Martha Rogers' "Finding Becky"

We're happy to have Martha Rogers with us today talking about her book, Finding Becky. To learn more about Martha and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It was a natural progression of a character from a previous book. I wanted a young woman who was independent, searching for truth, and firm in her belief about equality for women. Becky is all of those and her journey was fun to write.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It’s the third book in the series Winds Across the Prairie and was part of a three book contract. It took several years for an editor to choose the first book for publication. This one was only a one paragraph summary, so I had four months to plot and write it. Luckily I knew all but a few new characters, so the story came right along. It was the most fun to write.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love Christmas and my house is totally decorated for that season. I have 24 storage boxes of decorations in my attic.
I am a Baylor graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in what was once Home Economics but is now something like Consumer Science.
My husband and I have lived in the same house for 34 years. (Didn’t think I’d haul all that Christmas stuff around did you?)

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve just started a new series and am working on the first book. This one starts in Connecticut and ends in Texas.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for hosting me, and I hope you enjoy this new visit to Barton Creek with the Haynes and Frankston families.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://www.marthawrogers.com/

Alison Strobel's "The Weight of Shadows"

We're happy to have Alison Strobel with us today talking about her book, The Weight of Shadows. To learn more about Alison and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
A few years ago I heard about a high school senior who was involved in a wreck that killed an off-duty policeman who'd been out cycling. She was, as you can imagine, completely devastated by the experience, not to mention terrified that she would be found at fault even though she hadn't been. But before the findings of the investigation even came back, the officer's widow met her and told her their family harbored no ill-will toward her, and that they didn't blame her at all for what happened. The grace they gave her was just amazing. But it made me wonder what would have happened if she actually *had* been at fault--and no one had found out. Would she have come forward and admitted it? Would she have kept the secret? And if she did keep the secret, how would that secret affect her soul as the years went on? From there, the story evolved of a woman who allowed herself to be abused because she thinks she deserves it because of the guilty secret she harbors.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I already had a contract in place, so getting the book picked up by a publisher wasn't a problem, thankfully! However, the writing of the story was a very different experience from the experience of writing my first two books. It was the first time I'd used the Snowflake Method of plot and character development, and it made the process so much smoother. After using it on that book I vowed never to write another book without it!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1 - I was hopelessly addicted to online roleplaying games in college. For a writer, they're *so* much fun--you're basically writing a story on the fly, but you don't get to control all the characters.
2 - My other dream job (since writing is my #1 dream job) would be to be a Broadway musical singer. I can really belt Eponine's songs from Les Miserables
3 - My husband and I met on eHarmony. com. He was my 100th match, after being on the site almost a year. I was his first match, after being on the site for about ten minutes.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
My fourth book, Reinventing Rachel, just came out Sept. 1. I have two more books scheduled to release next year--The Heart of Memory comes out in April, and book #6, currently titled Trouble Child, comes out in September. My husband and I also have a second children's book coming out in the spring, and we're hoping to add two more books to that series.

5) Parting comments?
I host a number of contests and giveaways on my blog and through my newsletter. I currently have two contests going to celebrate the release of Reinventing Rachel--one for college students and one for everyone else. :)

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.alisonstrobel.com/
Children's book website: http://www.danandalimorrow.com/ (we have contests there, too!)
Blog: www.AlisonStrobel.com/alison-blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alison.strobel.morrow#!/alison.strobel.morrow
Twitter: twitter.com/alisonstrobel (not that I'm on there much, but I'm making an effort to be more active)

Deanna K. Klingel's "Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog"

We're happy to have Deanna K. Klingel with us today talking about her book, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog. To learn more about Deanna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Telling stories about the therapy dog visits with my dogs, seemed to be of interest to people. When out with my dogs I'm always asked questions. So I decided it was a story that needed to be told.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Every publisher I submitted to sent back encouragement. They loved the book and hoped I could publish it. One even explained why he couldn't publish it: because of the economy they were cutting back to five books (dog) and they were all how-to. This book doesn't fit neatly into any genre, and I'm an unknown author, so it was very difficult to sell. The only publisher who didn't like it said I needed to develop the character and create a plot. I knew he didn't get it. There is no plot and it's not about characters. It's about moments. I finally found a publisher who "got it," and was willing to take the risk of a book outside the box.

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

Usually the thing that surprises most people about me is that I have seven children. The other surprising things are probably that I'm OLD and I attend college classes, known as a non traditional student. Otherwise, I'm not a very surprising person.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have three manuscripts that I'm peddling right now. I have an early chapter book, Walker Hound of Park Avenue, a middle grade non-fiction, Bread Upon the Water, and a teen novel, Cracks in the Ice. But, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog will occupy me this fall with the marketing details and some travel.

5) Parting comments?
I'm enjoying this slippery slope called a steep learning curve. I hope you'll enjoy the results.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

In September my book can be found on therapydogstories.com, and I can be found on http://www.booksbydeanna.com/.

Elizabeth Goddard's "Exposing Amber"

We're happy to have Elizabeth Goddard with us today talking about her book, Exposing Amber. To learn more about Elizabeth and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I’ve always wanted to do a story about a fossil dig and I found a museum that was connected to one and knew it would make the perfect setting for a book.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
For some, especially these days, it seems the journey to publication happens quickly. For me it’s been long and arduous. I started working toward publication in 2001, though at the time I hadn’t yet decided to focus on novel writing. But when I attended my first conference, ACW, and met DiAnn Mills I knew I wanted to write novels. I didn’t receive my first contract until 2007.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’d rather go to Yellowstone National Park than Disney World. I prefer action movies over chic flicks. I haven’t read any Amish novels. Not even one.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I recently turned in a romantic
suspense proposal to a category romance publisher and I’m working on a big story for my agent right now. I’m very excited about both stories, but I don’t want to give away any company secrets.

5) Parting comments?
I’m so thankful the Lord opened these doors for me—I love to write!

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

Phyllis Johnson's "Being Frank With Anne"

We're happy to have Phyllis Johnson with us today talking about her book, Being Frank with Anne. To learn more about Phyllis and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My book, Being Frank with Anne came to me after reading her diary. The effect the book had on me never let me go. In my adulthood, I felt moved to interpret the diary entries into unrhymed verse.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
There was the process of sending it out to publishers. Then someone in my writing group suggested I send it to Community Press and the publisher decided to publish it as my second book with them. This book is posted the New York Anne Frank Center website bookstore, a copy was autographed by Miep Gies and reviewed by her first cousin, Buddy Elias.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I like to act and model. I’ve been in FBI Files and New Detectives. I’ve also been in a feature film on the big screen.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve co-written a young adult suspense novel with Nancy Naigle. I’m also working on a book of funny high school stories and a book of monologues.

5) Parting comments?
I tell aspiring writers to never give up their dreams.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is http://www.phyllisjohnson.net/ and they can read more about Being Frank with Anne at http://www.beingfrankwithanne.com/

Blog Tour For Your Inner Diva!

Leave a comment below for a chance to have your name entered in the blog tour for your inner diva contest.

Blog Tour Grand Prize!
• Turquoise purse/tote
• Silver flip-flops
• Purse and shoe picture frames
• Box of Godiva truffles
• DIVAS of the Divine book & journal


DIVAS' Top 10 Necessities for a Fulfilled Life
1.A Great Bra! (Prayer Foundation) – Even though many women don’t enjoy wearing this undergarment, it is the most critical aspect of any DIVA’S outfit! Why? It is the foundation—just like a relationship with God that offers support and is always uplifting.
2.Mirror (Real Beauty) – A DIVA looks into the mirror to check hair and lipstick but more importantly to make sure what she sees is real—to make sure her beauty is reflected from within, transparent and authentic.
3.Shoes (God’s Purpose) – The perfect designer shoes guide her daily walk with Christ. Must fit her style as an individual and accentuate the relationship that is uniquely hers in order to make every step count. Little steps help her go the distance.
4.Sunglasses (Priorities) – Oh, how important to filter the harmful rays and the worldly view of the sunlight so she is only exposed to the pure Son and all of His benefits!
5.Chocolate (Time Out) – Every DIVA’S little piece of heaven! It may be small but it’s sweetness, it’s creamy comfort, and its AHHHH factor, is enough to sustain her until she gets to experience the wonder of heaven. It’s the little pick-me-up that will remind her to sustain her eternal perspective no matter the circumstance.
6.Wrinkle Cream (Forgiveness) – It is the hottest thing on the market for any DIVA who wants to remove lines and wrinkles. The Spirit-inspired ingredients are key to erasing the fine lines of stress, worry, and bitterness to help her let go of the past. This cream is full of the healing power of forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love.
7.Watch (Commitment) – Every DIVA has a favorite watch. This piece of bling pulls every outfit together. She feels lost when she forgets to wear it. Time! Time requires commitment and every DIVA chooses wisely how she spends it.
8.Girlfriend (Accountability) - The most important necessity for all true DIVAS. She’s caring and fun to be with. She is the “speak the truth in love” kind of friend that will hold the DIVA accountable to being the true Designer Original she was created to be.
9.Purse (Balance) - Whether it’s top-of-the-line or a bargain-deal, the DIVA’S purse must be perfect to keep all her most important things close—flexible to bend when in tight spots but sturdy enough to withstand day-to day-use. Her purse contains the necessary items to stay balanced and “keep it all together.”
10.Lipstick (Positive Words & Attitude) – Positive words and a polished tone flow from her lips in pretty colors and a high-gloss shine. Her words inspire others.

About the Authors:
Donna McCrary
From high top basketball shoes to high heels, each step of Donna’s life has equipped her for a Life Coaching career. She is a challenging facilitator whose “tell it like it is” approach always incorporates a call to action from her participants.
Donna draws from her background as a recreational therapist to create dynamic outcome-oriented keynotes, retreats, and curriculums. Her greatest passion and deepest joy is to “coach” women in realizing God’s plan for their lives and in discovering for themselves the source of genuine joy.
Donna is a wife, mother of two, and beloved friend. Donna’s hobbies include hiking, vacationing at the beach, and trying projects from popular HGTV home improvement shows... much to her husband’s dismay!

Sherri Holbert
Sherri invested many years with companies such as Biltmore Estate, Chick-fil-A, and Chimney Rock Park in developing new and creative programs to excel these corporations to higher levels of success.
Sherri is founder and CEO of Power-Up!, a coaching company whose mission is to take individuals and corporations to the next level of success. She works as a coach, facilitator, and speaker for a variety of clients ranging from corporate executives to stay-at-home moms. Sherri’s passion is unlocking the untapped potential within others to help them gain fresh perspectives, develop clear vision, and establish action steps that will make their dreams reality.
Sherri is a wife, aunt, and friend to many. She has a self-proclaimed addiction to shoes, purses, and Starbuck’s coffee. One of her life goals is to be on Survivor (her favorite TV reality show!).


ADVICE FOR ALL DIVAS!

Sherri: If life for you is like driving 100 mph in a convertible, make sure you have a map to your dream destination and a friend to keep you focused on the plan so you don’t get sucked into the tourist traps along the way. Don’t be Thelma and Louise! Allow your passion to drive you to the mountain top of success instead of driving you off the cliff with no purpose.

Donna: The shopping mall is full of new shoes but they can only be enjoyed if you take off the old,
try on the new, and then commit to pay the price.


For more information visit the DIVAS website: www.walkofpurpose.com
or view their information at Docstoc or Google Docs.

Tessa Afshar's "Pearl in the Sand"

Here's Moody's blurb about Tessa's book...
Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel' Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes.
Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well-walls of fear, rejection, unworthiness.
A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith - of pride; a marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Sand-Novel-ebook/dp/B004089202/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1284082202&sr=1-1-catcorr

Sarah Sundin's "A Memory Between Us"

We're happy to have Sarah Sundin with us today talking about her book, A Memory Between Us. To learn more about Sarah and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My first novel, A Distant Melody, was originally meant to be a single novel, but while doing research, I became enamored with the US Eighth Air Force in World War II, and I wanted to tell the full story to V-E Day. Since my hero had two pilot brothers, I decided to write a three-book series, with each book focusing on one brother, with each book standing alone.
About this time, the character of Army nurse Lt. Ruth Doherty came to me—what if a poor girl made a bad decision in order to feed her family? What kind of girl would make such a decision? What would she be like when she grew up? I mentally put Ruth in the same room with Jack Novak—and sparks flew! Writing A Memory Between Us was a blast. Jack and Ruth were such fun characters.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I first submitted A Distant Melody at Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference in 2003. I received good feedback from published authors, editors, and agents—and began accumulating a stack of “good” rejection letters. They liked my writing, my story, and my characters—however, historicals weren’t selling. They wanted chick lit. This continued through 2007. I often felt discouraged, but the Lord made it obvious in many ways that He wanted me to finish the series so I kept plugging away. Then at Mount Hermon in March 2008, I heard, “We don’t want chick lit. We need historicals.” And there I was with the first two books in the Wings of Glory series complete. I submitted to Vicki Crumpton at Revell, and in September 2008 I was offered a three-book contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I hate housecleaning—but I enjoy laundry.
I wrote my rough drafts longhand in pencil, curled up on the couch.
My sons think I rock. My daughter (14) thinks I’m a dork. She’s closer to the truth. 

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I turned in Blue Skies Tomorrow (Book 3 in the Wings of Glory series) to my editor recently, and now we’re going through the editing process. I’m putting together a proposal for another series set during World War II.

5) Parting comments?
If God has given you a dream, have the courage to do what He asks you to do. Persevere, learn, seek support, and keep praying.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com/
Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahsundin
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin

Lorna Seilstad's "Making Waves"

We're happy to have Lorna Seilstad with us today talking about her book, Making Waves. To learn more about Lorna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and Lake Manawa is about a ten minute drive from my house. Since my dad lived there as a child, I’d heard stories about the resort’s heyday, but I had no idea just what a fascinating place it was until I began to research it. After I did, I had to write a story set there. I wanted to bring the area back to life—at least on paper.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
At the 2008 ACFW conference, I presented this book to Andrea Doering. I completely forgot my pitch and just handed her my one sheet. Then, I sat there while she read two chapters. Thank goodness, she laughed in the right places! I knew I was in trouble if she didn’t.

After she was done, she complimented my fresh voice and asked me to send of full copy to her. Less than a month after I submitted the manuscript, I received an e-mail asking for a couple more ideas to make this into a possible series. A month later, Revell offered me a contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I’m good at pinball. This really surprised my husband when we were dating.
2. I’ve never sailed, although I’d love to. I read “Sailing for Dummies” when writing Making Waves. I also had help from a sailing writing friend to make sure I got the information correct.
3. I occasionally serve as a wedding coordinator. I guess romance is in my blood

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
There are two more books in the Lake Manawa Summers series. The next book is called A Great Catch and occurs five years later at the lake. I’m busy working on book three which will be yet another five years later and will feature the resort’s new roller coaster.

4) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me today. It’s been fun.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love connecting with and hearing from readers. I can be found at:
http://www.lornaseilstad.com/
http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com/ (10-writer blog)
On Twitter and on Facebook

Leanna Ellis' "Facelift"

We're happy to have Leanna Ellis with us today talking about her book, Facelift. To learn more about Leanna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Most of my ideas are a little whacky and this one began with the idea of a woman who is extremely self-focused and vain. What’s the worst that could happen to someone like that? A botched facelift. She is actually the ex-mother-in-law of my main character. I wanted to probe how society often makes women feel inadequate. Even the church sometimes makes us feel that way when we’re compared to the Proverbs 31 woman. I’ve struggled in this area my whole life. It’s definitely a battle. And yet, if women could just see themselves the way God sees us…well, I believe it would revolutionize the church and the world.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Right before I started writing this book, my father passed away. So in the aftermath of all of that, I had to begin. But it was a slow process. Some days I could only write two words: Chapter Five. Literally two words. When you’re on deadline, that’s a bit of a panic situation. But I tried not to pressure myself or beat myself up over those days. Some days were very depressing. But I made a conscious decision to get out to take walks when sometimes I just wanted to curl up in a ball and pull the covers up over my head. But in going through that I learned not only about the choices we face and decisions we make but also about my character Kaye and her lessons in this book.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I utilized our crazy labradoodle we call the Hilo Monster, a combo Labrador and poodle that likes to eat our eye glasses and everything else in sight in FACELIFT. Many days she seemed bent on creating more headaches than smiles but hopefully she adds some nice humor to the book as she added that bit of levity to our lives during a rather difficult and painful period.
2. I just started fencing! And it’s a lot of fun and a LOT of hard work. Very good exercise.
3. I have a weird sense of humor. Oops! If they’ve read my books, then I guess they know that.

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

The book I’m working on next is FORSAKEN, book one in the PLAIN FEAR series, which is an Amish/vampire story.

5) Parting comments?

God is good. Always. Even on the difficult day, the trying days, the painful days, which we all go through. It’s important to keep our focus on Him. Two of my favorite passages fit beautifully with FACELIFT:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to hard you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 139:14-16 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Carie Lawson's "Beyond Summer"

We're happy to have Carie Lawson with us today talking about her ebook, Beyond Summer To learn more about Carie and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The story evolved out of the hero's character. He was such a pushy guy, stubborn, maybe more than a little temperamental. Of course, he had to have the one woman he would despise on sight...as a learning exercise.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Because it is Insprational Romance, I was very skeptical about Beyond Summer being published at all because the hero is divorced and the story centers around the marriage Carly is escaping from. I was so thankful to find Desert Breeze as a home for it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. My friends reading my books makes me ridiculously nervous.
2. I have four kids that I homeschool.
3. I went to Romania one summer with a missionary team and my soon to be husband. While we were there, I got to visit the "real" Dracula's castle.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I'm working on revisions for the third book in the Twisted Roots series, Beyond Ever After. It's Haven McCord's story about falling in love with her first crush, marrying him and getting to a place where she doesn't know if she can love him anymore.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me today! It was a lot of fun and I hope whoever wins the free copy enjoys it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I have a website, http://www.carielawsonbooks.com/ and a facebook page, Carie Lawson books.

K. Dawn Byrd's "Killing Time"

Mindy McLaurin, thinks it's the end of the world when she's incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement charges. While in jail, she investigates the death of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose. Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate dies and she learns that both women had ingested the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t stop thinking about. She faces many challenges, including constant interrogation by the Major and emotional abuse from the other inmates. Upon release, someone is stalking her and framing her for the murder. Can she prove to Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all charges before she loses him forever?



Purchase links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Time-ebook/dp/B003XYE8K8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1280791153&sr=1-1

Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-103/k-dawn-byrd-killing/Detail.bok

Barnes & Noble: http://www.b&n.com/

Sony ebooks: http://ebookstore.sony.com/

Joyce Magnin's "Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise"

We're happy to have Joyce Magnin with us today talking about her book, Charlotte Figg Takes over Paradise. To learn more about Joyce and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
It’s part of a series of books I will be doing with Abingdon Press. It’s not exactly a sequel just more mayhem. The story deals with domestic abuse in a back door sort of way. It’s a subject I would like to raise awareness about—not just physical domestic violence, but emotional and verbal also. So I came up with Charlotte and set her on her way to find a path that would bring her to some difficult conclusions.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’m one of the fortunate authors. My first book, The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow did well and my publisher wanted to do more Bright’s Pond books. Very sweet.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I love to play video games—RPGs.
I have never owned an umbrella.
I once won a year’s supply of chocolate for writing about my Dad.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just turned in the 3rd Bright’s Pond book ``Griselda Takes Flight and I’m writing the fourth—Blame It On The Mistletoe.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you Dawn for inviting me back to your fabulous blog. For you writers out there still waiting for the call—perseverance is key. And for the readers, thank you and keep reading. And eat your veggies, get some exercise.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
You can find Joyce at her blog http://www.joycemagnin,blogspot.com/ or website http://www.joycemagnin.com/ or on Facebook.

Mary Ellis' "Sarah's Christmas Miracle"

We're happy to have Mary Ellis with us today talking about her book, Sarah's Christmas Miracle. To learn more about Mary and her book, read on!

• How would you describe your book?
Sarah’s Christmas Miracle is a tale about an Amish woman on the cusp of changing her life. She’s courting a serious beau, and is at the age expected to join the church and get married. But Sarah loves her job at the B&B and isn’t sure she’s ready to settle down and raise children. Before she commits to anyone, she must find an older brother who left the Amish for the big city and never came back. What was so appealing that it was worth breaking his parents’ hearts?

• What message do you hope it conveys?
I hope it conveys a message of hope and love for the Christmas season. The story is also told through the eyes of Sarah’s mother, who’s already lost one child to the English world, and fears she might lose another. She must trust that the bonds of family love will be strong enough to keep her daughter from falling away from her faith.

• What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I set the urban scenes in the city where I went to college and met my (future) husband. We had
a ball “researching” a once familiar city, seeing things from a fresh perspective. It’s very uplifting to be a tourist in your own hometown.

• What did you dislike most about writing this book?
I was held to a strict word count and told not to go much higher. I would have enjoyed exploring emotional avenues from more characters’ perspectives.

• What inspired you to become a writer?
As a dedicated reader, I reached a time in my life where I couldn’t keep myself from sitting down and writing. Every writer arrives at a point when he or she must write.

• Tell us about your writing process.
Uh, oh…there is a process I’m supposed to follow? For the first ten years, I also maintained a day job. My writing had to fit in wherever I could squeeze an hour or two. It’s hard to remember who has blue eyes and who has brown, besides the various plot twists when you create in fits and starts. It’s somewhat easier now that I write fulltime, but publicity demands fill in for my former day job. I still haven’t developed much of a schedule…maybe next week.

• What are you working on now?
I’m working on a story about an Amish midwife who runs afoul of the law when a birth goes horribly wrong. It’s a tale of growth within a marriage, dealing with grief, and staying true to your convictions when the road becomes rocky. But it also includes a romance between two people no one would expect to fall in love. The title is Abigail’s New Hope and it will be released on March 1st, 2011.

• What books do you enjoy reading?
I enjoy reading romantic suspense and family sagas.

• Where can readers buy your book?
Reader’s can find Sarah’s Christmas Miracle at http://www.christianbook.com/ or www.barnesandnoble.com or from my publisher http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

• Where can readers find you online?
I hope readers will drop me a line at my blog: http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/

C.S. Lakin's "Someone to Blame"

We're happy to have C.S. Lakin with us today talking about her book, Someone to Blame. To learn more about C.S. and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I wanted to write another psychological mystery based on another of Agatha Christie’s famous murder mysteries. I had written one earlier called “Innocent Little Crimes” based on her book “And Then There Were None.” My next idea was to do a variation of “Murder on the Orient Express” but set it in a small town rather than on a train. I had been kicking around the idea for a couple of years and when I knew I’d be taking Jim Bell’s mentor track at Mount Hermon in the spring, I thought to write this book for the Christian market and use it in the workshop, which I did. I liked the idea of exploring the way a small town distrusts a newcomer, one especially abrasive. So by having Billy Thurber’s arrival in Breakers coincide with an outbreak of crimes, I explored how easy it is for people to blame someone they don’t know. I also wanted to explore a wider theme of blame, and so my story features a family new to Brekaers that is suffering form their own brand of blame regarding a horrible tragedy in their family. The two stories collide in upheaval and grace.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I did the usual pitching at conferences but couldn’t get anyone interested. So I submitted it in the Zondervan 2009 First Novel Contest at Mount Hermon and it won the contest. I feel extremely honored to have Zondervan enthusiastically supporting this book.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Well, who knows? I was a pathological liar when a child and used to steal bottles out of neighbors’ garages to get the 5 cent refunds to buy candy. But I was also a kleptomaniac and stole candy more often than bought it. I was a bit neglected and ignored by my mom, who was a single parent working full-time. I got into a lot of trouble as a kid. Now, I try to behave myself. I was raised Jewish, which usually means atheist celebrating a few random holidays. Thankfully, God chose to reveal himself to me, and I’m very grateful and am glad he forgives sin!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m finishing book four in my fantasy series The Gates of Heaven, for AMG, a collection of full-length fairy tales in the style of C. S. Lewis. I’m very excited about that series and the first book, The Wolf of Tebron, is getting some great buzz and reviews. I’m also plotting out my eleventh novel, my fifth commercial contemporary book, which is not so much a mystery as the modern-day story of Jacob and Joseph, detailing a dysfunctional family in need of grace. It’s another huge challenging, crazy, different project. I’m alsway pushing the envelope and writing harder and harder things. Don’t know why I torture myself like this!

5) Parting comments?
I write all kinds of things, but although I’ve been chastised and told to stick to one genre, my Boss seems to have other ideas for me. I always look to Him to tell me what to write and the ideas bubble up and spill over. I know what to work on by how excited a project gets me and how it grips me to where I can’t really focus on anything else. I usually am working on one project while writing another, and the last six or so novels have alternated between fantasy and contemporary drama, so I guess that seems to be the pattern I’m sticking with for now. Unless a publisher gives me some three-book deal and I have to do that for a while. I feel blessed to spend my time doing what I really love—writing and editing for other writers. If you need mentoring or help on a project, hire me!

6) Here are the websites for the new releases:
http://www.gatesofheavenseries.com/ and http://www.someonetoblame.com/