going to happen next. I stayed up past my bed time last night because I just HAD to finish it.

True to her reputation, Michelle tackles some real life topics in this book that other authors may shy away from, making the book even more believable. Michelle also has a knack for writing romance scenes. My step-daughter says that Michelle's romance scenes leave her breathless. I agree.

Synopsis:
Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night when an unexpected visitor appears, Annie's safe world is destroyed. As she tries to recover the pieces of her broken life, a war ensues between two brothers who both claim to have her best interests at heart. But who will Annie choose? Or will she decide to turn her life in a different direction?

Farewell 2009

Farewell to 2009!

The beach is my favorite place on earth and I was lucky enough to visit two times in 2009. I usually make reservations at least a month in advance and count down the days until the trip. Once vacation is over, I leave with mixed emotions. I'm happy to be returning home to family, friends, and pets, but it's hard to leave the ocean. After numerous trips there with my husband over the last 14 years, it's kind of become "our" place. It's a magical place I'd like to live one day.

I approach saying farewell to 2009 in like manner. It was a good year. I spent a lot of time studying the craft of writing and reading. I finished writing three novels (a miracle in itself when you consider that I have a full-time job outside of writing. Maybe I'll blog one day about how I manage to get so much done). Two of my books will be published next year through Desert Breeze Publishing, a WWII romantic suspense in April and a romantic suspense in August, both in the inspirational category. That said, 2009 holds a special place in my heart just like the ocean. However, it's okay to leave it because I can't wait to see what happens next.

Goals for 2010?

Some of you e-mailed and asked me how I was able to get so much done in 2009 and what my goals are for 2010. This blog's for you! Goal setting with the help of a calendar is the master tool in my took kit. Goal setting comes naturally for me because I'm a planner. I start each novel by plotting. I'll choose one of the stories that's been rolling around in my head and pull out a stack of index cards. Each main character has a card on which I list their GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict...I bought a great book on this at http://www.debradixon.com/gmc.html or you can search the internet for more information.) Also, I'll have a card labeled "scenes" where I'll make notes about the main scenes in the book. I carry these cards everywhere because they're small and handy.

Once I have an idea of where my plot is headed, I begin to visualize the completed project. I always shoot for 60,000words when I begin a new book. I pull out a calendar and choose a start date and an end date. I'll then calculate how many words I need to write each day and I'll note on the calendar what my total word count should be at the end of each day. It's a great motivational tool because it encourages me to stay on track or to catch up if I fall behind. If you write 2,000 words per day, at the end of the month, you'll have a complete first draft. Once I've finished this draft, I'll shelve it and take some time off, maybe do a little plotting on the next one. I like to wait at least a month before editing because that allows me to distance myself from the story and makes it easier to catch errors or plot weaknesses.

Also, I write something every day. At one time, I wouldn't even start to write unless I knew I had at least an hour of free time. I've changed my attack plan and now write even if I have only a few minutes. You won't believe how much you can get done in just fifteen minutes. Take those fifteen minute blocks and spread them across the day and you'll write more than you could ever imagine.

Now you have all my secrets. On to my goals. In 2010, I will have two books released from Desert Breeze Publishing in ebook format. My goals are to finish final the edits on these when they come back from my editor. Also, I'd like nab an agent, and hopefully sign a contract for a print book. And of course, write something every day with a goal to finish three novels this year. Good luck with your writing goals!

Darlene Franklin's Beacon of Love

We're happy to have Darlene Franklin with us this week. To learn more about her, check out the interview below...

1) How did this story come to you?
I researched Rhode Island’s history in the 1810s and came across “the Great Gale of 1816” and the Point Judith lighthouse which was destroyed during the storm. I knew I wanted to write about a lighthouse during a hurricane.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Heartsong Presents has been publishing three historical romances and three contemporary romances based in all 50 states. Two other writers and I put together a proposal for historical Rhode Island and were delighted when JoAnne Simmons chose our stories.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m the world’s worst housekeeper (if you doubt me, let’s compare homes one day.)
Although I’ve lived most of life in states with a strong tradition of winter sports (Maine and Colorado), I have never gone skiing.
I used to be humor-challenged. Now people say I smile all the time.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on the second book of m three-part Vermont historical series for Heartsong, Bridge to Love. Like Beacon of Love, the story takes place in 1816 and features a a veteran of the War of 1812. However, my hero and heroine are battling the Year of No Summer, when it snowed every month, and the possible loss of the family farm.
I hope to write a third Vermont historical romance, this one during the Civil War about the “northernmost battle” of that conflict. And I will have another novella come out next Christmas, The Face of Mary in A Woodlands Christmas.
I am working to expand my writing base. A publisher has expressed interest in a longer book, same time period, about a family who moves from Maine to Ohio and becomes involved with the Underground Railroad. My devotional writing is finding a home and keeps me busy.
5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me as your guest today! I always enjoy chatting with readers.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot..com

Margaret Daley's Christmas Peril

We're happy to have Margaret Daley with us this week!
Click on the photo to the left to visit the author's website. Read on to learn more about Margaret and her book...

1) How did this story come to you?
I was asked to write a novella with a Christmas theme so I came up with Christmas, OK to be the setting for my story. My heroine is fleeing for her life with her five-years-old daughter and ends up in Christmas, OK.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’ve been writing for over thirty years. I sold my first book after writing almost three years back in 1981. My first book came out in 1982.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m not sure what would surprise my readers, but here are three things about me. I love Christmas music throughout the year. I hate exercising, but I’m doing the treadmill for forty-five minutes every other day. Watching a TV show helps the time pass faster when I’m exercising. I have a neurotic cat and two somewhat normal ones.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m finishing up my third book in my homeschooling series for Love Inspired called A Daughter for Christmas. It will be out next November. After that I have a Love Inspired Suspense book I have to write about a group of female bodyguards. The first book in that series will be out next December called Christmas Bodyguard.

5) Parting comments?
I love to hear from readers. They can contact me at margaretdaley@gmail.com or visit my Web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com/ and read excerpts from my books.