Peter Kazmaier's "The Halcyon Dislocation"

We're happy to have Peter Kazmaier with us today talking about his book, The Halcyon Disclocation. To learn more about Peter and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I have loved stories that involve catastrophes and learning to survive in a wild and dangerous place such as Jules Verne’s Mysterious Island and Robert Heinlein’s Tunnel in the Sky. My goal was to write a scientifically plausible, plot-driven novel about a university that gets displaced to a new world. I particularly wanted to explore how Christians would react if they were part of this survival challenge while cut off from all of their faith connections.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I belong to a book club and one day mused about how I had always wanted to write a novel. One of our members, a journalist, challenged me to do more than just talk about it. When the book came out four years later (I had a demanding research job in chemistry) I was so gratified, as a first time fiction writer, to be chosen runner-up in the Futuristic Fiction Category in the Canadian Christian Writing Awards offered by The Word Guild. Having written many technical articles, making the style change to fiction was a significant learning experience.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I suppose (a) that I would attempt to write fiction at all would surprise my colleagues who are used to reading my scientific papers; (b) readers would be surprised to learn that I enjoy studying the American Civil War and generally travel to battlefields every spring to study the history; and (c) perhaps some might be surprised that I wasn’t born in North America and that English is not my first language.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Currently I am working on the sequel to The Halcyon Dislocation. Many readers have asked me “So what happens next to these people stranded in this terrifying new world? Do they ever get back?” The sequel will answer those questions.

5) Parting comments?
As a new author, I owe a great many thanks to the members of The Word Guild, a Canadian Christian writers group who so encouraged me, to the many who took the time to peruse early drafts of my book and offered their constructive criticism, and of course to my readers. Having avid Science Fiction readers critique early manuscripts of The Halcyon Dislocation was of inestimable value. I could measurably see the improvement in the story as a result of their observations.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Interested readers can find me at http://peterkazmaier.com/. The book is available at http://wolfsburgimprints.com/  or through http://essencebookstore.com/ .

Ann H. Gabhart's "The Seeker"

We're happy to have Ann H. Gabhart with us today talking about her book, The Seeker. To learn more about Ann and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
In my research into Shaker history, I found many stories about how the Shakers in the village near where I live were affected by the Civil War. The Shakers were noted for their generosity and hospitality to all who came to their village and that included the Civil War soldiers, both Union and Confederate, marching through their village. The Shakers put out trestle tables by the road and kept them filled with food so the soldiers could grab something off it as they passed by. Once that image stuck in my head, I knew I had my time period and so I came up with characters who would fit into a Civil War story. I went with a Southern Belle for the heroine and then instead of a soldier, I made my hero an illustrator for the newspapers. After that of course I had to find a way to get them to the Shaker Village. It’s not exactly easy to write a Shaker romance since the Shakers were very staunch in their belief in celibacy.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The Seeker’s journey to publication was ordinary since I had a contract from Revell for The Believer and this story following the success of my first Shaker book, The Outsider. That book is the one with the interesting journey to publication since it sat on my closet shelf for many years before the right time as well as the right editor and publishing company came along. An interest in the Shakers by the editor, Lonnie Hull DuPont and an offhand remark from me started that journey that eventually - a couple of books later - led to The Seeker.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
One, I grew up on a farm helping my parents in the fields and with the animals. I loved feeding the baby lambs and taking care of baby chicks. And I still live on a farm.

Two, I have nine beautiful – and extra smart, their grammy adds ;o) – grandchildren.

Three, I sometimes lead the song service at my very small country church even though I’m not much of a singer. We average 40 in attendance.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve just finished my fourth Shaker novel titled The Blessing that will be released in the summer of 2011, and I’m getting ready to do final edits on a 1930’s novel titled Angel Sister. Next up is my fifth Shaker novel, perhaps to be titled The Shaker.

5) Parting comments?
I love to write and I love to make reading friends, so I appreciate the opportunity to talk to your readers and friends. My writing goal is to create characters who will crawl up into the readers’ hearts and find a home. Happy reading, everybody!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Come on over to my website for a visit and to sign up for my occasional newsletter at http://www.annhgabhart.com/. Or you can read about my writing journey and things down here on the farm on “One Writer’s Journal” at http://www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com/. Last I like to keep in touch with readers on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-H-Gabhart/132862247566

Sandra D. Bricker's "Always the Baker Never the Bride"

We're happy to have Sandra D. Bricker with us today talking about her book, Always the Baker Never the Bride. To learn more about Sandra D. Bricker and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I’m a big fan of CAKE. I love those shows like Cake Boss and Amazing Wedding Cakes. So one morning I was having coffee and watching one of those shows, and my main character just popped into my head! Then I couldn’t shut it off. The whole book flooded over me in a matter of about 20 minutes.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had recently sold The Big 5-Oh! to Barbara Scott at Abingdon Press. When the idea for Baker hit me, I wasn’t sure if it was too soon to pitch her another one. But something told me she was the one who would really GET this story. I couldn’t have been more right because she just flipped for it, and we were already dreaming about translating it to film before the committee ever even met and agreed to make an offer!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I have no rhythm whatsoever. I love music, and I love to dance … but not in front of anyone. If you ever watched Seinfeld and you saw the episode about Elaine’s dancing, then you understand. If not, let me just say this: Uh-huh. No.
2. I have a secret crush on Dean McDermott, Tori Spelling’s husband.
3. I’m a hermit at heart. I could easily hole up in my house for weeks on end without ever leaving, and I’d be perfectly happy.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve just completed my portion of the devotional I co-authored with Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Debby Mayne and Trish Perry. It’s called Delight Yourself in the Lord…Even on Bad Hair Days. It’s due out in the spring, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for inviting me to join you for a visit. And I hope your readers will pick up a copy of Always the Baker Never the Bride. I think it’s the most joyous writing experience I’ve ever had, and I really hope they enjoy it!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My Web site: http://www.sandradbricker.com/
My blog: http://sandradbricker.blogspot.com/
Book trailer for Baker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky8BKxyEnEk

LoRee Peery's "Moselle's Insurance"

We're happy to have LoRee Peery with us today talking about her book, Moselle's Insurance. To learn more about LoRee and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My ideas evolve from life experiences mixed with imagination. I was captivated by the novelty wrapped up in a group of women’s shops in neighboring Louisville, Nebraska. Frivolities was born. My maiden name is Mosel and I always thought a niece or granddaughter named Moselle would be sweet. So I birthed another girl with that name as a heroine. My husband is a retired insurance agent, thus Eric’s occupation. Often in life, first romantic relationships end without closure, so I’m drawn to reunion stories. I had so much fun creating Moselle’s mother and aunt that they became heroines of the next two stories. I’m revising the fourth in the series, in which Eric’s ex-wife is the heroine.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’ve been writing a long time. And I’ve tried to quit writing several times, but I guess the Lord doesn’t want me to. When I had three or four book-length manuscripts (and piled up rejections from editors in the process), I searched for an agent. Moselle’s story was rejected by five agents, but feedback led me to believe I was close to acceptance. I had never considered going the route of an online publisher. But at the time, there was only one NY publisher that accepted unagented material, and they had rejected half my stories. Lori Graham, an editor for The Wild Rose Press and then editor for White Rose Publishing, came to Prairieland Romance Writers. She invited me to submit Moselle’s Insurance. It was rejected twice by White Rose editors, with the invitation to resubmit. I was devastated by the second, very detailed rejection letter, and quit writing for several months. At retreat in January of 2010, my fellow writers encouraged me to reconsider that best-kind-of-a rejection. So I went through the editor’s comments, agreed with her, revised, and resubmitted. Moselle’s story was accepted in less than a week.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
My father’s homicide remains one of Nebraska’s unsolved cold cases.
I would rather clean a toilet than dust furniture.
Before lumbar fusion I wanted to ride a burrow to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I mentioned that I’m polishing the fourth story in the series. It’s less about Frivolities, since the heroine only works there part time, and contains a suspense element. I’m also fictionalizing my dad’s death. This time, there will be closure.

5) Parting comments?
At the end of the day I like to agree with George Strait, and say, “I Saw God Today.” I look for evidence of God every day. For me, it often comes from something visible seen in the nature of country living. If I don’t see Him in the colors of the sky, a flower or butterfly or deer, He gives me peace through His Word. His presence also comes through the trust of a grandchild, the eyes or smile of a friend. He’s with me, His blessings are all around. He is ever-present.

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

Jody Hedlund's "The Preacher's Bride"

We're happy to have Jody Hedlund with us today talking about her book, The Preacher's Bride. To learn more about Jody and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The Preacher’s Bride is a tale about finding true love amidst the intense discrimination and persecution that existed after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1650’s England.
This book is inspired by Elizabeth Bunyan, the second wife of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most popular books of all times. As I was reading a biography about John Bunyan, I ran across a small excerpt about Elizabeth.
I loved the brave way Elizabeth defended John during one of his trials when he was under arrest for his “unlicensed” preaching. Her strength to face a court of persecutors and her determination to faithfully support her husband touched me so deeply, that I decided her little-known story needed to be told to the world.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I spent about 6 weeks reading biographies and other time-period books. I sifted through plot ideas, wanting to stick as closely to the facts as possible, but also knowing I needed to dramatize the story to bring it to life.
A large part of my planning involved the process of getting to know my characters. I used an extensive character worksheet (available on my blog for free). I try to use what history has told us about the real characters, but then I filled in the rest and made them larger than life.
Then after my characters were living and breathing in my mind, and after I had a basic plot outline, I started the actual writing. It took me about nine months of writing during my little ones’ naptimes. When I finished, I spent several months editing it.
Finally, after about a year from when I first started, I queried the book to agents. It took me another nine months to get an agent to take me on as a client (an ACFW Genesis contest win really helped me). Then my agent shopped my book to Bethany House . . . and the rest is history!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I eat pie for breakfast. Yep. Anytime there’s pie in the house, I indulge myself in a piece for breakfast, especially if it has fruit in it of any kind because then I’m getting a couple servings of fruit.
2. I’m a fast walker. My kids usually have to run to keep up with me everywhere I go. I’m sure it looks quite comical to see me, the mother duck with my five youngun’s trailing after me, tripping over themselves!
3. Writing quirk? While I write, I stick bananas in my ears to block out the noise of my children. Okay, so not really. But I do wear headphones and listen to Pandora a LOT during my writing time.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m in the editing stages for my next book, The Doctor’s Lady (which will be published in September of 2011). And I’m also working on researching and plotting a third contracted book (to be published in 2012).

5) Parting comments?
I love meeting readers! Please stop by my Author Facebook Page and introduce yourself! I’d love to connect!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.jodyhedlund.com/
Blog: http://www.jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/
Email: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Vicki McDonough's "Second Chance Brides"

We're happy to have Vicki McDonough with us today talking about her book, Second Chance Brides.  To learn more about Vicki and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Second Chance Brides came pretty easily. I’d written The Anonymous Bride, and my editor asked for a sequel book. I already had the town and the characters, and I had two mail-order brides left over from the first book who needed to find a home—and a man to marry. Second Chance Brides is their story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
As I said above, this book came to me easily, but selling my first trade fiction book came about after a lot of hard work. I started out writing novellas, which are 20,000 words. Then I graduated to writing books for the Heartsong Presents book club, which are 45-50000 words. I’d sold 8 novellas collections and 8 Heartsongs, when my editor told me she’d like to see a proposal for a long fiction book. So I worked up one and sent it to her. She rejected my first idea, but liked The Anonymous Bride and bought it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I lived on a kibbutz in Israel with my husband for a year, shortly after I was first married.
2. I bought a motorcycle when I was 14 and rode it all over the place
3. I love my blue jeans. I don’t even own a dress that fits. I used to have two of them, but I’ve lost weight and they no longer fit.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently writing the 2nd book in a short historical series for Heartsong that’s set in South Carolina. Next, I’ll write the 3rd book. Also coming next April, is the third book in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, Finally A Bride.

5) Parting comments?
I have a little sign taped to my desk that I picked up at a writer’s conference I attended when I first started writing. Maybe it will inspire you. It says: What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is http://www.vickiemcdonough.com/
I’m also on Facebook and Twitter.

Cathy Bryant's "A Path Less Traveled"

We're happy to have Cathy Bryant with us today talking about her book, A Path Less Traveled. Cathy has been kind enough to offer to give away a copy to one lucky blog reader. To learn more about Cathy and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
During the writing of my first novel in the Miller’s Creek Series (TEXAS ROADS), I really grew to love Andy’s character and knew that I wanted to find a romantic interest for him. Trish James made the most logical choice, though it meant a horrible accident for her husband.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I actually wrote most of the book in November 2009, but had to lay it aside to launch TEXAS ROADS. I finally had time to get back to it June 2010. In August, I started sending the book out to beta readers, and just recently sent the manuscript to proof-editors. The book is in the process of being published in both print and e-book format.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) I have a music education degree with trumpet as my primary instrument.
2) I’m a reality TV junkie.
3) I was a drum major in high school.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently launching Book 2 in the Miller’s Creek series, A Path Less Traveled. Next on the agenda is writing Book 3 in the series.

5) Parting comments?
I’m currently taking pre-orders on A Path Less Traveled for a reduced rate. You can find out the details on my blog, WordVessel (http://wordvessel.blogspot.com/).

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My blog, WordVessel: (address above)
My website: http://www.catbryant.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cathy.england.bryant
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CathyBryant

Lesa Henderson's "Someone to Trust"

We're happy to have Lesa Henderson with us today talking about her book, Someone to Trust. To learn more about Lesa and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
LOL. I have so many characters, places and story lines living in my head at one time it’s hard to say exactly. My stories usually develop as I write them – I have my ending and work toward that. It was birthed from the rising issue of infidelity in the home and the heartache it can cause a little girl and the lack of trust that develops in that little girl as she searches for love as an adult. Of course, in Someone to Trust this compounded by a horrible mistake the heroine makes as an adult and a second betrayal by a man.


2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Whew! I get tired just thinking about it. LOL. I actually wrote Someone to Trust about six years ago! I submitted the first three chapters and synopsis and the company requested the complete manuscript – which I gladly sent them. After about nine months I hadn’t heard anything from them so I made a polite inquiry. The manuscript had been lost and I was asked to resubmit via email this time. I did and the waiting game began again. This time a year went by and again I inquired – again it was lost. Unbelievable, I know, but it’s true. After a third submission it was rejected. I was totally disheartened and put the MS away. A couple of years later I heard about the White Rose Publishing and I felt prompted to get the MS out, dust it off, tune it up and submit it again. Someone to Trust by White Rose Publishing is the result.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Okay this is embarrassing…there are many days – I’d rather pull weeds or paint the house (two things I despise) instead of write.

I have an incurable sweet tooth and the icing filled chocolate-chip cookie I describe in Chapter One of Someone to Trust is my favorite.

As a little girl I played Charlie’s Angels with my sister and best friend and I was always Kelly (Jacklyn Smith). I’ve been making up plots and story lines my whole life.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
 I’m working on YA novel with my daughter Tiffany as well as multiple articles and my husband Ken and I are working on our 4th Screenplay.

6) Where can fans find you on the Internet?
http://www.lesahenderson.com/
 Twitter and Facebook.

Ava Pennington's "One Year Alone with God"

We're happy to have Ava Pennington with us today talking about her book, One Year Alone with God. We're spotlighting this book, but there won't be a giveaway. It sounds like a wonderful book. I've heard of poeple who actually pray, using the name of God that fits their situation at the moment. To learn more about Ava and her book, read on!

1) How did this story book come to you?
I’ve been drawn to the names of God ever since I completed several Bible studies on this
topic. Two years ago, I wrote a package of thirty-one devotions for Haven Ministries, and realized that I didn’t want to stop at thirty-one! So the idea for a one-year devotional was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I attended the annual Florida Christian Writers Conference for several years, learning more about the publishing industry and honing my craft by participating in classes and workshops. During my fifth conference, I met with the editor from Revell Books and pitched the idea for a one-year devotional. She was interested and asked me to send her a complete proposal.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I never learned to ski – water or snow skiing.
2. I love to bake. One Christmas, I baked and decorated twenty-two gingerbread houses for family and friends!
3. I worked in lower Manhattan for twenty years as a Human Resources executive – just blocks from the World Trade Center, and moved to Florida two years before 9/11.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve co-authored a series of children’s picture books called Faith Basics for Kids. The first two books, Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today? will be released by Standard Publishing January 3, 2011. And I’m working on a new adult non-fiction book on prayer.

5) Parting comments?
I’m excited about the impact One Year Alone with God will have, and I’m thrilled to say that Kay Arthur, founder of Precept Ministries International, has endorsed it!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.avawrites.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AvaPennington.AuthorPage
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AvaPennington

Free Kindle books...

Read free bestselling Kindle books on your PC

Back by popular demand...how to read ebooks without a Kindle...
The following is the link to a listing of free bestselling books on Kindle this week. If you don't have a Kindle, follow the steps at the bottom to add the app to your PC, which will allow you to read any Kindle book on your computer. It's free and it's easy!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/ref=pd_dp_ts_kinc_1

When the Amazon page opens, the list to the left is the top 100 ebooks, the list to the right is the top free 100 ebooks. While you're browsing, please check out my new release by clicking on the link below.

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 want to look at the bestsellers, click on "Kindle Books" on the toolbar at the top of the page. Click on "Kindle Bestsellers" to the left or follow the link above.
8) 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!

Michelle Sutton's "First Love"

We're happy to have Michelle Sutton with us today talking about her book, First Love. To learn more about Michelle and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The inspiration behind First Love came from a novella project I was working on with three other Barbour authors and I had to draft a first chapter and synopsis for it. Come to find out Barbour didn't think Tombstone would be very romantic so the project went nowhere even with best-selling authors also in on the project. So I just used what I had prepared. I wanted to show how hard it might be to date someone you used to sleep with on a daily basis and who broke your heart when they found God and left. So what happens if you are both Christians in the future and you find out you still have feelings for the other person and decide to give it another try? How do you keep from falling back into bed? How hard would that be? Of course, anyone who knows me knows that my characters usually mess up more than once before they get it together. That's the part I like best. I like writing emotional conflict when it clashes with spiritual values.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It wasn't hard at all because it was the second book in a series I sold so it was part of the proposal that I sent. The contracts all came around the same time for the series.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
My mother was a nun before she met my dad.
I have a life outside of writing books
I'm allergic to cats, but I have one at home.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on the third book in the Tombstone Treasures series, First Response.

5) Parting comments?
I really enjoy writing for Desert Breeze Publishing.

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

A.K. Arenz' "Mirrored Image"

We're happy to have A.K. Arenz with us today talking about her book, Mirrored Image. To learn more about A.K. and her book, read on!

The teaser for this book is: Their faces were the same. Will their fates be as well?

1) How did this story come to you?
Like most of my stories, it just suddenly appeared in my brain – it wasn’t long before the characters were knocking around in there waiting to be let out. 

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It actually started in 1986. That’s when the story of Cassandra Chase and Jeff McMichaels was first written. It’s been re-written almost every year since then. The current version is the best – better than I could ever have imagined all those years ago.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Um, let’s see . . . first would be that when I start a book, I NEVER know how it’s going to turn out. I’m an introverted introvert. And third . . . I’m a writer who has trouble using her hands because I’ve a neuropathy in my fingers. Sometimes I have to use pencils situated between my knuckles to type.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently working on my next novel, An American Gothic. It’s due out October 2011.

5) Parting comments?
I want to thank you for inviting me to visit with you and your readers, and invite you to check out all my books. I have two cozy mysteries, The Case of the Bouncing Grandma, which was a finalist in ACFW’s 2009 Book of the Year contest, and the second in the Bouncing Grandma Mystery Series, The Case of the Mystified M.D., which won ACFW’s 2010 Carol Awards (formerly Book of the Year).

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
For more information you can find me at www.akawriter.com and www.sheafhouse.com

Vannetta Chapman's "A Simple Amish Christmas"

We're happy to have Vannetta Chapman with us today talking about her book, A Simple Amish Christmas. To learn more about Vannetta and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I wanted an original storyline (doesn't every one), and it seemed to me that Amish women must struggle with some of the same problems that women everywhere do. I live in a small town now, but even when I lived in the Dallas area, I would see people move away, pursue their dreams, and then move back and try to find ways to fit in, to find their place in the community. That's Annie's story, but in the process she finds God's plan for her life.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I was writing contemporary romances, and my agent was shopping them around, but the market was very tight. My agent had had quite a bit of luck with Amish romances (she represents Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman and Mary Ellis among others--all excellent writers). She suggested I try my hand at an Amish romance. I didn't know anything about the Amish, but I'm a great researcher! Once I started researching a little bell went off in my mind, and I went in search of an old box of family photos from the late 1800s. They were of my father's family, who lived in northern Pennsylvania. My father passed away 13 years ago, and there's no one I can ask about those photos, so I'm still running down that thread, but it's exciting to know I might have Amish relatives in my background.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I play the piano fairly well. I work a full time job plus some--I teach high school English and I teach as an adjunct professor at the local university. And my husband and I have four children between us and just finished paying fourteen years of college tuition, to which I always shout, "Praise the Lord" and dance a little jig.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on book 2 of my Shipshewana Amish Mystery series for Zondervan--book one is due out next fall. This is a cozy series set in Indiana and it is fun, fun, fun. The great Sue Brower is my editor (ACFW's editor of the year - go, Sue!). I'll also hear in the next few weeks about the future of Annie's family, as Abingdon will be making a decision on a follow-up for A Simple Amish Christmas. Watch my website and blog for announcements.
http://www.vannettachapman.com/
http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/

5) Parting comments?
As a brand new author I've been completely blown away by the reception A Simple Amish Christmas has received. It's consistently had excellent rankings on Amazon, even before it released - so I'd like to thank readers of Amish fiction, who can't possibly know me. Readers who don't traditionally read Amish fiction, who were willing to give this book a try. Bloggers like yourself, who helped to introduce a newbie such as me to readers. And then of course the fine people at Abingdon who put together such a lovely book, including my editor, Barbara Scott.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
See above links, and I'm on FB and MySpace.

Melanie Dickerson's "The Healer's Apprentice"

We're happy to have Melanie Dickerson with us today talking about her book, The Healer's Apprentice.To learn more about Melanie and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Dawn, this book came to me bit by bit over a period of several months. I knew the ending before I knew some of the middle parts, and I used to wake up in the middle of the night and plot the next scene or two, then go back to sleep.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Do you want the long version or the short version? Short? Okay … I was totally sold out for this book and believed with all my heart that it was going to be published. I pitched it at a conference, entered it in a lot of contests, queried a lot of agents, and sent the partial to a few publishers, but no one was interested in a Christian medieval story, and getting a Young Adult romance published by a Christian YA publisher seemed even less likely. After two years I found an agent brave enough to take it on. And after another year of rejections—although the book came close to getting published as an adult Christian romance a couple of times—even my agent was seeming to lose heart. Our one last shot was to send it to the YA editor at Zonderkidz. And praise God, she bought it!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I never watch TV and don’t even know what’s on anymore. I love writing historical romance but history was never a favorite subject of mine. I graduated from a tiny public high school in a class of 33 students.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have a Beauty and the Beast story that my editor at Zondervan is looking at possibly publishing. I hope to write more medieval fairy tale retellings. I also have an adult romance series set in Alabama in the 1880’s that I’m hoping to find a publisher for very soon.

5) Parting comments?
Hold on to your dream, if you feel it is what God wants you to do, and never, ever, ever give up! Unless God tells you to. Be fully committed to listening to God and submitting yourself to His direction, because He loves you and knows what’s best for you.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is www.melaniedickerson.com and I have a YA blog that I do jointly with several other YA authors, www.novelteen.com, and I am on Facebook and Goodreads.

K. Dawn Byrd's books

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?
 http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Time-ebook/dp/B003XYE8K8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1285640575&sr=1-7

Queen of Hearts
Daphne Dean is proud to be serving her country stateside during WWII as a reporter and an Office of Strategic Services operative. When the photograph she takes of the crowd at a murder scene places her on the mob's hit list, she's forced into hiding in a vacant mental asylum in the middle of nowhere with terrifying secrets of its own.

Daphne believed herself to still be in love with her ex-fiancée, Kenneth, until she spends several days locked away in the asylum with Vito, the mob boss' son. Can she put the terrifying events that occurred there behind her and allow herself to pursue a relationship with Vito? Or, will she return to Kenneth who has turned his back on his country by becoming a draft dodger and a black market racketeer? One thing's for sure, it won't matter if she can't escape the mental institution alive.
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