Get Staci Stallings' "A Work in Progress" free...

We're happy to have Staci Stallings with us today talking about her book, A Work in Progress. Staci has been kind enough to give us the link so we can all read it free! To learn more about Staci and her book, read on!

Publisher: Spirit Light Publishing through The Spirit Light Works Blog

Cover blurb: Rebecca Avery has never been one of “them”—the popular kids, the beautiful people. With less than fashion-plate looks and an off-beat, quirky style to living life, she has been relegated to finding “alone” activities to fill her time throughout high school. Unfortunately, college hasn’t changed that. Then she meets Eric Barnett, a nice guy who seems a little quirky himself. The only problem is, he’s in love with her roommate—one of the truly beautiful people. When Rebecca finds herself falling for him, she must find a way to break out of her shell or risk losing him forever. Who will win out in this mixed up jumble of feelings and loyalties? Find out in “A Work in Progress”—Book 1 of ~ The Faith Series ~

1) How did this story come to you?
This book took longer to write than any book I had written prior to it or since. It took 7 years from the first word to the last. In that time, I would work on it, write a few scenes and then jump to another project—not because I wanted to but just because I did. For a time, I thought this one would never actually get finished. Then one day about 18 chapters into it, the final pieces fell into place. In six months I had this one and the next two in the trilogy finished.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I chose to put this book out through my blog (serialized 2 chapters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) because frankly I’m overrun trying to get my books out fast enough. I have another one coming out in print (The Price of Silence) soon, and then I have five more ready to go out in-print after that. I began to realize if I didn’t find a way to put out these books, they were going to sit on my computer and be virtual prisoners there… maybe forever. So, I decided that putting it out on the blog was better than not putting it out at all.

Strangely as I began to read through this one and its two sequels, I started to be very thankful for my decision. These books are important. They point to many truths about how God will work in our lives if we let Him. These books deserve a hearing even if they only get it on the blog and Kindle. Plus, I like the fact that readers can get them for free. I don’t have to do massive marketing or a bunch of book signings. They are just… there… for anyone who is interested in what God can do in a life that’s willing to take a chance.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I am a recovering control freak.
I read about 6 books at any given time.
I have written 31 books (29 novels; 2 short story books), and right now I’m writing 6 news ones and publishing 6 others.
And I love to skateboard on the Wii.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Lots of things! Right now, I am readying three books for the Spirit Light Works blog. I am getting ready to put out two in-print titles, and all of these on Kindle. I am working on the sequel to a book I finished earlier this year and one that so far is a stand-alone. The stand-alone book is interesting because it features a dyslexic character who loves to write books—what a challenge! Mostly I’m trying to keep up with all of the awesome opportunities to grow and learn and be that God puts in my path!

5) Parting comments?
The more I read things I’ve written, the more convinced I become that I didn’t write them. I believe these stories came from God’s heart and that He sent them through me to whisper to others that there is another way—that you don’t have to live stressed out, going on your own power, alone, scared, and helpless. His Power and His Peace really do make a huge difference when you allow them to work in your life. I love how that message comes through these books—making fiction not just a pleasant read, but really helping the reader to grow from the experiences of the characters.

The best part is… even I can’t put them down. Guaranteed all it takes to get irrevocably hooked on these books is reading the first page. You won’t want to put them down! (Just don’t blame me when nothing gets done until you finish them!)

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is: http://www.stacistallings.com/
My main blog is: http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
The blog with the books (there are 5 complete books here: If You Believed in Love, Coming Undone, Theirs is the Kingdom, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and The 9-12 Project… and the newest release “A Work in Progress”) is at: http://spiritlightworks.wordpress.com/

Finally, I have a book called “Being God Positive in a Spirit Draining World” that is in serialization right now at: http://godpositive.wordpress.com/

EVERYONE can get “A Work In Progress” FREE at: http://spiritlightworks.wordpress.com/

Jenness Walker & Tracy Bowen's "Bliss"

We're happy to have Jenness Walker and Tracy Bowen with us today talking about their book, Bliss. To learn more about them and their book, read on!

Publisher: Written World Communications

Cover blurb: When the universe lets you down, it’s time to go over its head. Following the stars, Indie Moore sets off to find ultimate happiness in South Florida. But in her quest for comfort and fortune, she encounters mishap and mayhem. She finds a home in a trailer park, a job scrubbing toilets, and a moody roommate-not quite the glamorous world she'd envisioned for herself when she left Rabbit Hole, Kansas. But maybe bliss looks a little different than she'd thought. Laugh and cry with Indie, the Miss Adventure of misadventure, as she blunders on land, by sea, and in church, seeking love and a sense of belonging...seeking true Bliss.

1. How did this story come to you?
J - The story started with this question: what if a girl was addicted to horoscopes, but every time she followed the advice it ended up in disaster?
T - The original premise came from the brilliant mind of Jenness. She approached me with the idea and asked if I would be interested in helping her bring the story to life. There were a million different ways that the book could have gone. After a very long beach walk together we mapped out the rest of the story. Our main goals were to reflect our belief that God is the source of true happiness in our lives, and to have fun in the process.

2. Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Hmmm. You probably don’t have enough room here to get into all of the details of that long saga.  Bliss placed in the 2007 Genesis contest, but it took a while to complete it, as it was our first book to write together and we had other projects going at the same time. We finished it just in time to miss the chick lit boom. But we loved the book and didn’t give up on it. New publisher Written World Communications decided to take a chance on us and Indie. We hope you’ll enjoy the result.

3. Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
J – 1. I won a contest in first grade, so my drawing was used in a newspaper to advertise a baseball game. 2. I can’t drink coffee. I wish I could. I love the smell and the whole idea of it, but I just can’t like the taste no matter how much I doctor it. 3. I don’t like to drive. If I’m out of familiar territory, I have to turn the music way up and sing along to steady my nerves.
T - I am fairly new to the party and most things about me would be a surprise since I am “unknown”.  1. I am terribly afraid of heights. This is a result of a little incident in my childhood that involved me being aboard a plane that crash-landed in a soy-bean field in a town called Santa Claus, Georgia. 2. I avoid a movie if I know that it has the potential to make me cry. Seriously, who puts money into buying a ticket or a DVD if they know it will make them sob? I can look at my checkbook and do that for free. 3. For most of my life I was a faithful church-going wreck of a woman who secretly felt inside that there was no way that God could ever love me. I was the queen of the façade. And then someone reached out to me, and truly showed me a glimpse of His character. I was loved to Jesus.

4. What are you working on now and what's next for you?
We have a couple projects together that are in different stages of development and are waiting to hear back from an editor about one of them.
J – Meanwhile, I’m trying to finish up a story that’s very close to my heart. It’s a darker women’s fiction story, but I pray that the darkness makes the glimpses of hope and faith that much brighter.
T - I am working on a non-fiction solo project. Somewhere in the back of my mind I also have a great story line for a children’s series. There are not enough hours in the day to cover all of the material that is whirling around inside this crazy, blonde head! 

5. Parting comments?
Thank you so much for having us! We hope you enjoy Bliss.

6. Where can fans find you on the internet?
Drop by and see us anytime at http://www.tandjbooks.com/, our joint website We also have a facebook page (Tracy and Jenness Books) and Jenness has a personal website (http://www.jennesswalker.com/).

How to read ebooks without a Kindle

I read only ebooks. I have 30 ebooks in my BlackBerry right now and can read whatever I want when on the go. If you don't read e, check out our post below on how to download the free Kindle ebook reader to your computer or netbook. It'll change the way you read forever!

The following is the link to a listing of free bestselling books on Kindle this week. If you don't have a Kindle, follow the steps below to add the app to your PC, which will allow you to read any Kindle book on your computer. It's free and it's easy!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/ref=pd_dp_ts_kinc_1

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

Follow these steps to download the Kindle app:
1) Go to my Amazon page
http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Time-ebook/dp/B003XYE8K8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1287437471&sr=1-3
2) Scroll down. You'll see "Kindle for PC" to the right
3) Click to download the Kindle app
4) Go back to my page above and you can download my book to read the first few chapters for free by clicking on SEND SAMPLE NOW. This will let you know it's working. When it downloads, you'll see the number "1" in the Archive at the top left.
5) Click on Archive to move the book over to your library.
6) Enjoy!
7) If you want to look at the bestsellers, click on "Kindle Books" on the toolbar at the top of the page. Click on "Kindle Bestsellers" to the left or follow the link above.
8) If you like the free viewing of "Killing Tiime," I'd appreciate your supporting my work by buying the book. Thanks so much and enjoy the Kindle books!

Eileen Hinkle Rife's "Restored Hearts"

We're happy to have Eileen Hinkle Rifewith us today talking about her book, Restored Hearts.To learn more about Eileen and her book, read on!

Publisher: OakTara

Cover blurb: One brother’s dark secret. Another brother’s scorn.
Newlyweds Gavin and Maggie Munsfield return to care for the sick and wounded at The Oasis Compound in Chennai, India, which is still suffering from the recent tsunami. Gavin’s brother, Tim, a successful landscape architect, joins them for the clean-up and rebuilding of the Compound. But Tim harbors a dark past that threatens to destroy his relationship with his brother . . . and a promising new love. Will family ties be strong enough to bind two wounded hearts, once the secret is revealed?

1) How did this story come to you?
A few years ago, my husband, a licensed professional counselor and marriage/family therapist, asked if I would write a pamphlet on homosexuality which he could use in his office. I agreed and delved into research. However, it didn’t take long to realize I didn’t have the stomach for what I was discovering, so I abandoned the project. Three years ago, the Lord renewed my interest in the issue and pushed me to pursue the topic in a way I had not envisioned—in fiction format.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
In January, 2007, OakTara requested the manuscript for my first book in the Born for India trilogy, JOURNEY TO JUDAH, which was released in 2008. Since two other books were accepted at that time as well, Book Two, RESTORED HEARTS, naturally followed and was released in 2009.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Even though RESTORED HEARTS is set in India and I have visited on several occasions, I still do not like Indian food. However, I do like coconut water which is sold at roadside huts and is good for replenishing electrolytes. My Indian missionary daughter and son-in-law have now gifted me and my husband with three red-headed grandchildren!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
 The third book, CHOSEN ONES, in the Born for India trilogy is in the hands of my editor and should be released soon! CHOSEN ONES profiles a missionary couple in crisis who unexpectedly meet a child with a sorrow too big for words. A contract on my fourth novel, SECOND CHANCES, has also been signed by OakTara. One-liner for SECOND CHANCES: Mave Robertson has something in her purse that Dareece Jackson wants . . . and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.

5) Parting comments?
 As I walked through this journey with Tim, God used his story to shed light on my own healing journey. While I have not struggled with homosexuality, I have struggled with other equally devastating strongholds in my life. In writing Tim’s story, I learned in deeper ways to identify with another fellow struggler. And in doing so, my own prison door flung open and I was set free.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.eileenrife.com/, http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com/, http://www.guardyourmarriage.com/, http://www.christianspeaker.net/, http://www.oaktara.com/.

Laurie Kingery's "Mail Order Cowboy"

We're happy to have Laurie Kingery with us today talking about her book, Mail Order Cowboy. To learn more about Laurie and her book, read on!

Publisher: LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICALS

Cover blurb: With beaux scarce in post-Civil War Texas, practical Milly Matthews and her "Spinster Society" friends have their hands full protecting their ranches. Their only hope: advertising for mail-order grooms. But aristocratic British cavalry officer Nicholas Brookfield isn't exactly Milly's idea of a cowboy—or a man she can trust. And the more Nick proves himself as a ranch hand, the more he must hide his past from the woman he longs to make his own. Now Milly and Nick will need all their courage to face hidden dangers…and believe in a love that can answer all their prayers.i

1) How did this story come to you?
I wanted to start a series, for series are popular in Christian fiction, and was trying to think of a great story concept that hadn't been done in inspirational western fiction, so I used one of the staples of western stories, the mail-order bride, and turned it around so that the series involved mail order grooms instead.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 This did involve a literal journey. I am a "Texan-in-exile" living in Ohio, so when I started devising this story, I picked out a location in the hill country of central Texas in San Saba County, and situated it on a real creek, Simpson Creek, near the county seat, San Saba. When I took a trip there to survey the area and take pictures, imagine how thrilling it was for me to read a roadside historical plaque that told me there had actually been a community with the same name as my town of Simpson Creek. My first story involved the plucky lady who started the Simpson Creek Spinsters' Club, Milly Matthews, known as "Marrying Milly" in the town. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Milly was not content to be an old maid in a town devoid of bachelors and set about finding her own solution—advertising for mail-order grooms for herself and her friends. I'm pleased that my editor at Love Inspired Historicals is as excited about my mail-order groom series as I am.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I am an eHarmony.com bride, so perhaps writing about mail-order grooms comes naturally to me. 
2. I am an R.N. who is a 40-year veteran of a big-city ER that is a Level One trauma center. And yes, I would love to write medical stories (suspense), but so far, the right plot hasn’t' come to me. I tried a couple of them, but they didn't sell.
3. I am terrified of spiders!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently working on the 4th book in the Brides of Simpson Creek series, working title COURTING CARO, featuring a schoolteacher who's loved and lost and a trail boss who has no intention of settling in Simpson Creek. If by "next" you mean the next book out, I'll have another Brides of Simpson Creek book out in January from Love Inspired Historicals, THE DOCTOR TAKES A WIFE, with a northern doctor who's matched sight unseen with Sarah Matthews (Milly's sister from MAIL ORDER COWBOY), who refuses to be courted by Dr. Walker as soon as she finds out he's a hated Yankee.

5) Parting comments?
I want to thank K.Dawn Byrd for giving me this opportunity to promote my book. She's so supportive of other writers, and I wish her all success in her own writing.

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

Clare Revell's "Season for Miracles"

We're happy to have Clare Revell with us today talking about her book, Season for Miracles. To learn more about Clare and her book, read on!

Publisher: White Rose Publishing

Cover blurb: A Killer lurks in Headley Cross…
…And Holly Carmichael is the only woman to survive his attack. Now she lives in fear, searching for normalcy and trying to put her life back together. When she meets Kyle Stevens, he turns her world upside-down. He’s as exasperating as he is appealing. How can Holly make sense of her awakening feelings when she’s so unsure of Kyle? His voice is familiar, he’s left-handed, and he wears the serial killer’s cologne. Who is he…really? As Holly struggles to restore her damaged faith, she must find the strength to trust once again—in Kyle and in God.
Kyle Stevens isn’t ready to live again. Racked by guilt, he’s afraid to feel. His sole focus is finding the Headley Cross serial killer—his girlfriend's murderer. That is, until he meets Holly Carmichael. He’s drawn to Holly, vows to protect her where he failed to protect his former love. But Holly makes him feel again, emotions quickly morphing into something much more dangerous to his hardened heart.
When the serial killer returns to finish what he started, only a miracle can save them…but then, it's the Season for Miracles.

1) How did this story come to you?
The prompt – why do they call it falling in love - came from a writing community on LJ called Nanowriwee – where you write 7k in 7 days.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 I wrote a short story of 21K and submitted it to White Rose Publishing. My editor loved it but asked it be rewritten in third person so we saw the hero’s POV. The complete rewrite became my nanowrimo novel for 2009. I resubmitted it in Jan 2010, and got offered a contract for it. Several edits and a new title later and it releases on Nov 5th. Hubby jokes the whole of the UK will celebrate with bonfires and fireworks (it’s bonfire night so they’ll be doing it anyway)

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
 1 -I am a registrar for Carey Baptist Church where I have done two weddings and neither bride wore white. 2 – I have a teddy bear that goes everywhere I do. He’s had his photo taken in Vegas, Scotland, Wales and on a volcano. 3 – I have been married for over 18 years to someone who always told me I’d end up published and wouldn’t me give up trying.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I recently signed the contract for a second book, which should come out before Christmas. I’m currently working on three full length novels.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me here. I hope people that buy the book get as much enjoyment from reading as I did from writing it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell

Lisa Lehr's "Touching the Brilliance of Sunrise"

We're happy to have Lisa Lehr with us today talking about her book, Touching the Brilliance of Sunrise. To learn more about Lisa and her book, read on!

Publisher: CreateSpace

Cover blurb: Melissa, a youthful mid-life artist from California, takes a vacation with her three kids to the coast of Maine. She’s hoping for some quality family time at a turning point in their lives…and dreaming of moving to Maine someday soon. They meet Kraig, a writer from Oregon, walking on the beach with his guide dog. He’s slightly younger, articulate, gentlemanly, deeply intuitive…unlike any other man she’s known. Neither is looking for love—but life has other plans.
    
1) How did this story come to you?
No kidding: the original inspiration was a dream that lasted only a few seconds. It “fleshed out” over a period of years as my imagination worked on it in my brain’s spare time.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I didn’t set out to write a novel! It was initially just a flight of fancy while I did mundane chores; I kept the story “in my head” and added to it day by day. When the story got too long to remember reliably, I began to write it out in longhand; then I decided I should learn to use a computer. Around this time, I was thinking about changing to a career in writing (after a time of being a stay-at-home mom, I’d considered graphic art as a career), so I read a lot of books on how to write books. I turned to self-publishing after exploring traditional publishing and deciding I didn’t like the way that system works. The entire process happened over a period of years.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
a. I was a biology major! That surprises people because I’m such a grammar geek.
b. I’m a marketing copywriter and not usually much into “creative” writing.
c. I rarely read fiction and virtually never watch TV.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Besides the copywriting that I do for clients and a few websites I maintain for fun and profit, I’m working on a screenplay of my novel.

5) Parting comments?
Send me any connections you have in Hollywood! Then come and see the movie!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
a. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lisa.J.Lehr  (my personal page); you can also become a fan on my writer page for my book. (Search my name and you should see results for both.)
b. http://www.justrightcopy.com/  (this is my copywriting website; type /books after .com if you want to see my books).
c. In the future I plan to have a website for the screenplay. I don’t have a movie title yet.

Phyllis Johnson's "Hot And Bothered By It!"

We're happy to have Phyllis Johnson with us today talking about her book, Hot And Bothered By It! To learn more about Phyllis and her book, read on!

Publisher: Community Press

Cover blurb: Do you suffer from Oreo-porosis? Is there an instant Mess-age at your house when you go away? Is a period just punctuation found in your romance novels while you fan yourself? If you can relate to any of these circumstances, you may be going through a midlife chrysalis. If you find yourself with a group of women playing such games as the "Millionaire Purse Game," wearing red and purple together and eating chocolate until you pass out, then this book is for you. HOT AND BOTHERED BY IT contains fifty poems celebrating the midlife experience for women. This book is the perfect companion for entertaining you and your friends at your next night out. This book is also GREAT for your reading group! (And it’s perfect for milestone birthday gifts for girlfriends.)

1) How did this story come to you?
 I wrote a poem about a senior discount because my husband was teasing me before we hit fifty that he couldn’t wait until he got one. I kept writing midlife poems and before I knew it, I had fifty poems and a book was created.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
First I contacted the Red Hat Society but when they wouldn’t endorse it, I started sending it out to publishers.
A friend in my local writing group told me about Community Press and the publisher, who is also an illustrator, did the illustrations too. I’ve had a great time reading the poems at book signings. My last adventure with that was at an art gallery event. As the artists painted, they laughed and wound up buying lots of my books. One night I had a reading at a wine tasting. The women laughed, sipped wine and bought books too.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve acted for The Discovery Channel in FBI Files, New Detectives, Diagnosis Unknown and Psychic Investigator. That was all a blast. Meeting new people on the film set is always exciting. As a teenager, I dreamed of modeling. It actually came true for me when I turned 50 and I modeled for hotel ads. Another thing people wouldn’t know about me is that I twirled fire batons when I was a high school majorette. Boy, that last part is really scary to me now.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m marketing a YA suspense novel, titled Inkblot, co-written with Nancy Naigle. I’m also writing a collection of funny high school stories. My day job is in a high school library and funny stuff happens in a high school. A lot of it just screams to be written about and so one of my latest projects, School of Rock, got started.

5) Parting comments?
 I love the contact with readers through these blogs. It’s a great way to promote and network. My advice to other writers is to never give up and follow your dreams. That applies to readers too, no matter what your dream might be.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.phyllisjohnson.net/ I’m on Twitter and FB too.
My email is pjwriter7@aol.com

Michelle Buckman's "Rachel's Contrition"

We're happy to have Michelle Buckman with us today talking about her book, Rachel's Contrition. To learn more about Michelle and her book, read on!

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

Cover blurb: After the death of her daughter, grief-spawned delusions cause Rachel to lose her husband, her home, and custody of her son. Help arrives from two unlikely sources: a young teen, Lilly, battling her own demons, and a tattered holy card depicting Saint Therese of Lisieux. As Rachel grows closer to Lilly and comes to know Saint Therese, unbidden memories from her edgy past reveal fearful mysteries of seduction, madness, and murder… and a truth that will haunt her forever.

1) How did this story come to you?
I was sick at heart several years ago when I heard a ten-second news-blip about parents finding their child dead in a car. I couldn’t quit thinking of how such a tragedy must have affected them. How could they face one another with such a death yawning between them? I wrote some scenes, but didn’t work on the story in earnest until I saw several friends suffer the accidental death of their children. I empathized with their pain and ached over how it tore at the fabric of their lives and relationships. From that anguish, I wrote Rachel’s story—a tale of soul-wrenching loss and the harrowing struggle to heal.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Years ago, when my agent presented Rachel’s Contrition to publishers, several editors reported that they loved the story and that the writing was excellent, but they were afraid to publish a book with Catholic elements for fear of offending non-Catholic readers, which was very frustrating. However, I refused to change the setting because it is integral to the plot. Instead, I set the manuscript aside until last year when I heard that Sophia Institute Press, a Catholic publisher, had started publishing contemporary fiction. Their acquisitions editor read the manuscript in two days and bought it right away. I’m so glad I waited because Rachel’s Contrition ended up exactly where it needed to be. Sophia Institute Press is a fantastic publisher—fully communicative and supportive every step of the way.
The week it released, Rachel’s Contrition hit #1 on Amazon’s Women’s Fiction list, and remained there for five days; it’s still in the top ten!
The entire adventure has reaffirmed “All in God’s time.”

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Some readers assume I have a very dark past because of what I write. Fortunately, that is not the case. I have a wonderfully boring, totally happy existence. I write in response the world around me.
When I’m in the throes of creativity, I write from 2am till 5am so I won’t be disturbed, then I go back to bed until my youngest wakes up at 7 or 8.
I live in a 160-year-old house in the middle of nowhere, but I’m a city girl at heart.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have several new contracts and projects underway, but I’m not at liberty to announce any of them yet.

5) Parting comments?
Rachel’s Contrition is an edgy story, full of strong emotions and woven around a dark events. As reviewer Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur put it, “[Rachel’s Contrition] is a novel that will twist your heart and leave you breathless. You will not want to put it down until you reach the final word at which point you will once again be able to exhale.”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.michellebuckman.com/
http://www.rachelscontrition.com/
Facebook (under Michelle@MichelleBuckman.com)
Twitter (under AuthorMBuckman)

Cynthia Reeg's "Gifts from God"

We're happy to have Cynthia Reeg with us today talking about her book, Gifts from God.  To learn more about Cynthia and her book, read on!

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

Cover blurb: Gifts from God celebrates God’s loving gifts. Each double-page spread has an easy reader sentence on the right and a scripture quotation on the left, making this an enjoyable and uplifting book for both children and adults.

1) How did this story come to you?
 I wanted to offer children an easy concept book for discovering God all about them in their lives and in nature. I had seen similar books for adults but none for children.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
 I submitted my manuscript to Lynda Burch at Guardian Angel Publishing. She liked the idea, and when she found the glorious photo art of MarySue Roberts to illustrate the book, it was a perfect match. I was excited to have the book available in both print and ebook versions.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve gone fishing on the Amazon and caught a piranha.
I’ve trekked along the gold rush trail in the Yukon.
I’ve explored the ancient ruins at Pompeii.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
 I have a variety of projects in the works. I’m looking for an agent for a middle grade fantasy series I’ve created. I’m researching and plotting a middle grade historical fiction story set in Kansas during The Great Depression. And I have numerous short stories and picture book ideas in the works as well. I’m preparing for a presentation next month at the annual Missouri Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Conference in St. Charles.

5) Parting comments?
I’m looking forward to giving away a copy of Gifts from God. I love to hear reader’s reactions—like one mother who said the book “exploded with color and happiness.”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
 My website (http://www.cynthiareeg.com/) offers lots of fun activities for kids, as well as many ideas for parents and teachers.

And be sure to check out the Gifts from God book trailer : http://www.cynthiareeg.com/books/gifts_from_god.html

Diane Craver's "A Christmas Gift"

We're happy to have Diane Craver with us today talking about her book, A Christmas Gift. To learn more about Diane and her book, read on!


Publisher: Whimsical Publications

Cover blurb:  Justin Reeves is a man who has it all: a good job, a loving wife and children who are the center of his universe - or so it seems. Justin also has a secret he's hidden from everyone his entire life or so he thought. Quite innocently his small daughter, Debby, stumbles upon his secret and is shocked by what she finds. She confronts her father with the awful truth, and together they embark upon a journey which takes her father from the darkness of shame into the light of victory.

Drawing from true events in her own childhood, Diane Craver captivates the reader from page one to a stunning climax which will touch your heart and impact your life forever in this must-read story of love’s triumph over adversity.

1) How did this story come to you?
I had thought of writing a story about my father for a long time. His life was hard with his mother’s rejection and being raised by various relatives. Even though both parents deserted him, he had a deep faith in God, and was able to be a good father to me and my siblings.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
A Christmas Gift was formerly published under the title, The Christmas of 1957. When I decided to make it longer and to change the title, I submitted it to a new publisher. The story has also been revised throughout the book. By the way, the main character, Debby, is a 60 year-old woman in the prologue and epilogue. Debby is a child in the rest of the story.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I was a carhop at a root beer stand for 3 years during high school. I’d love to learn how to play drums and be in a band. I met my husband while both of us were teaching at an orphanage.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a story about a father and daughter, both teach at the same college in Virginia. The father is anxious for his daughter, Lexi, to get married and give him a grandchild. Lexi thinks her father needs to move on with his life. Her mother died three years ago on the way to the bridal shop to pick up Lexi’s wedding dress. I have two releases on November 15, A Christmas Gift and a sweet story, “The Proposal”, which is in A Christmas Collection. Both will be available in print and ebook format.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for having me on your fantastic blog. Readers, if you haven’t read any of my books, I hope you do! I’m published through a variety of houses, including Desert Breeze, Whimsical Publications, Samhain, Victory Tales Press, and Booklocker.com. I write inspiring stories filled with memorable characters. I’m giving a signed print copy of A Christmas Gift to one lucky winner! If the winner should live outside of U.S., I’ll substitute the ebook format instead.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.dianecraver.com Blog: http://www.dianecraver.com/blog  and my wonderful Jewels of the Quill group: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/jewelsofthequill.html
I’m also on Facebook! A Christmas Gift can be purchased at http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/ or other online places.

Peter Kazmaier's "The Halcyon Dislocation"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ann H. Gabhart's "The Seeker"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LoRee Peery's "Moselle's Insurance"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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