No Other by Shawna Williams

No Other by Shawna Williams!

We're happy to have Shawna Williams with us today talking about her book, No Other. Read on to learn more about Shawna and her book. Be sure to check out the contest she's running on her blog (details are at the bottom of her interview.)

1) How did this story come to you?
It actually came to me in a dream. The dream was a strange experience. It was like scenes from the stages of someone's life, and sometimes I was the person, and sometimes I was watching. But it started with a young couple falling in love, then having small children, then struggling with the demands of career and family. It ended with a really sad old woman sitting in a chair, watching her grown children, who didn't know her because of choices she'd made in a fruitless chase to obtain fulfillment. Depressing, huh! Anyhow, I pondered this dream, trying to fill in gaps for about six months, and it eventually grew to be so complicated that I had to start writing just to keep track.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I started writing about eight years ago. I'd work for awhile, put it away for months, pull it back out, put it away, work on it again and think about trying to get published, chicken out and not look at my manuscript for months. At one point I went a whole year without writing anything. Two years ago I really felt like God was telling me that it was time to get serious. So I pulled out my awful, 167,000 word manuscript, and started picking it apart. This time though I bothered to try and learn how to write. I bought twenty-something books on the craft, and started submitting to critique groups. Lots of them! Kinda smarted, but it was good for me. I began submitting short stories too, and that got me used to rejections. But it wasn't too long before I also got my first acceptance, and that was great. After that I got several more in short order.

During this time I continued to work on my manuscript by taking the first part of my horrible book and making it its own story, and I also began looking at potential places to submit. I knew that the content and set up of my story made it a not so easy sale, so I determined early on that I wanted to focus on smaller presses.

I became aware of Desert Breeze Publishing through Michelle Sutton, who currently has three books published by them. They were only six months old at the time, and only publishing in ebook format, but every DBP author I corresponded with seemed pleased as punch over their experience. Also, Gail Delaney, the CEO and Editor and Chief, was quite clear about future plans of expanding into print.

There was also just something very appealing about getting in on the ground floor. It's always been part of my personality to go that route. Hard to say why, but it's the same thing that motivated me to start a homeschool support group when there wasn't one, move from the large city to a small town ranch, buy a run-down camping park with my husband and turn it around, and insist on salvaging several old homes that had fallen into ruin. I'm always rooting for the small guy or the underdog. I guess I should mention that I take in stray animals too. It's how I got my collie. Best dog ever!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Oops! I think I just did that in the previous question. Okay, other than my love of underdogs, I'm a girly-girl geek, who likes science, history, and making jewelry. Yep, one of these things is not like the other.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Currently I'm working on two books, both under contract. One is the sequel to No Other -- same characters ten years later. Similar Theme as No Other, but from a different perspective at a different stage in life -- also inspired by that life-changing dream. It's called In All Things. Orphaned Hearts is the other. It's an expansion of a novella I'd written that was inspired by my granddad, who was raised in an orphanage in the 1930s. It was accepted under the terms that I lengthen it.

5) Parting comments?
Hmm...I have no clue what to say here, so I'll just tell you a little about my book. In an answer to a previous question I mentioned that I looked into small presses because I felt that the content in No Other made it hard to place. In the story there are some major failings on the part of the main characters, but mostly I'd say Jakob, since he is a Christian and Meri isn't. But my reason for writing No Other was that I wanted to tell an inspirational story about getting up after you fall. About how Christians don't just struggle, sometimes we blow it, but God doesn't abandon us. Even when our efforts to right things fail, He's still in control. Him, and No Other.

And if you read the book, and notice a couple of things left a little uncertain at the end, including a promise Jakob makes that might seem somewhat misguided, well, that's what the sequel is for.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://shawnakwilliams.com/
http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/shawnakwilliams
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shawna-K-Williams/236629884245?ref=ts


I'm running a contest for the month of May. Here's the link.
http://shawnawilliams-oldsmobile.blogspot.com/p/no-other-prize-drawing-details.html
It can also be found by going to my blog and clicking on No Other Prize Details in the top left corner. As part of the contest, I need to post this question at the end of my interview.

What does this German phrase "Eine Verletzung kann nicht heilen, wenn man dauernd daran kratz," mean? (Answer can be found in the first chapter, viewable at http://noother-shawnawilliams.blogspot.com/ )

Morning for Dove by Martha Rogers

Morning for Dove

We're happy to have Martha Rogers with us today talking about her book, Morning for Dove. Read on to learn more about Martha and her book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stephanie Burkhart's "The Hungarian"

The Hungarian by Stephanie Burkhart

We're happy to have Stephanie Burkhart with us today talking about her book, The Hungarian. Read on to learn more about Stephanie and her book.

1) How did this story come to you?
I'm a Moderator on Writing.com and it was inspired by a simple contest prompt. Write a story about a werewolf that falls in love. Called "The Wolf's Kiss," Count Matthias hires a British nanny, Katherine, for his daughter and they fall in love. It was well received. I entered the story into the Writer's Digest Pop Fiction Contest and out of 3,000 entries it received an honorable mention in the romance category. Spurred on by it's success, I wrote the novel, "The Hungarian."

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
If you consider I wrote the prompt story in 2006, it's been 4 years. My first draft was best kept in the closet. *smiles* The first draft allowed me to get to know the characters, but plotwise, it wasn't as strong as it could be. I wrote a second draft in the 1st person from Katherine's POV, and showed it to Gail Delaney, Editor-in-Chief at Desert Breeze. She said, "I like it, but can you do 3rd person?" I spent about six months changing the POV. If anything, I would say I would say I earned a healthy appreciation for patience.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
A – I was married in Denmark in 1991. My marriage certificate is in 5 different languages.
B – I have a big comic book collection. I collected from 1981-2000. I have over 3,000. My favorites – X-Men, Teen Titans, and the Legion of Superheroes.
C – I spent 7 years in Germany while in the military. I was an MP.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm doing my final edits on "The Hungarian's" sequel, "The Count's Lair." I'm also writing a sci-fi, speculative short story, "Shadows and Light," for Desert Breeze's Borealis Anthology.

5) Parting comments?
For writers, have patience. Learn your craft. Learn how to take constructive criticism without being overly critical.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://sgcardin.tripod.com/
Blog: http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1357922219&ref=profile
You Tube Channel (Botrina) http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina

Seasons in the Mist by Deborah Kinnard

Deborah Kinnard's Seasons in the Mist

We're happy to have Deborah Kinnard with us today talking about her book, Seasons in the Mist. Read on to learn more about Deborah and her book.

1) How did this story come to you?

It came the year I vacationed in England, walking around Cornwall and just letting my imagination run wild. There was a ruined building near my hotel, that had once sheltered a well. I got the “holy well” idea from that.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.

I first wrote it in 1982 on an Apple //C, on software that doesn’t exist anymore. When I got the idea to rewrite it, I couldn’t, so I had to rewrite from scratch. It’s a far different (and better) story now.

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

(1) I write characters who are surprised by God in some way;

(2) I’m the only woman in America who cannot make Jello;

(3) I’m a singer by nature but do not ask me to dance. It ain’t pretty.

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

Working on a sequel to SEASONS IN THE MIST, working title SEASONS OF RECKONING. I’m thinking to finish this story before the ACFW conference this September.

5) Parting comments? I hope readers will want to journey back to the 14th century with me. It was a fascinating time.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://www.debkinnard.com/ or http://www.justtellthestory.blogspot.com/

Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Lena Nelson Dooley's "Love Finds you in Golden, New Mexico"

We're happy to have Lena Nelson Dooley with us today talking about her new book, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico. To learn more about Lena and her book, read on!


1) How did this story come to you?
Actually, two other authors and I first proposed a mail-order bride proposal for a three book series. The proposal was rejected. So two of us took our stories and reworked them to propose to different publishing houses.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
When my agent Joyce Hart sent it to Summerside Press, the editor liked it right away. The company asked if I would be willing to wait for the contract. Since I really wanted to sell to Summerside, Joyce and I decided it was worth waiting for. The rest, as they say, is history.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
* I was a runner-up in a beauty contest when I was a senior in high school.
* I was painfully shy until I was a senior in high school.
* I grew up on fish farms.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a contemporary women’s fiction titled Beyond Redemption. It hasn’t been contracted, but a major house is considering it right now. I also have proposals for two separate 3-book series at publishers right now. I’m waiting for something to sell. In the meantime, I’m scheduled to speak several places this year. Readers can find out where on the Newsletter page of my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

5) Parting comments?
The print edition of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico releases May 1, but the Kindle edition is already available from Amazon.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ - Author interviews/Free books
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/ - Regular Blogger
www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley
www.twitter.com/lenandooley
www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley

Jill Williamson's "To Darkness Fled"

Jill Williamson's "To Darkness Fled"

We're happy to have Jill Williamson with us today talking about her new book, To Darkness Fled. To learn more about Jill and To Darkness Fled read on!

Your title: By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled (Blood of Kings books 1 and 2)

1) How did this story come to you?

Two things happened close together that inspired this story. First, I was walking with my son one day in Burbank , California , and we came upon a burned-down house. I stopped to look at it and noticed a tree in the front yard. The part of the tree that hung over the fence and above the street was leafy green, rocking and rustling in the wind. But the branches of the tree near the house were charred and stiff.

I stared at that tree for a long time, then took off for home, pushing that stroller at top speed. I went straight to the computer, opened Adobe Photoshop, and made the image of the tree that is the header on my author website. I couldn’t wait to write a story about this tree!

Around that same time, I had a weird dream where a guy had amnesia. Little did everyone know that he was someone very important. When I woke up, I liked the idea of this lost character, so I put him together with my ideas for the half-living, half-dead tree and I was off and running.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I didn’t intend to pitch this story to Jeff Gerke and Marcher Lord Press. I was attending the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Coaching Conference and there was only one editor interested in looking at young adult novels that year. I had met Jeff at a previous conference, so I put the first chapter of my fantasy story in to him to see what he thought. I was surprised when he wanted to talk. “Why does it have to be YA?” he said.
I was even more surprised when he wanted to publish it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I’m from Alaska . I grew up in a home with no electricity and an outhouse.
2. I once started my own wedding gown business called Lugano. My first dream in life was to be a fashion designer. Once I became fed up working in the industry, and before I started writing, I designed a line of nine better wedding gowns and went to the Chicago Bridal Market as a vendor. It was a tremendous amount of work, especially considering I hate to sew.
3. I speak a little Japanese. I went to Okinawa on an exchange program back in high school. Konnichiwa! Genki desu ka? (Hello! How are you?)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am working on From Darkness Won (Blood of Kings, book 3). I’m hoping to sell one of my other young adult novels. I plan to visit more middle and high schools as an author and encourage teens who love to read and write.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me here! I appreciate getting to know you all. If you’re not sure if my books are for you, visit my website and read the first chapters. That’s a good way to find out if you like the story.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I’m everywhere! My website is www.jillwilliamson.com. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace, Shoutlife, Shelfari, GoodReads, Twitter, Amazon…

On top of that, I run two blogs. The first is Novel Teen Book Reviews at http://www.novelteen.com/. It’s a website that reviews clean teen fiction. This is a great resource to see what books are available in the Christian market for teens. The other blog is for teen authors, though adult authors may find some useful tips too. http://www.teenageauthor.com/.

"Yesterday's Promise" by Vanessa Miller

Vanessa Miller's "Yesterday's Promise"

We're happy to have Vanessa Miller with us today talking about her new book, Yesterday's Promise. To learn more about Vanessa and Yesterday's Promise read on!


1) How did this story come to you?
I was doing a book signing at an expo and the lady next to my table was signing copies of her book that talked about the struggle for women to preach. Since the bishop of my church is a woman and we have women preach at my church all the time, I had never thought anything about any struggle that women faced when it came to preaching. But then a man walked into the room where we were signing our books. He took one look at Pastor Notoshia Howard’s book and started screaming at her. He told her that she had no business trying to preach to men and that women were not allowed to preach. That’s when the idea of Yesterday’s Promise was dropped in my spirit. I wanted to write a book that details the struggles women who have been called by God have to deal with in order to preach the gospel.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting published.
I was about nine years old when I realized I wanted to be a writer. I didn’t have the first clue as to how I would accomplish this goal, but I knew that I loved the written word. As a teenager, I wrote poems and short stories. However, in my early twenties I attempted my first novel. I got halfway through and couldn’t finish it. The same thing occurred with the next three novels I attempted. The first novel I completed was Former Rain and it took seven years from the start of that book until it was published.

I was so excited about finally completing a novel that I didn’t want to wait on a publisher to agree to publish my novel. So I self-published it in 2003. By 2006 I signed a contract with a mainstream publisher. That deal provided me with better distribution. Now, in 2010, I have 4 new books releasing by three different publishers. The one thing I’ve learned through this journey is that God is faithful. He will never fail us, if we put our trust in Him.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have a two year old granddaughter
A one year old grandson
And I drive to most of my tour locations because I hate to fly.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I working on edits for the sequel to Yesterday’s Promise. That book is titled, A Love for Tomorrow. I have four books releasing this year, so a lot of touring, promoting and drinking Mountain Dew is what’s next for me.

5) Parting comments?
My hope is that everyone will check out my new book, Yesterday’s Promise. So, I guess my parting words would be… come on, give my book a try, please.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My web address is: http://www.vanessamiller.com/ I also have a fan page on Facebook. Just search for Vanessa miller. Thank you so much!

Queen of Hearts Review by Shawna Williams

Queen of Hearts Review by Shawna Williams. Register in the post below this one for the end of month giveaway.

What a great read! K. Dawn Byrd has crafted a story that blends romance, suspence,and history into an entertaining experience called, Queen of Hearts. The story begins with ambitious reporter, Daphne Dean, deciding to add a little more adventure to her life by joining the O.S.S. during WWII. She's suddenly thrust into a situation she's ill-prepared for, and isn't sure who to trust. There's her ex-boyfriend, Kenneth, who still holds her heart. By all reason she should trust him since she's known him her whole life, but war has brought out a different side to him that makes Daphne leery. Then there's the new guy, mysterious Vito, with shady family connections and secrets he's unwilling to divulge, yet something about him engenders trust. Should Daphne give it?

As the situation escalates, Daphne finds herself in hiding in an abandoned mental hospital. Both men insist they want to protect her, but is that really the case?

Is it terrible that I really want to find this institution to explore? Seriously, K. Dawn's description was so vivid and intriguing that this fictional setting is now listed in my top ten places I "must see" before I die. (Not sure how that's going to work out.) The whole story was great, but the last part was a major page turner, that kept me guessing until the very end. And I loved the growth of the characters shown in the book's conclusion. Most satisfying indeed. K. Dawn Byrd is a masterful suspense writer, and I look forward to her next title, Killing Time, in August, 2010.

Amber Miller Stockton's "Liberty's Promise"

Amber Miller Stockton's "Liberty's Promise"

We're happy to have Amber Miller Stockton with us today talking about her new book, Liberty's Promise. To learn more about Amber and Liberty's Promise read on!

Your title: Liberty’s Promise
1) How did this story come to you?

Well, this book is actually a compilation of my first 3 books, and the inspiration came from driving by a home that was built in 1740. What those walls could tell of all they’d seen if they could only speak. That started the “what if” questions rambling about in my mind.

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

The first book came after pitching the idea to an editor who loved the premise and the unique setting as well as the time period of Colonial America. It took 2 years after pitching before the book sold and another 14 months after it sold before it released, but the journey was more than worth the reward of seeing my first book in print.

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

Before I married, I was the only living female Miller in my family for 3 generations. My mother married into the name. Second, I work for actress Jane Seymour, managing her fan site and handling her fan mail. Third, I sold my first piece of writing when I was 16 and joined the ranks of some of the youngest published writers.

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

Right now, I don’t have a contract, but I am working on 2 western series. One is set in Wyoming and one in Colorado. I also have a series set on Chincoteague Island that’s in the works. Praying one of them sells soon, so I can devote my full attention to them.

5) Parting comments?

I am loving this journey as an author. When I first began pursuing a professional career, I never imagined it would happen in such an abundant way. God has truly blessed me, and hearing from readers who write to say one of my stories has touched their lives means more than words can say. That’s the reason I write, and it’s an honor to share stories with you.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

You can always find me at my web site (http://www.amberstockton.com/ ),

blog (http://amberstockton.blogspot.com/ ),

facebook (www.facebook.com/tiffanyamberstockton ), and

twitter (www.twitter.com/amberstockton ).

Lisa Harris' "Blood Ransom"

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris

We're happy to have Lisa Harris with us today talking about her new book, Blood Ransom. To learn more about Lisa and Blood Ransom read on!

Your title: Blood Ransom
1) How did this story come to you?
For a long time I wanted to write an adventure series set in Africa that combined the beauty of the continent, with the adventure of a thriller, and, of course, a thread of romance. Over a period of time, the characters and storyline started simmering in the back of my mind until the plot finally unfolded and I began writing.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I discovered early on that selling a book set in Africa was not going to be easy. Every editor I talked to told me that books set outside the US didn’t sell. About three and a half years ago, I pitched my idea to Sue Brower at Zondervan who loved my idea and told me that the timing was finally right. Churches were sending more people on mission trips and people had more of an interest in social issues around the world. Wanting to work with Zondervan, I didn’t send the book anywhere else, and was thrilled when I finally held that contract in my hand.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve traveled through over twenty countries, but do not enjoy flying.
I’m currently in the middle of watching Star Trek DVDs with my kids who love Sci Fi .
Hmmm…and I’m left-handed.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now, I’m writing a romantic suspense for Summerside press that will be released next February. It’s set in the early 1920s in both Northern Rhodesia and New York. Then book two in my Mission Hope series, Blood Covenant will hit bookshelves next spring.

5) Parting comments?

Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Please visit me on my blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/ or my website http://www.lisaharriswrites.com/

Vickie McDonough's "The Anonymous Bride"

"The Anonymous Bride" by Vickie McDonough

We're happy to have Vickie McDonough with us today talking about her new book, The Anonymous Bride. To learn more about Vickie and The Anonymous Bride, read on!

Your title: The Anonymous Bride
1) How did this story come to you?
It first started as a “what if” question. What if a mail-order bride showed up in town, expecting to marry the local marshal, but what if he didn’t order a bride? Then my thoughts morphed a bit. What if three mail-order brides showed up to marry the poor, unsuspecting guy? How could something like that happen? And if it did, what would happen to the women since only one could marry him? Then I thought, what if the town held a contest to see with gal would make him the best wife?

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’ve been writing novellas and Heartsong novels for Barbour Publishing for six yeas, so it was a natural progression to move into their longer fiction line. My editor mentioned it to me, so I worked up several proposals, and the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series is the one they bought.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. When I was fourteen, I bought a motorcycle.
2. Shortly after I was married, my husband and I went with a group of young people to live on a kibbutz in Israel for a year.
3. I have always loved horses, and when I was twelve, I talked my parents into buying me one, even though we lived in the city.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently writing a historical set in 1788 in the Charleston area. It’s called Mutiny of the Heart, and it’s the first book in a series set in South Carolina. After that, I’ll finish the third book in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series.

5) Parting comments?
I never once thought about writing a book. Then stories started running through my mind like I was watching a movie. I decided to write them down to get them out of my head, and after writing my second book, I finally realized God was trying to get my attention. It still boggles my mind that I’ve written multiple books and even won awards for some of them. I want to encourage y’all to open your hearts and minds to God and let Him do something wonderful in your life. His dreams for you are far bigger than you can imagine.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is: www.vickiemcdonough.com
I’m also a regular contributor to the Bustles and Spurs blog:
www.bustlesandspurs.com

Review for Queen of Hearts Compares it to Shutter Island

First Review for Queen of Hearts

I'm so excited...I just had to share with you guys. Michelle Sutton has posted a review for Queen of Hearts on goodreads. She compared it to Shutter Island. Here's what she had to say.

Queen of Hearts is a blend of so many things that it really held my interest. It had elements of Dick Tracy, Psycho, The Godfather, and more recently, Shutter Island. If you enjoy suspenseful stories set during WWII (stateside) that have moments where you'll feel like you're as scared as the heroine is, then you'll love this story. I personally prefer romantic elements in romantic suspense, and this story had a lot of that, too. It was tasty enough to keep me reading. I was seriously torn and unsure for quite a while about who the bad guy was. At different times I liked them both. The author did a fabulous job of making you want her to run from both of them on occasion since each man told her the other guy was dangerous. It wasn't super-obvious who the real enemy was, and I loved that. It had me guessing for most of the story and I was terrified along with her. Those elements in this novel that reminded me of Shutter Island were eerie, but so well done that I couldn't stop reading. It is obvious that the author understands mental institutions and their histories. That made the setting even more authentic to me. Did I mention the mob involvement and dead bodies? Oy, this story had it all. It was a great read and highly entertaining, but also contained a faith element that was impossible to miss. I highly recommend this story. It's a terrific debut.

Don't forget to register to win the Queen of Hearts Prize Package. Check it out on a earlier blog post.

Queen of Hearts-Available now
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-70/Queen-of-Hearts/Detail.bok

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

Desert Breeze Publishing 20% off during April

James L. Rubart's "Rooms"

James L. Rubart's "Rooms"

We're happy to have James L. Rubart with us today talking about his new book, Rooms. To learn more about James and Rooms, read on!


1) How did this story come to you?
In my teens I read a little pamphlet My Heart, Christ’s Home. In my mid-twenties I thought, “What if you took that idea and put it on steroids?” After laying dormaint for many years it eventually become ROOMS.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The dream to be a writer started in 7th grade when a story I wrote was picked to be acted out in class. But I didn’t do anything about it till 2003 because of fear. At that point I got serious, finished ROOMS in late ’05, went to my first conference in the spring of ’06, and signed with an agent six months later. He shopped it to all the major houses and everyone rejected it. But a year later, David Webb (with B&H at the time) said he’d read 200 manuscripts since he first read ROOMS but he couldn’t get it out of his mind, so decided to take another run at it. ROOMS sold in June of ’08.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Fun question! I used to be a semi-professional magician, I’ve almost drowned twice but still like to scuba dive, and I started my career on-air at a Seattle radio station.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just signed a new three-book contract with B&H which I’m thrilled about. Book of Days will hit shelves on January 2011 and The Chair will be released fall of 2011, and I’m working on ideas for the fourth book.

5) Parting comments?
I lived too many years with my music still inside. Don’t do that. Take the risk, go after your dream. Even if you don’t reach it you won’t carry any regrets.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My author Web site is: http://www.jimrubart.com/
My marketing company is: http://www.barefootmarketing.com/
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Nicole Zoltack's "Knight of Glory"

Nicole Zoltack's Knight of Glory

We're happy to have Nicole Zoltack with us today talking about her new release from Desert Breeze Publishing, Knight of Glory. Read on to learn more about Nicole and her book.

1) How did this story come to you?
Knight of Glory is the sequel to Woman of Honor, both medieval fantasy romances. Knight of Glory takes place immediately after the events in Woman of Honor, with full war going on between the Kingdoms of Arnhem and Speica. It centers on Sir Geoffrey, who travels across the continent of Alethereia to recruit allies for Arnhem, while trying to determine which of two very different ladies he loves.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Because this book is book 2 in a series, it was easy to get the contract for it. As for the journey to get Woman of Honor published, I first learned about Desert Breeze Publishing through a publisher chat at the Castle in the Sky yahoo group. Gail mentioned that she would love to see a fantasy romance series, I mentioned Woman of Honor (which was still a WIP at that point). Gail said to send it to her once it was done, and I did. Shortly thereafter, she sent me a contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. Although I absolutely love to ride horses, and even took lessons for several months, I am extremely allergic to them. At the end of each lesson, I would be sneezing so much that I could only hold the reins with one hand! I would love to resume my lessons at some point, but it’s too dangerous right now (I’m pregnant) plus I plan on having two more. Maybe once the kids are all in school?

2. My husband and I collect swords. Some are medieval-style replicas, others are from movies (mostly LOTR). I often look at the different swords for ideas for my characters’ weapons, and I’ll even wield one through the motions of a pretend fight to get a better idea of what a sword fight entails. Ah, what us crazy writers will do to better our craft! LOL

3. I can’t be in the middle of reading a book and work on my own stories at the same time. I have to finish reading the book first. As such, the amount of time that I can devote to reading is not nearly as much as I would like it to be.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently working on a paranormal with romantic elements about a female assassin. This story is very different from my other works. Most of the time, my heroes and heroines are just that—heroes and heroines. To write from the point of view of an assassin is completely different. The mindset, the motivations, the killings, everything is tainted. But Lorna isn’t completely evil. I’m surprised how fun it is to write from her POV. I’m also working on a couple of short stories, and of course, Champion of Valor, book iii in the Kingdom of Arnhem series.

5) Parting comments?
Writing is such a huge part of my life that I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to. Even if I were told that I would never sell another story or that I would never sell another copy of my works, nothing would stop me from writing. And if you have this kind of attitude, this drive, this determination, there’s nothing that can stop you from writing a story and publishing it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Everywhere! LOL My website is http://www.nicolezoltack.com/ I have a fan page and a regular page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nicole.Zoltack and a myspace page http://www.myspace.com/scarlett9284 I’m also on twitter: http://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack Finally, my blog is at http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.com/