Amish Fiction continues to capture readers' hearts...

It's Clash of the Titles week here on the blog and we're taking a week off from book giveaways. Please take a moment to read the guest post below from Clash of the Titles' Jennifer Slattery.

Amish Fiction continues to capture readers hearts, and this Friday, I'm adding two must reads to my list. I love the promise of plot twists in The Waiting a unique Amish Fiction about heartache, love, and laughter, by Suzanne Woods Fisher. According to readers, this novel is full of surprises, sweetened by romance, and spiced by suspense. Although readers connected to all the characters, they appeared to love Jorie most of all, a woman characterized by love.

From the back cover:
She was waiting for love--and found it in the most unexpected place. Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengths, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem.

A bit about Suzanne:
When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She started raising the first puppy after the family returned from living in Hong Kong for four years, in a 44-story highrise.

Ten puppies later, she is hooked. She says it’s like eating potato chips: You can’t stop after one. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

My second "must-read" comes from A Harvest of Hearts ,an engaging Amish Fiction about a strong-willed woman with a dream that threatens her Amish way of life, by Laura V. Hilton. Readers love the authentic realism Laura adds to her writing and image-evoking details.



From the back cover:Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour, Missouri. There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn’t wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there’s something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention. But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

A bit about the author:
Laura V. Hilton is a home school mom of five children – but not all five are currently homeschooled. Her sons are in college working on their associate degrees, but they are still living at home. She'd miss them if they weren’t! Her three daughters are the ones she teaches.

She's a breast cancer survivor of three years now.

She's a northern girl living in the south. Yes, she likes her tea unsweet. She has gotten acquainted with grits but she hasn’t been brave enough to try chocolate gravy. Everyone says it’s good, but seriously…gravy? She has a hard time imagining it on potatoes.

And join us next week at Clash of the Titles to meet these two great authors!

***Jennifer Slattery is a publicist, writer, and freelance editor living in the midwest with her husband of sixteen years and their fourteen year old daughter. She writes for Christ to the World Minnistries, the Christian Pulse, Internet Cafe Devotions, and Samie Sisters and her work has appeared in numerous publications. Visit her devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud to find out more about her and her writing.

Jennifer Slattery
Broken Lives Saturated by Grace
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ClashOfThetitles

Clash of the Titles Kicks Off Tournament of Champions

COTT Kicks Off Tournament of Champions

Guest post by Jennifer Slattery

Last week, Clash of the Titles launched their first annual Tournament of Champions with two clashes and four talented authors. In Clash one, CS Lakin, author of Someone to Blame, and Marianne Evans, author of Heart Crossing, went head-to-head in a nail-biting, literary duel. In Clash two, our very own Gail Pallotta, author of Love Turns the Tide, competed against Clare Revell, author of A Season for Miracles. All four excerpts rocked, and this was a tough call, but you, our faithful readers chose two Tournament of the Champions' finalists.

Those finalists were Marianne Evans and Gail Pallotta.

Exciting stuff, and yet, the games weren’t done. In the next round, COTT staff cast their votes, and once again, one writer rose to the top and will advance to the next round.

That author is…

Marianne Evans!

And here’s a glimpse of what a COTT champion excerpt looks like:

“Collin Edwards stood before the funeral assembly. Heat crawled up his body. He clutched the edges of the podium where he stood and cleared his throat. The gesture was in vain. His throat constricted so much it hurt. Before the altar, just to the right, rested a flag-draped casket.

He looked down, at a piece of paper upon which he had crafted the words to a eulogy…” (Read more of Excerpt B here.)

About the novel, Heart Crossing:

Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.

Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God, and the community of Woodland . Lately though, she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.

A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists, but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better. Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.

Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?

We’d also like to congratulate our prize-winning readers:

 Jessica R Patch! She won a $10 Amazon Gift card from Elaine Cooper.

 LoRee Peery! She won a free bookmark design from Delia Latham.

 Larry Hammersley! He won a $10 Amazon Gift card from Author Anne Patrick.


Join us this week for more fun and prizes as four more authors jump into the ring hoping not only to advance to the next round, but ultimately reign as the Clash of the Titles’ champion of champions! Remember, every vote counts! Each vote gets your name thrown into the hat for our fab-tabulous grand prize give-away comprised of fourteen novels!

Visit our Tournament of Champions page for a complete list of prizes.


***  Jennifer Slattery is the marketing manager for Clash of the Titles. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, and Samie Sisters and has written for numerous other publications. She also works for Tiffany Colter, the Writing Career Coach, as a professional manuscript evaluator and publicist. You can find out more about her and her writing at her devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud. You can find out more about her critique and publicity services at Words That Keep.

Anne Patrick's "Fire and Ash"

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem and Faith, including the award-winning and best-selling Fire and Ash and Sabotage.

As a kid growing up in a rather boring neighborhood it was up to Anne and her friends to generate their own excitement, so when other kids wereoff playing with dolls and army men, they were out solving make believe crimes in the neighborhood. Each day was a new and exciting adventure with danger lurking around every corner. Then in high school she discovered the wonderful world of romantic suspense and she’s been spinning stories ever since.

Her Clash of the Titles winning excerpt competed in our Author’s Choice category. When asked what made this particular scene her favorite, Ann replied, “The tension between Jordan and Sam, and the hint that she’s still in love with him.”

A Familiar Evil’s Jordan Russel had the perfect life until the brutal monster from her childhood resurfaced, opening up scars she thought were healed. With the hope of finally finding closure, Jordan leaves her cheating husband and her career in the FBI, and returns to where her nightmare began. But what awaits her in Thorny Creek will push her to the very edge of sanity and bring her face to face with her abductor.

Where does Ann come up with such intense stories? She says she’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of girl. “I never plan anything,” Ann says. “As a matter of fact I didn’t know who the killer was in A Familiar Evil until toward the end of the book when he sprang out at me and said, ‘I’m your man.’ Of course I had suspected he was the one but I wasn’t for sure. There are several possibilities.”

Want to see the kind of writing her unplanning leads to? Check out a blip of her Clash-winning excerpt:

“Excuse me. I’m looking for Chief Russell.”

Jordan’s stomach did a nosedive at the familiar voice of her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

“You found her,” Frank answered.

Jordan looked up just as Sam smiled. “Indeed I have.” He started toward her desk.

Colleen barged through the opened door. “Chief, there’s an Agent Russell here to see…oh, I guess you found her.”

“Agent Russell,” Frank repeated. He turned back to Jordan, “Isn’t Russell your married name?” He then shifted his gaze back to Sam, “That must mean you’re her husband.”

“Not for much longer.” Jordan hurried around her desk and ushered Frank out the door. “You’ll be hearing from me.” She closed the door and looked at Sam. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here at your request.”

Visit Clash of the Titles (http://www.clashofthetitles.com/2011/08/new-kind-of-clash-authors-choice.html) to read more, then stop by Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Evil-Anne-Patrick/dp/1461118514) to order your copy.

Jennifer Slattery writes for Christ to the World Ministries, Samie Sisters and The Christian Pulse and is the Marketing Manager for the literary website, Clash of the Titles (http://www.clahofthetitles.com/)

Find out more about her and her writing by visiting her devotional blog, JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud. (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/)

Shellie Neumeier's "Driven" by leaving a comment

*Guest post by Michelle Massaro

Today we focus on Clash Of The Titles' alum Shellie Neumeier. Shellie competed in the Back Cover Blurb Clash with an excerpt from her YA novel Driven. This was COTT's first YA title to take the crown.

 

A bit about Driven:

Robyn can’t help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…

Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school’s prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal’s request.

Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there’s a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.

How did Shellie come up with the idea for this book?

"The plot [for Driven] morphed over several dinner conversations with my kids and my hubby," Neumeier says. "It started with a whole lot of what-if questions and ended with a girl, a demon, and a whole lot of forgiveness.

Once that idea was ready to be written, Shellie got to work writing anywhere and everywhere she could--even in the car while her husband drove. Shellie feels writing very well could be God's gift to moms. " It's something that can be done from the comfort of your home, when time avails," she says.

You can check out her interview on COTT here. What did Shellie have to say about her experience at Clash:

"I had a wonderful time. Such sweet readers with great questions. My favorite part was answering the ones about whether or not I scared myself :D. It made me realize how much closer writing that MS brought be to God. Boy did I pray for those dark scenes. It was a good reminder to keep that dependence even now. Especially now!"

We're so proud of Shellie's success and happy to have had her on COTT. Can't wait to see what's up next for this author!

Order Driven http://www.amazon.com/Driven-Shellie-Neumeier/dp/098409315X or click on the ad a the bottom of the page.

Visit Shellie http://shellieneumeier.com/

* Michelle Massaro is the Assistant Editor for COTT. Her passion is evangelizing through fiction. She writes contemporary inspirational novels with heart-rending themes intended to frame the message of God’s healing love. Michelle has written for Romantic Times, Circle Of Friends, and Pentalk Community, among others. Find her on twitter @MLMassaro, Facebook, or her blog, Adventures in Writing, and join the fun.

"Fairer Than Morning" by Rosslyn Elliott

Rosslyn Elliot, author of Fairer Than Morning, competed in our Best Protagonist category. Her hero, Will Hanby, is based on a real historical person, just like her heroine, Ann Miller. “When I was ready to write my first nineteenth-century historical novel, I went to visit a local historic home in Ohio,” Elliot says. “While there, I watched a short video about the Hanby family who lived in that home. I knew right away that I had to write their amazing story of faith, love, and courage. William Hanby suffered through many trials as a young man, but his experience made him determined to free others who were in pain and bondage. In Fairer than Morning, Will Hanby and Ann Miller show us what is possible when we put faith into action.”

About the novel:
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

What readers are saying:
“Rosslyn Elliott offers adventure, accurately-portrayed historical settings, romance, engaging characters, and beautifully-written prose in her debut novel Fairer Than Morning.”

“You will grow to love Ann and Will as they face and conquer their own weaknesses, and in the process, change the world around them. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these characters!”

“For Christians who enjoy Historical Fiction this is a must! Even if you're not a Christian, this is an inspiring story of courage and determination.”

Pick up your copy of Fairer Than Morning now! Then hop on over to Clash of the Titles (http://www.clashofthetitles.com/) to join the fun!

Find out more about Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Eliot, and her writing at http://www.rosslynelliott.com/.

Jennifer Slattery (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/) is a novelist, freelance writer, and the marketing representative for the literary website, Clash of the Titles, where authors compete and readers judge.

In 2009 she won first place in the HACWN writing contest in the book category, placed second in the 2010 Dixie Kane, fourth in the 2010 Golden Pen and was a 2010 CWG Operation First Novel finalist.

She has a short piece appearing in Bethany House’s Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman, another piece in Cathy Messecar’s A Still and Quiet Soul, and writes for Reflections in Hindsight, Christ to the World, Samie Sisters, The Christian Pulse, and reviews for Novel Reviews.

She’s also written for Granola Bar Devotions, Afictionado, The Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Romantic Times Review, Bloom, and the Breakthrough Intercessor.

"Fade to Blue" by Julie Carobini

Julie Carobini competed in Clash of the Titles’ Best Back Cover Blurb category with an endearing novel set in Northern California. She wanted to write a novel using the historic Hearst Castle as its backdrop for quite some time. “So much intrigue and mystery about that real castle on the hill overlooking the sea,” Carobini says. “Of course, novels are more than their location, so after writing the first two stand-alone books, Sweet Waters & A Shore Thing, I had an idea. Why not figure out what happens next for big-hearted Suz Mitchell from A Shore Thing? So... Fade to Blue is Suz's story.”

Her setting and plot choice was a hit!

About Fade to Blue:
How do you restore a soul? One brush stroke at a time...
Suz Mitchell is a determined dreamer, and won't allow her ex-husband's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, Suz moves with her child across the country to California's central coast, and lands a job restoring priceless art for the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the sea.

But even dreams have shocking twists. To her surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, works at the castle and jumbles the new aspirations in Suz's heart. While sorting through their past and a palette of spiritual differences, an even bigger brush with yesterday awaits.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

What readers are saying:
“Fade to Blue is an insightful contemporary Christian Otter Bay relationship drama. The cast makes the tale work especially Suz-Q whose belief in the Lord will soon be tested. With a profound underlying message that you can pray for others but like that proverbial horse not make them drink the water of faith. Readers will appreciate this strong drama.”

“I loved this book. It was a nice change from the normal everyday plots. Great characters and a wonderful style of writing will keep you enthralled in the pages of this book!”

“Julie has a gift for making characters and settings come alive… Julie offers a delightful summer read, full of more than romance to satisfy your yearning for a good story. Perfect to escape into the fun and the sun.”

Grab your copy of Fade to Blue (http://www.amazon.com/Fade-Blue-Otter-Bay-Novel/dp/0805448748/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308957647&sr=1-1) now then head on over to Clash of the Titles (http://www.clashofthetitles.com/) to join the fun! And you can find out more about Fade to Blue, Julie Carobini, and her writing at http://www.juliecarobini.com/

Jennifer Slattery (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/) is a novelist, freelance writer, and the marketing representative for the literary website, Clash of the Titles, where authors compete and readers judge.

In 2009 she won first place in the HACWN writing contest in the book category, placed second in the 2010 Dixie Kane, fourth in the 2010 Golden Pen and finaled in the 2010 CWG Operation First Novel Contest.

She has a short piece appearing in Bethany House’s Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman, another piece in Cathy Messecar’s A Still and Quiet Soul, and writes for Christ to the World, Reflections in Hindsight, Samie Sisters, The Christian Pulse, and reviews for Novel Reviews.

She’s also written for Granola Bar Devotions, Afictionado, The Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Romantic Times Review, Bloom, and the Breakthrough Intercessor.

Interview with Pamela Thibodeaux

Award winning author Pamela Thibodeaux competed in our best protagonist category with her novel, Tempered Hearts. When crafting her protagonists, she creates characters that are identifiable by the reader, have good qualities to balance out the not-so-nice ones, and of course are open and willing to allow their best qualities show/develop by the end of the story.


Who’s her favorite protagonist as a reader? “Boy that's a tough one!” Thibodeaux says. “I absolutely love the protagonists in Nora Roberts and Julie Lessman novels - guess if I HAD to pick a favorite it would be Gray in Nora's Born in Ice (book 2 in the Born In trilogy).”

A bit about her book:
Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet. Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as gold fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.

Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love. Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them. The first book in the Tempered Series is here! Tempered Hearts.

What readers are saying:
“Pamela wrote a wonderful, fast paced book with strong characters and a strong plot.”

“Tempered Hearts was written in a strong voice that spoke volumes to 'Christian' fiction. It was realistic and romantic, but without overwhelming us with too much 'morality checking'.”

“I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good book, with faith and a lot of zip. I would especially recommend Tempered Hearts to those teen readers on the verge of becoming adults. This is a perfect book to show love, without the physical act.”

“Tempered Hearts is a very inspirational and exciting book. A book you cannot put down when you start reading it. A JOB WELL DONE!!!!.”

Order a copy of Tempered Hearts (http://www.amazon.com/Tempered-Hearts-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/dp/0976996022/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1308958217&sr=1-1) now! Then hop on over to Clash of the Titles to join the fun!

You can find out more about Tempered Hearts, Pam Thibodeaux and her writing at http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com/,  http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com/

Jennifer Slattery (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/) is a novelist, freelance writer, and the marketing representative for the literary website, Clash of the Titles, where authors compete and readers judge.

In 2009 she won first place in the HACWN writing contest in the book category, placed second in the 2010 Dixie Kane, fourth in the 2010 Golden Pen and finaled in the 2010 CWG Operation First Novel Contest.

She has a short piece appearing in Bethany House’s Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman, another piece in Cathy Messecar’s A Still and Quiet Soul, and writes for Reflections in Hindsight, Christ to the World, Samie Sisters, The Christian Pulse, and reviews for Novel Reviews.

She’s also written for Granola Bar Devotions, Afictionado, The Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Romantic Times Review, Bloom, and the Breakthrough Intercessor.

"Angels in Cowboy Boots" by Sunny Eads

Guest post by April W Gardner

Meet previous Clash of the Titles gladiator, Sunny (SQ) Eads. She is the author of Angel in Cowboy Boots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two years ago Sarah Bentley lost everything except her faith and it teeters in sync with her hesitant steps. Now a chance encounter with four-year-old Matt and his uncle, Dave McKeever, brings hope for the future with a job, a wonderful new place to live, and...dare she dream?...love. Active outdoors man, Dave McKeever, battles the instant attraction between them believing God can't possibly want him to marry a woman held together by titanium joints and steel rods when he needs a capable, athletic mate. Though God's love brings them up out of the valley of pain and death, can they trust Him not to thrust them there again?

ABOUT SUNNY:

Sunny (SQ) Eads, an award winning author, was born and raised in southern Arizona. She received her higher education at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona and flew several years with American Airlines. Her love of Arizona and the mountains surrounding the state are evident in all of her novels thus far. Sunny has lived in Arizona, New York, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Texas. Inspiration for her characters comes from the hero she married, her two lovely daughters and especially her six wonderful grandchildren.


Sunny, how long have you been writing?

SQ Eads is my pen name, I've been writing for over twenty years.


What do you love about writing in general, and about this book in particular?

I love writing because, unlike life, I can guarantee a happy ending. God seems to plant an idea in my mind, then He lets me run with it and develop the story. In the end, Jesus is the answer to all my characters' problems.

In Angels In Cowboy Boots, Matt, the four-year-old boy, holds a special place in my heart; he's a blend of my five grandsons. Sarah is far from Dave's idea of a perfect mate, but God repairs the broken and makes it ideal.

How did you arrive at this particular back cover blurb? Was it you or your publisher or a group effort?

I created the blurb.  I wanted the reader to see how all things are possible with God. In Angels In Cowboy Boots, God takes a broken life and a misguided one, intertwines the two, and creates a deeply loving couple to parent an orphaned boy.

What do you do first when you’re browsing in a book store? Back cover, front, cover, inside, first few pages? What usually entices you to buy a book by an author new to you?

When browsing in a book store, my first step is to look at the title then read the back blurb. My decision to purchase comes from that information. It hooks me or it doesn't.

Thanks, Sunny!

In her giveaway, Sunny is offering her drawing winner the choice of paperback, Nook, or Kindle.

--April W. Gardner is the Sr. Editor at the literary site, Clash of the Titles. 

                                            She is also the author of the best-selling novel, Wounded Spirits.

" A Stray Drop of Blood" by Roseanna White

Guest post by April W. Gardner

Meet recent Clash of the Titles Champion, Roseanna White. She is the author of A Stray Drop of Blood, which by the way has one of my all time favorite tag lines: Beautiful is a dangerous thing to be when one is unprotected

ABOUT THE BOOK:

For seven years, Abigail has been a slave in the Visibullis house. With a Hebrew mistress and a Roman master, she has always been more family than servant . . . until their son returns to Jerusalem after his years in Rome. Within a few months Jason has taken her to his bed and turned her world upside down. Maybe, given time, she can come to love him as he says he loves her. But how does she open her heart to the man who ruined her?

Israel's unrest finds a home in her bosom, but their rebellion tears apart her world. Death descends with Barabbas's sword, and Abigail is determined to be there when the criminal is punished. But when she ventures to the trail, Barabbas is not the one the crowd calls to crucify. Instead, it is the teacher her master and Jason had begun to follow, the man from Nazareth that some call the Son of God . . .

ABOUT ROSEANNA:

Roseanna M. White is the editor of Christian Review of Books. She makes her home in the mountains of Western Maryland with her husband, two small children, and the colony of dust bunnies living under her couch.

Welcome, Roseanna! Have you learned anything new about God's character through this book?
Oh my, yes. As I rewrote this book a couple years ago for its paperback release, I realized that one of the most beautiful aspects of God’s nature that the story highlights is how He surprises us by meeting us in unexpected places. In Stray Drop, Abigail goes to Jesus’ trial hungry for revenge, and instead runs smack into the Lord’s forgiveness. She’s never the same, and I wasn’t the same after writing it.

What does your process look like? Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?
Both. ;-) When I’ve got an idea for a book, it’s usually about 70% complete within 24 hours. I’ll write the first three chapters, then a synopsis. I’ll pants my way through the first half of the book, sticking to my loose outline (mostly) but with plenty of freedom. By the second half of the book, though, I’ll have already figured out what scenes need to finish it out, so I’ll jot down a more detailed outline so I don’t forget them and can pinpoint any holes that need filled in before I hit my climax.

Of course, Stray Drop was so long that I went through this process twice—the crucifixion scene being my first “climax,” then the actual ending my second one. Beginning the second half of the book was like starting a sequel in a lot of ways, though I couldn’t conceive of actually ending it after that first “climax.” (Quotes on purpose, since it’s not the real climax, LOL.)

When's your favorite time to write?
It used to be early morning, but that was before my kids started waking up at 6 rather than 8. (boy do I hear ya) Most of my writing time ends up being during my son’s naptime, but my favorite times are still those times of quiet and semi-darkness, when I can sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, some treasured silence, and no interruptions—early morning or after the kids are in bed, when hubby’s occupied with a hockey game. ;-)

Thanks, Roseanna!

--April W. Gardner is the Sr. Editor at the literary site, Clash of the Titles. 

She is also the author of the best-selling novel, Wounded Spirits.

"Singing in Babylon" from Ann Gaylia O'Barr

Meet Former Clash of the Titles Competitor Ann Gaylia O’Barr,

guest post by Amanda Flower

Ann Gaylia O’Barr is a former Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department. She had several assignments overseas, including one in Saudi Arabia, which certainly influenced her novel, Singing in Babylon.

Clash of the Titles featured Ann during our Best Description of an Antagonist Week, and she was the Clash champion! Her villain kept our readers jumping!

In Singing in Babylon, recent grad Kate McCormack, saddled with college debt, has limited options…until she accepts an offer to teach English in Saudi Arabia. Plunged into a foreign world, she’s homesick and lonely, stuck in a gilded prison where women aren’t even allowed to walk around the block by themselves. The future stretches before her like a leaden sky.

Journalist Philip Tangvald, on the trail of a story about illegal immigration routes through the Middle East and North Africa, is intrigued by the feisty Kate, but wonders if he deserves to find love again. Too much loss and betrayal has burdened his life. First, his father, when he was eleven. And, a year ago, his wife. Now he’s free of everything—except the guilt from his past—and wants to stay that way.

Two worlds, two hearts in exile, are about to collide. And when they do, might they find a new song to sing … in Babylon?

We posed a few more questions to Ann, which she was kind enough to answer.

Who is your favorite character you've created and why?
I think Philip intrigues me the most. Kate is pretty clear cut in what she wants. Philip has so much to learn about forgiveness and being able to grow beyond childhood hurts and yield to the love he so wants to express but has difficulty doing. He’s a complex character.

Have you learned anything new about God's character through this book?
As I developed the male protagonist, Philip, the passage in the Bible about God removing our sins as far away as the east is from the west came alive in a new way. Philip’s deep need is to see God as one who yearns to love him despite his failings.

If you could interview one character in your book, which one would it be? What shocking or interesting thing might that character say? Why?
Actually, I have Philip, the journalist in the story, carry on a conversation with a citizen of Saudi Arabia who lived in the U.S. for some time. In that conversation, or interview, the Saudi surprises Philip, an American Christian, with the question of why Saudi Arabia would want the American way of life, given the hedonistic life style that he witnessed while in the U.S.

When's your favorite time to write?
When I get up in the morning (I tend to rise early). I have a short devotional period and then settle in to write. How much time I can spend with it (all morning, a couple of hours) depends on family needs, meetings to attend, household chores that can’t be put off any longer, and so on.

Share something about the book that you think readers would like to know.
Some of the perspective for Singing in Babylon came from the insights I gained while living in Muslim-majority lands. I saw America as Muslim Arabs might see it. I began to differentiate between America the country and American Christians. The years in those countries also strengthened my core Christian beliefs. I began to see Jesus as our living revelation from God, as contrasted with the Quran, which Muslims believe is God’s revelation.

Thank you so much for stopping by Ann. We enjoyed having you on Clash of the Titles and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

Singing in Babylon was published by OakTara Publishers in 2010, and Ann has two more novels under contract: Quiet Deception and Searching for Home.

You can visit Ann at her website http://www.anngayliaobarr.com/.

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, is an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel and the first in a series featuring amateur sleuth India Hayes. Like her main character, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime and on the Clash of the Titles staff. Her next mystery, Murder in a Basket, will be released in January 2012. Visit her online at http://www.amandaflower.com/.

"The Green Veil" by Naomi Musch

Meet Former Clash of the Titles Competitor Naomi Musch,

guest post by Amanda Flower

 In addition to being a fiction author, Naomi Musch is a staff writer for Living Stones News http://www.livingstonesnews.com and a consulting editor with Port Yonder Press. The Green Veil is the first novel in a three-part generational series called Empire in Pine.

Clash of the Titles featured Naomi during our Best Hook week. Naomi’s gripping first page left our readers wanting more. She was also our champion for that week!

In The Green Veil, Colette Palmer is only a girl in 1841 when her father follows land speculator Harris Eastman from Michigan to Wisconsin Territory, a wilderness where lumber barons are taking land and timber by right, by force, and by theft. She has left behind dear friends, including her childhood love, timber cruiser Manason Kade. Separated from him by miles and years, she tries to forget her childish longings until the day compassion and circumstances compel her to marry another.

But Manason does come and plants his own stake in the Wisconsin lumbering trade. It isn't long before he uncovers illegal practices in the industry and by one company in particular. Now Colette's husband will stop at nothing to crush him.

Then one unsuspecting night, Manason and Colette meet again. As memories revive, and truth is set free, Colette is forced to choose between her first love and her commitment to her marriage vows. But how can she, with her faith and an empire in pine hanging in the balance?

We posed a few more questions to Naomi, which she was kind enough to answer.

Where do your best ideas come from?
Great question! My best ideas come from overlooked portions of history I stumble upon combined with human scenarios I find intriguing. The Green Veil merges the nostalgia of the lumberjacks, land barons, and mill owners rushing to control the pine lands in 1840s Wisconsin Territory with the idea of a young woman swept far away from her roots and her childhood sweetheart into the arms of a man who'll stop at nothing to destroy his enemies.

Book 2 in this Empire in Pine series (releasing in October), takes place in the months leading up to the most devastating fire in our nation's history. Do you know what fire that was? It was called the Great Peshtigo Fire. Most people haven't heard of it because it happened on the same day as the Chicago Fire. However, while the Chicago Fire destroyed a large section of the city and about 250 people lost their lives, the Peshtigo Fire consumed around 2000 square miles in northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It swallowed up the entire town of Peshtigo, and as many as 2500 people were killed. Combining that page of history with a broken young woman determined to live life on the edge and a pair of brothers who are disillusioned Civil War veterans gave me a really great story called The Red Fury.

Share something about the book that you think readers would like to know.
The theme in The Green Veil is juxtaposed to that of many romances which tell us that the characters will be happy if they only follow their hearts. But the heart is awfully fickle and dangerous! It seems to me that characters allowing emotions to guide them might wind up with inescapable, dire consequences. Colette has a compassionate heart and somewhat gullible nature. She's been given warning bells but impulsively follows her heart anyway. So I don't give her any easy outs when it comes to consequences.

Another thing is that I don't enjoy predictable stories. It's one thing to know that two characters will end up together. It's another thing altogether to be one step ahead of the author all the time in knowing how they are going to get there. I like twists and turns, and I spoon them liberally into the story.

Who is your favorite character you've created and why?
Yikes! That's kind of like asking which of my children my favorite is! I even like the bad guys. But, since I'm forced to choose, I will say that in this book Joseph Gilbert was raw fun to create. He stepped onto the page with little more than a name, and from that point on I never knew what was going to come out of his mouth or what he'd do next. No matter what I plotted, Joseph, incorrigible as he was, could take over a scene. Sometimes he surprised me as much as he surprised Colette.

Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?
Because I like layers and sub-plots -- which need to stay organized and woven in -- I'm definitely a plotter. I start with a 15-point outline of the book, working from each end toward the middle. Then I flesh it out, free-writing to tell myself what has to be accomplished in each section. These are later broken into scenes and chapters. (I usually end with around 40 chapters, give or take). That said -- each scene is less plotted and more panstered. (How's that for a verb -- panstered? Ha!) With the scene's purpose in mind, I only have a vague picture of its construction. I do not have it precisely mapped out. The characters take over at that point, and I just tag along.

Thank you so much for stopping by Naomi. We enjoyed having you on Clash of the Titles and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

You can visit Naomi at her website at http://www.naomimusch.com/. You can also follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NMusch.

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, is an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel and the first in a series featuring amateur sleuth India Hayes. Like her main character, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime and on the Clash of the Titles staff. Her next mystery, Murder in a Basket, will be released in January 2012. Visit her online at http://www.amandaflower.com/.

"Deliver Us from Evil" by Dee Smith

Meet Former Clash of the Titles Competitor Dee Smith,

guest post by Amanda Flower

Dee Smith writes for young adults. Dee states on her website, “I write fiction for young adults and reach out to teens by writing fiction with a message of hope, redemption, and the power of God.”

Clash of the Titles featured her second novel, Deliver Us from Evil, during our Best Description of an Antagonist Week. The description of her villain, Philomena Jones, gave our readers chills.

In Deliver Us From Evil, thirteen-year-old Angela Ross, a small town Texas girl, runs away in terror after she shoots her abusive father during his latest violent attack. She flees without knowing if he is dead or alive. Now a fugitive, she melts into the busy crowds of the city, desperate and penniless.

On a rainy afternoon a few days after she arrives, she walks a cobblestone path to the cottage of Philomena Jones, Psychic. Soon after, Angela regrets ever entering the deceptive white cottage with its charming picket fence. It's too late to escape Philomena's reign of terror, but a few years later, a talent agent, Arnold Peck, discovers her, grooms her into a music star, and renames her Angel.

At a performance, Angel meets Jessica Nelson, a devoted fan. Both lonely girls bond and become friends. Their meeting triggers a kidnapping plot and plunge them into indescribable horror as prisoners inside a medieval castle. Angel uncovers the kidnappers' plans--plans so evil that they will die by torture in a few hours. Can they escape? Will rescue arrive on time?

We posed a few more questions to Dee, which she was kind enough to answer.

How did you come up with your idea for your antagonist?
She came from another novel I had in progress. In that book her character was like the good sidekick or confidant for my heroine. Then almost as if she had a will of her own she became the “bad guy,” developing through her occupation as a psychic. I chose her darker side because my story draws clear lines between good and evil.

Who is your favorite character you’ve created and why?
Kos, the young FBI agent in the story. He’s the handsome hero, and the love story begins in my second book. I had so much fun creating him to be the good-looking, daring, and courageous guy I’d like to knock on my front door some day.

If you could interview one character in your book, which one would it be? What shocking or interesting thing might that character say? Why?
It would be Darla, Angel’s aunt. I would ask her, “Why did you take the rap for Angela after she shot her father? Since Darla is my prototype for the “good Christian” in the book, it would shock me if she answered, “I was on my way to shoot him, but Angela got there first. So intent was already present in me.”

Have you learned anything new about God’s character through this book?
Nothing new, but even as much evil Satan generates, God is the final authority.

Where do your best ideas come from?
The Source from above. I’ve been in the shower, taking a walk, driving somewhere. Sometimes I have a vivid dream.

Thank you so much for stopping by Dee. We enjoyed having you on Clash of the Titles and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.You can visit Dee at her website http://dee-smith.squarespace.com/  or Facebook.

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, is an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel and the first in a series featuring amateur sleuth India Hayes. Like her main character, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime and on the Clash of the Titles staff. Her next mystery, Murder in a Basket, will be released in January 2012. Visit her online at http://www.amandaflower.com/.

"A Dream Unfolding" by Karen Baney

Meet Former Clash of the Titles Competitor Karen Baney,

guest post by Amanda Flower

Karen Baney is software engineer, who spends her evenings and weekends writing Christian fiction. A Dream Unfolding is her debut novel.

Clash of the Titles featured Karen during our Best Hook week. Karen’s first page left our readers wondering what will happen next!

In A Dream Unfolding, the promise of a new life and a chance to start over…
Hannah Anderson had the life she always wanted, married to the man of her dreams. When her husband’s brother gets in trouble with the law, the town turns against them, shattering her perfect life. Now they are left with only one choice—to head west to the Arizona Territory in the hopes of creating a new life. Will the journey be worth the cost?

Will Colter, after burying his father, is forced to leave the ranch he has called home for nearly thirty years. The journey is dangerous, challenging him and his men. Will he find the new life he was hoping for?

Or, is there a new dream quietly unfolding before their eyes?

We posed a few more questions to Karen, which she was kind enough to answer.

Have you learned anything new about God's character through this book?
The process of writing A Dream Unfolding was a new challenge for me. I had to depend on God most of the time and I learned (or maybe re-learned) that he really does care about the smallest details of my life. If I was struggling to make a character real, I prayed that His message would come through the story. If I lose my confidence that my writing is good, I ask him to help me see my work as he sees it. If I stress out about slow sales, I ask him to get the book into the hands of those he wants to read it. With each prayer, I’m reminded of why I write—to share God’s character through inspirational stories that will touch the lives of others.

Who is your favorite character you've created and why?
I love Will Colter. Even though he’s a cowboy with a bit of a tough image, he still faced insecurities. He loved God because he knew what he had been saved from. He’s a great leader, but very humble.

Where do your best ideas come from?
Some of my best ideas have been inspired by research. When I first started the research for A Dream Unfolding, I did not plan to write about the actual journey to Arizona. After all, that would involve a ton of research and it was my first book—talk about intimidating. Then I came across letters written by Jonathan Richmond. He was one of the original members of the governor’s party as they traveled west to the Arizona Territory. I was so excited by the wonderful details included in his letters that I had to write about it. Thus, Hannah and Drew’s thread of the story was born. And yes, it was a ton of research, but well worth it.

Share something about the book that you think readers would like to know.
I started writing the book in the middle at the climax. It was the first scene that came to my mind and I felt it was inspired by God, so I had to get it down on paper. Even after dozens (felt like hundreds) of revisions that scene remained fairly unchanged.

After that scene, I wrote the book to the end. Then I had to start at the beginning. That was a huge challenge—one I probably won’t do again—because I had to make sure that everything in the beginning fit with the context of where the story was going. It all worked out in the end, but I definitely caused myself more work for the beginning half of the book.

Thank you so much for stopping by Karen. We enjoyed having you on Clash of the Titles and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

A Heart Renewed, the second novel in the Prescott Pioneers Series was just released in ebook in April. Be sure to check it out!

You can visit Karen at her website at http://www.karenbaney.com/. You can also follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/karen_baney and Facebook.

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, is an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel and the first in a series featuring amateur sleuth India Hayes. Like her main character, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime and on the Clash of the Titles staff. Her next mystery, Murder in a Basket, will be released in January 2012. Visit her online at http://www.amandaflower.com/.

"Orphaned Hearts" from Shawna Williams & Clash of the Titles

Meet Former Clash of the Titles Competitor Shawna K. Williams, guest post by Jennifer Slattery

Shawna K. Williams Shawna K. Williams is an inspirational novelist who loves telling a story through flawed characters – the only kind she can relate to. God's Grace serves as a the major theme for all of her stories, but she also likes a good dose of nostalgia, which is why many of her stories are set in rural America during the first half of the 20th Century. When not writing, Shawna spends time with her husband and three children enjoying life on their ranch. She's also an avid reader, editor, book reviewer, blogger, homeschooling mom and jewelry designer.

She competed in our most touching Christmas scene. Her wonderfully written excerpt, taken from Orphaned Hearts, brought a sense of nostalgia to our readers.

In Orphaned Hearts, Pastor David Langley understands six-year old Caleb Holsheyer -- what it feels like to be damaged and alone. His family killed in a fire, and his body severely burned, David grew up in an orphanage, ridiculed and shunned. He couldn’t let that be Caleb’s fate.

When adoption plans fall through, David is desperate to find Caleb a new home. But in the midst of the Great Depression, most families are barely getting by. No one seems willing to take on the responsibility of an extra mouth, especially one belonging to a crippled child.

Except for Sadie Miller, the town spinster. In Sadie, David sees the answer to Caleb's needs. But Child Welfare doesn't agree, and demands other arrangements be found, or the boy be returned to the orphanage.

David and Sadie team up, determined to find a home for an orphaned child, but while searching, might they find a family instead.

Shawna, our readers loved your excerpt. Can you tell us more about the book it was taken from? Where did you get the story idea?

Orphaned Heart is my latest release. It's a wonderful little story set in Northwestern Arkansas, during 1932.

The story is about a minister, David Langley, and his search for a home for Caleb, an orphaned child with a missing arm. David is especially concerned with Caleb's situation because David knows that Caleb's disability will affect how people see him. David, who also grew up orphaned, was severely burned in the fire that killed his family. As an adult he is able to hide these scars beneath his clothes, but he always felt that his disfigurement was the reason he was never taken in by a family when he was a child. For these same reasons, he believes he'll never have one of his own as a man. So, in a way, finding a home for Caleb proves there's still hope for him.

Sadie, the town spinster, has been in love with David for years, but she doesn't think he can see past her label. Circumstances bring Caleb into her home on a temporary basis and her love for the boy blossoms, healing his pain and hers. But things become desperate when they learn of danger at the orphanage and that Caleb must soon return. David and Sadie team up, both working to find a permanent, loving home where Caleb will be safe, but while searching they discover a family instead.

The story was inspired by my grandparents. My grandfather grew up in the orphanage I based the one in the story upon. It was hard to find much information about it beyond a former address. Most of what I knew was told to me by my grandparents. My grandmother's father had been hired to work the orphanage's dairy and my grandmother helped him. That's how my grandparents met. Their memories of the orphanage had a profound impact on them and for years they took in foster children because of it.

Where and when do you like to write?

I sit on the sofa and write after everyone has gone to sleep. I'm usually up until 4 a.m. when I'm working on a new project.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

I really love it when the characters in the story start coming to life for me. When I start a story, there's a lot I don't know about them, and as I write I learn. Most of my revision work is done on the first half of a book, because it's usually not until the second half that I have a firm grasp on my characters' personalities, and then I go back and rewrite to add depth and fix inconsistencies.

I, of course, love being able to share my work. It's the best feeling to hear someone say they were moved by a story I wrote. The best!

How does your faith play into your writing?

More like, how does it not? The moment I decided to write I knew that my stories would be Christian Fiction. It wasn't really a conscience choice though, it's just who I am. I don't think I can write a story without some kind of spiritual message. My thoughts always gravitate toward what God's purpose might be in pretty much everything and I can't turn it off, nor do I want to. When I'm writing I think about my characters, what they'd learn from their experiences in the story and how it would affect them spiritually. I often think about important lessons I've learned in my life, usually the hard way, and try to convey the small measures of wisdom God has granted me through my stories.

Thank you so much for chatting with us today. We enjoyed having you on Clash of the Titles and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

Visit http://shawnakwilliams.com/ and http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/  to find out more about Shawna and her writing, or connect with her on twitter and facebook: http://twitter.com/#!/shawnakwilliams

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shawna-K-Williams/236629884245

"A Vision of Lucy" from Margaret Brownley & Clash of the Titles

Meet Former Clash of the Titles’ Competitor Margaret Brownley, guest post by Jennifer Slattery

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret Brownley’s penned it all. Nothing wrong with that—except she happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took me aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction." So that’s what she did. She now has nearly 25 novels to her credit, including bestselling and RITA finalist A Lady Like Sarah—not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

Margaret competed in Clash of the Titles’ Battle of the Blurbs. Her latest novel, A Vision of Lucy is about a girl who seems to find trouble wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she’ll never face adversity alone.

Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he’ll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, whose paintings still hung on their walls.

But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf—a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town—she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn’t count on her feelings stirring whenever she’s near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of Lucy’s life: David says the words Lucy has longed to hear since her mother died: that she is a compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And in return Lucy helps David change his perspective on an event that wounded him long ago.

God’s arms are around this unlikely couple as they leave behind long-held assumptions and discover the true freedom of forgiveness.

Margaret, that sounds like a great book! Tell us more about it. Where did you get the story idea?

First let me thank you for letting me visit you today. To answer your question, the idea for my current release A Suitor for Jenny came from a meeting notice in an old newspaper for a group called The Society for the Protection and Preservation of Male Independence. I don’t know if the members managed to remain independent in real life but I certainly had fun making sure they didn’t in

A Vision of Lucy (available for preorder) is the third and final book of my Rocky Creek series. I got the idea from an ad in an old newspaper ad (do you see a pattern here?). Julia Shannon of San Francisco took the family portrait to new heights when she shockingly advertised herself as a daguerreotypist and midwife. Lucy’s not a midwife, but after learning that photographs sometimes reveal things not seen by the naked eyes, she takes camera in hand hoping to uncover family secrets.

You have a wonderfully creative imagination. Where and when do you like to write?

I write in my Monet purple office five days a week. Fortunately, I don’t need much sleep. I think I’m what you call hyper. I’m an early riser so you’ll find me parked in front my computer as early as four a.m., coffee in hand—a whole coffee pot. Afternoons are for answering email, exercising, the business of writing and taking care of the necessary details of life. Weekends are for friends, family and dreaming.

Wow, that’s dedicated. What do you enjoy most about being an author?

I love the idea of creating something from absolutely nothing. I can’t knit a sweater without yarn. Nor can I cook a meal without ingredients. I can’t even grow a garden without soil and water. But I can create a book from nothing more than a wisp of an idea and a blank page. I love that!

I also love creating characters and letting them take me to unexpected places.

How does faith play into your writing?

Faith is an essential part of who we are. One of my frustrations in writing for the secular market was not being allowed to explore a character’s faith (or lack of it). I don’t think it’s possible to fully develop a character without including his or her relationship to God.

Thank you so much for chatting with us! We enjoyed having you on Clash of the Titles, and it’s great to keep up with what you’re doing now. I look forward to reading A Vision of Lucy!

Visit http://www.margaretbrownley.com/ to find out more about Margaret and her writing.

"The Road to Deer Run" by Elaine Marie Cooper

February was Romance Month at Clash of the Titles

For February, Clash of the Titles featured two gooey, deliciously sigh-worthy clashes.

Michelle Massaro hosted Clash Two, another tough contest between Elaine Marie Copper's The Road to Deer Run and Lorna Seilstad's Making Waves. The COTT team was delighted with two new "firsts" for Clash of the Titles. Lorna's book was nominated by one of our team reviewers over at Title Trakk. "I was blown away and very honored that a reader would take the time to submit a scene from Making Waves, and I'm pleased as punch that it was this scene. It's always hard to know if the same scenes I see as romantic are the same ones that move readers," Lorna said.

The other "first" for COTT was that a self-published author won the Clash. "Recently, we've come to the decision to open up all of our Clashes to self-published authors," Michelle Massaro, assistant editor for COTT said. "There will still be guidelines to adhere to, disclaimers to sign, but we feel this will best serve you guys—our readers, authors, and friends. We will still have unpublished Clashes according to our usual schedule, but now they will be reserved for our truly unpublished friends."

And the Clash fairly zinged with the most site comments from our readers. "Readers flooded in to participate in this clash and the battle was fierce. The race was very tight--we were dead even up until the last couple of hours," Massaro said. The Road to Deer Run won the "I Conquered COTT button."



Websites:
Elaine Cooper: http://www.deerrunbooks.com/


The Road to Deer Run: http://www.amazon.com/Road-Deer-Elaine-Marie-Cooper/dp/1450219195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1299433776&sr=1-1