Interview with Fantasy Author Evelyn Uslar-Pietri and Book Giveaway

Evelyn Uslar-Pietri descends from a long line of authors, including her mother, father, and uncle, Arturo Uslar-Pietri. The latter - recognized in Wikipedia as one of Latin America’s foremost intellectuals and writers - declared that Evelyn would follow in his footsteps. Pirates Gold: Treasure to Die For is her first novel.

Hello Evelyn. Please tell us about your new book.

Although primarily targeted at young readers ages twelve and up, I think all thrill seekers will enjoy this action packed adventure. It’s brimming with hideous monsters, evil wizards, ancient curses, enchanting nymphs, unimaginable riches, and of course, pirates! I love crafting tales that keep readers unrelentingly riveted and entertained. But for me, a good book should also impart fundamental life lessons, particularly for young people. In Pirate’s Gold: Treasure to Die For, the main character – Captain Johnny B. Wilde – comes to learn the importance of friendship, selflessness, compassion, and just plain doing the right thing!

This sounds like my kind of book. I love adventures. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I am an avid reader, a lover of adventure, and a hopeless daydreamer! I’m very much in my element in Disney, so a book that launches readers into exciting new worlds is right up my alley!

“Warning: Pirate’s Gold is not for the faint of heart… It’s a roller coaster of a ride that will plunge you into a world of dizzying adventure.” I love this statement. What kind of adventure are we talking about? I want to know more.

You can read an excerpt at my website: www.piratesgoldtreasure.com! It’ll give you a taste of the adventure! Also please know that when you buy the book you also help those in need - 20% of my earnings go to Hand of Hope and other charitable organizations.

I love your website. It’s so creative and original. What does your family think about your writing?

Thanks, I also think the website is great fun – particularly the About Us section! My family is my great earthly treasure – I thank God for them daily. They’re also my greatest fan club!

Hey, you can’t ask for a better fan club. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Well, I don’t know that you’ll never forget this (lol), but my love of travel probably stems from my childhood. Due to Dad’s work we left Venezuela when I was three and traveled the world: from Taiwan to Turkey, India to Denmark, Romania to France…and beyond! It was wonderful. In Taiwan we went to restaurants where you could pick the snake you wanted in your stir-fry – much like Red Lobster has their trademark lobster tank in the entrance. (No, I never ate snake!) In India, we barely escaped with our lives when, lost in the countryside, we were pursued by a band of ruthless mercenaries – surely one of the longest, darkest nights of our lives. And in Romania we experienced a devastating earthquake but in the process gained life-long friends. These and many other such experiences have fueled my imagination and shaped my writing; I thank God for them all.

Wow! You have had many adventures. You could write about each one and have your readers on the edge of their seats. Some people claim that snake tastes like chicken. Just the thought of it makes me cringe. I bet your autobiography would be so interesting to read. Thank you so much for this interview, Evelyn. For a real adventure, you should visit "Pirates Gold Treasure" at www.piratesgoldtreasure.com.

Interview with Author Steve Miller

Steve and Cherie Miller love to write, publish, and help fellow authors. Cherie serves as president of the Georgia Writers Association. Steve writes educational resources through his site www.character-education.info and has written numerous books and articles.

“Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, the author must do the promotion. This book provides solid guidance and is full of valuable tips.” - Publishing authority Dan Poynter


Welcome back to my blog, Steve. Please tell us about your new book.

Great to be back, Linda! Cherie (my wife) and I love to write, but we often find ourselves battling a publishing industry and “buying public” that worship big names and big platforms. Publishers obviously prefer authors who are well known and already have huge followings, because it almost guarantees sales. But what about the ordinary, not famous authors like us, who love to write, but don't have huge platforms? We live in an obscure cul-de-sac in a little town in Georgia and we care for my 105-year-old grand mom. I can't even get out past the mailbox very often. How can people like us, considered nobodies by the world, publish marketable books and see regular, sustained sales?

We've found some creative solutions that we think can help other low profile authors. Back in 1993, I wrote a book called The Contemporary Christian Music Debate, to help church staff and parents navigate the confusing decisions about new musical styles and the church. Yet, I had no platform to write such a book. I didn't have a degree in music. I wasn't a professional musician. I worked as minister of youth at Flat Creek Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. That's worse than a platform – that's a hole in the ground! Yet, I snagged a first rate publisher – Tyndale House – and the book has gone through several printings and has been translated into Spanish, Dutch, German, Romanian and Russian. It still sells regularly today, over 17 years later.

We've self-published most of our subsequent books, on diverse subjects such as personal finance and writing and even a word game dictionary called BackWords. We're pleased with the sales. We'd like to help other low-profile authors learn what we've discovered about how to get our books out there in the marketplace, see daily sales, and ultimately see people impacted through our writing.

Is this book only for beginners just starting out or can this book help experienced authors?

It's for all authors who want to learn or update their book marketing skills. There are so many great ways to market books these days! The first part is about how to write a marketable book. We also discuss publishing options and how those can impact your marketing. The second half details how we and other low profile authors are successfully selling our books.

A Reviewer wrote, “…a comprehensive guide to marketing a book… that’s loaded with specific tips. Brimming with creative ideas, Sell More Books! should prove to be a low profile author’s best friend.” What are two “specific tips” for promoting your book?

First, we emphasize that each book and each author are unique. What works for one book may not work for another. So forget the five step formulas. Instead, think about where the audience for your book congregates. For my personal finance book, I found the 200 most popular personal finance blogs and e-mailed each of the blog authors, suggesting a timely post related to the book ("Financially Illiterate Graduates") and offering a free copy for review and another for a giveaway. About 50 (one out of four) requested a free copy and about 20 came through with reviews. Thus, 20 popular bloggers were recommending my book to their faithful followers. No wonder my sales tripled, more than paying for the books I sent out. I have an entire chapter telling specifically how I did this. This strategy can work for novels as well as nonfiction.

Second, we emphasize that the best ways to sell your book are often counterintuitive – not what you'd first expect. For example, when I studied low profile authors who sold a lot of books, I found many of them selling tons of books locally. Most advice today centers on reaching people via the Web and social networking, but we overlook the fact that if we get our book into the hands of our next door neighbor, she can tell the world through her social networks. One first-time novelist sold 200 copies of his book in six months through a locally owned restaurant. What if he got his book into 100 such restaurants? We detail exactly what this author did and how others can take advantage of local sales.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

We kept precise records of each of our own marketing initiatives, to learn what was working for us and, just as important, what wasn't working. For example, I was interviewed about my money book on two of the most popular Atlanta TV stations and as far as I could tell, sold no books at all as a result. I discuss what we learned from this. We kept in touch with other low profile authors (personally and in forums) and we told each other honestly what worked and what didn't. We read many stories of low profile authors who sold tons of books. Additionally, we read about 25 books on book marketing and other general marketing books as well. 

I've often heard that two heads together are better than one. What is it like to write a book together as husband and wife? Are there any interesting experiences you had while writing this book as a team?

Cherie and I think very much alike, so we seldom have a serious disagreement about content. We write together very well. We do have differences, which round us out as a team. I do deep research, question everything, and get into the technical details. But to have time to dig, I never read news. Cherie reads broadly - The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, etc. - so she keeps me up on cutting edge trends. The synergism between us gives us a much better perspective on things.

I was enthralled by contributing regularly to our blogs and Facebook - for about a month. I became doubtful about the value of certain aspects of social networking for the majority of authors. Then Cherie started a blog that took off and got publicity in major news. Also, she tweaked her use of Facebook in ways that I didn't, making it a much more useful tool. So we revised one of our main chapters on social networking several times based largely upon her experiences, to try to help authors see how some use these tools profitably and others waste tons of time.

I think it's wonderful that you two can work together like this. Do you have any closing remarks?

If you're a new or low profile author and your sales are either dismal or nonexistent, don't assume that you're a bad writer. Typically, books don't sell until you figure out how to market them. I challenge you to dedicate some time each day to learn the business side of writing. Cherie and I love checking (multiple times per day!) to see which of our books are selling on multiple platforms. It's both fun and deeply rewarding to see people buying and reading our books. We want more authors to experience this thrill.

Thank you, Steve, for this wonderful interview. I hope everyone learned something new today.

Interview with Fantasy Author Tika Newman

Tika is married, living in upstate New York during winter and on a small lake in Pennsylvania the rest of the year. She and her husband share four children and seven terrific grandchildren. They have two Keeshonds named Tyler and Joey. Tika retired from a twenty-two year career as a Real Estate Broker and owner of Heritage Homes Realty Co. When not writing or editing, you will often find her in the kitchen cooking or out in one of her many gardens.

“It's truly a heartwarming story of a young innocent girl coming to terms with an amazing talent and the story of her and her family’s life.” - J. Woodfield

Hello Tika. Please tell us about The Eyes of Innocence.

This popular series depicts the life of an orphaned girl as she grows up displaying an innate way with animals and many surprises for her aunt and uncle. By the age of five, Kalina is showing psychic abilities and the power to heal. The series opens when Kalina is nearly sixteen, and a white horse haunts her dreams. On her birthday, the horse appears. The mare is real, and she is hers.

Kalina's tumultuous life is riddled with unanswered questions. Someone is watching her, and although she is aware of this, she has no fear. When the day arrives that she actually meets these people, she quickly forms a bond with them, much to her aunt and uncle's dismay.

Follow Kalina's escapades, as she matures into a gifted psychic and healer. Her aunt and uncle want her to tone down her abilities, but Kalina is unwilling to do as they ask. If someone needs her, she reacts, especially if a child is involved. People grow suspicious of her extraordinary powers, and try to prove their theories, but haven't been able to uncover the truth....yet. Kalina is unique, as is her story.

Wow! This story does sound unique. Where did you get your inspiration for this book? Do you get any ideas from real life experiences?

My immediate inspiration was from a well known movie that we watched. I didn’t care for it and said I could write a better plot myself. My husband told me to go for it. I started writing The Eyes of Innocence that day.

I would have to say Yes, to getting ideas from real life experiences. The deer in the woods bit is true, the snapping turtle story is true, and as the proud owner of two keeshonds, and past owner of border collies, I know these breeds well.

This is fun learning about how you put this story together. What a coincidence! I, too, got my inspiration for my new mystery/adventure series from a TV show. It was called Hart to Hart. I just loved it. Okay next question. A Reviewer wrote, “The story is compelling... I could NOT put it down. As an avid reader, I found the story unique, definitely not the same old, same old.” Is it hard to make your stories compelling and unique, or do you discuss your plots with a loved one, or does it just come naturally?

My plots come naturally. My mind does not move in a “same old, same old” manner, so creating the stories come pretty easily. The more difficult part is writing them in a coherent fashion and inserting the facts that I research, i.e. when I had to describe the injuries that the little boy suffered when his mother jumped out of a second story window with him in her arms due to a raging fire. He sustained a broken neck and had to be put in a halo vest. What do I know about those two things? Nothing. I very often spend more time researching a scene than I actually do writing it. Many of the scenes and sub-plots are real, such as meeting the deer in the woods, the snapping turtle story, and of course Toby. He is pictured on the back cover of the first book.

I understand what you mean about researching everything so you can make it sound real. You have another book called For the Love of Anne. You have changed genre with this book, moving to historical fiction. Is this a romance? What it is about?

There actually isn’t a lot of romance in For the Love of Anne. There is a lot of information about people from all walks of life and how they immigrated to Chicago in the late 1880’s during the Industrial revolution. The actual history part of the novel is written as part of the story, so readers may not even realize that a lot of what they’re reading is actual U.S. history. For instance, the first serial killer of the United States lived in Chicago during this time and he stumped the Pinkerton Detectives for years. It is believed that the psycho killed over 200 people, mostly women. One of the biggest mysteries was how he got so many people to trust him. It’s really a fascinating story. Oh, and by the way . . . the man was a doctor.

Oooo! A doctor? Oh my gosh! I love historical fiction for the very reason that I always learn something new. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

After my family, animals and nature are a huge part of my life.

I grew up all over the U.S. due to my father’s career as one of the first numerical control experts in the country. One year I went to four different schools. Did I like it? No, not at all. I was young and it made me so painfully shy.

During some of my successful years as a Real Estate Broker, I had more money than I thought I needed. For years, I donated food baskets anonymously to local churches for Easter and Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve I donated breakfast baskets and I loved making those! I bought bacon, sausage, eggs, juice, bread, English muffins, jelly, pancake mix and syrup, butter, Danish, potatoes, etc. They were so much fun to build. I always put something special in them for the kids. The churches knew who I was, but the recipients never did.

I can have a very silly side at times. Two years ago, when I was WAY old enough to know better, I wanted to know if my dog Tyler would follow me up the steps of a tall slide in a playground. He did. When I got to the top, he was behind me when I sat down. I reached around and pulled him onto my lap and went down the slide with him. I landed on my butt and laughed so hard that Bob had to help me up. 

Wow! I sure learned some fun things about you today. I enjoyed this visit with you. And your book sounds fascinating. Thanks, Tika, for a wonderful interview.

Review: The Eyes of Innocence written by Linda Weaver Clarke

Kalina is special. She is not the ordinary 15 year old. Kalina has powers that she hides from the world. She has the ability to make friends with animals… when she talks, they seem to understand. She is sensitive to the needs of others and has visions about those who need help. But that’s not all! Kalina has the power to heal.

This story centers around several miraculous events, one of which is the healing of a three-year-old boy who was seriously injured. No one knows for sure whether he will live. And if he does live, he will be a quadriplegic. His father is beside himself with grief. He has already lost his wife… he cannot lose his son, too. When the boy is miraculously healed, everyone calls it a miracle. Will the nurses figure out that Kalina was involved somehow? Or will her powers remain a secret?

This story is intriguing as you follow the everyday life of a teenager, her family, a dog, and her archenemy, Tarrah. As I read about the events of Kalina’s life and the healing of the young child, questions began filtering through my mind. Where did she get this power? Is it a spiritual gift from God? Was it inherited from her ancestors or is Kalina one of a kind? Does the mystery behind her powers come from her heritage? Read the book and find out. This book is great for teenagers and adults alike who love to use their imagination. I read it to my husband and he absolutely loved it.
Visit Tika at http://tikanewman.blogspot.com
Tika’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com

Interview with Historical Fiction Author Heidi M. Thomas

Heidi Thomas teaches Memoir and Beginning Fiction Writing in her community and does freelance editing. She is also a member of the Northwest Independent Editors Guild. Heidi lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with a wonderful, supportive husband and a pesky cat. She is also the author of two historical fiction novels and is working on a third in her “Dare to Dream” series. Follow the Dream has won the National WILLA Literary Award, named for Willa Cather and awarded by the Women Writing the West organization.

Hello, Heidi. Please tell us about your new book.

Follow the Dream is the sequel to Cowgirl Dreams. Both books emphasize a strong, independent western woman who gives her all to pursue her dream of rodeo competition. As Follow the Dream opens, Nettie seems to have achieved this dream. She’s married to her cowboy, Jake, they have plans for a busy rodeo season, and she has a once in a lifetime opportunity to rodeo in London with the Tex Austin Wild West Troupe.

But life during the Great Depression brings unrelenting hardships and unexpected family responsibilities. Nettie must overcome challenges to her lifelong rodeo dreams, cope with personal tragedy, survive drought, and help Jake keep their horse herd from disaster. These challenges are enough to break any woman, but will Nettie persevere?

Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

Both books are based on my grandmother who rode bucking-stock competitively in Montana during the 1920s and ’30s. She died when I was twelve, so I did get to know her, ride with her, and knew that she preferred the back of a horse to domestic duties any day.

I love the fact that you based your story on your grandmother’s life. A Reviewer wrote, “I enjoyed this bittersweet novel with its accurate depiction of the lives of cowgirls in 1930s Montana and its tender portrait of a marriage.” Tell us your thoughts about this and why she refers to your novel as bittersweet.

Nettie is torn between her rodeo dreams and her love for her family. The hardscrabble years of the ’30s force them to seemingly abandon their rodeo hopes while trying to survive and keep their horses from starving. She has to make some difficult choices about her dreams when things go in a different direction than she had planned. 

Your book sounds intriguing to me. What kind of research did you have to do?

My father told me many anecdotes about growing up with a cowgirl as a mother. I read non-fiction books about the cowgirls of that era, talked to other relatives who remembered my grandmother, and actually found the original homestead where my grandparents lived when they were first married. I also have a scrapbook and photo albums she made. 

Wow! I bet your love and respect for your grandmother grew so much as you discovered all the many things about her. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I grew up in isolated rural eastern Montana during the 1950s and ’60s, living a life that was somewhat similar to the way my grandparents lived, so I could understand first-hand what they experienced. I attended a one-room country school with a total of four students, and when I went to high school, I lived in a dormitory during the week and came home on weekends. This dorm, which closed in the 1990s, was, to my knowledge, the last public high school dormitory in the U.S.

Oh my gosh! Only four students? Now that’s small. You can’t get better education than one on one. Your teacher had very little to distract her with only four students. I’ve heard of dormitories for high school in England, but I hadn’t heard of them in the states. Interesting! I learn so many things when I interview authors. Thanks, Heidi, for a wonderful interview.

Interview with YA Author Tracy Marchini

Tracy Marchini is a freelance writer and editorial consultant. Before launching her own editorial service, she worked at a literary agency, as a children's book reviewer, a newspaper correspondent and a freelance copywriter. She may also be known as the worst kickball player to ever grace her schoolyard. More information about her and her critique services can be found at www.tracymarchini.com.

Hello Tracy. Please tell us about your new book, Hot Ticket.

Hot Ticket is the story of Juliet Robinson, the only sixth grade in John Jay Jr. High (Triple J for short) who doesn’t have a hot ticket. When one of the dorkiest kids in school, Crammit Gibson, gets a hot ticket before she does, she knows that the only way to salvage her middle school reputation is to stop the mysterious ticket dispenser once and for all.

With the help of her best friend Lucy, a Daria-esque Madeline and her semi-crush Crammit, Juliet is determined to catch the ticket dispenser and climb a few rungs on the middle-school social ladder. Unfortunately for Juliet, things don’t quite go as planned…

You list your book as a middle grade mystery, meant for ages eight to twelve. What makes this a mystery novel?

The sixth graders of John Jay Jr. High have been receiving hot tickets for cool things they’ve done all year, and shame tickets for doing something embarrassing, like falling asleep in class or making a bad joke. Juliet hasn’t even received a shame ticket, which is even more frustrating because she does more embarrassing things in one week than most people do in their lifetime. Juliet decides to unmask the ticket dispenser, knowing that solving this mystery could make the ticket system completely pointless. It’s a risk she’s willing to take, especially since she feels she’s being deliberately ignored by the person giving out the tickets.

Juliet’s list of suspects is short, but when the yearbook committee decides to find the dispenser, and the Students for Ticket Preservation start to work against Juliet, it’s only a matter of time before someone else solves the biggest mystery Triple J has ever had.

This sounds like a fun story for the youth. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I was working at Curtis Brown and my colleague Amelia said the phrase “Hot ticket” to me one day. I’d never heard it, but I realized that the equivalent when I went to school was to say “Points” when someone did something cool, or “Negative points” when someone did something uncool. So I asked myself, “What would happen if hot tickets were physical things, and someone actually handed out hot and shame tickets?” I became excited at the idea of a physical representation of the “cool points” system, and how one anonymous person could change the whole social hierarchy of their school if they were able to make their system stick. I wrote the first chapter during my lunch break, and sent it to Amelia, who encouraged me to continue. Thus, HOT TICKET was born!

You also wrote another YA story called Effie At The Wedding. What is this book about?

Effie At The Wedding is a funny, contemporary YA short story. Effie has a million reasons why she's not thrilled to be at her sister's wedding -- and the monstrously pink bridesmaid's dress isn't even on the list. When Effie finds herself locked in the bathroom, she thinks she might just stay there. After all, it's better than hearing from her mom about how often she's been to the buffet or how beautiful Ophelia looks in her wedding dress.

As the bouquet is tossed and the cake is eaten, Effie will have to find a reason to celebrate... or get used to her porcelain throne.

Both books sound intriguing to me. I think the youth would enjoy them. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Juliet’s favorite book and movie series is Bailey Bean, Girl Detective, which is modeled after my love of Nancy Drew stories. When I was Juliet’s age, my friend and I tried to read all of the Nancy Drew Case Files that the school library had. (It had to be over 100, and that’s how I earned most of my Accelerated Reader points!) Nancy herself does slip into the book once, when Madeline is trying to convince Juliet to let her help with the case. Juliet wants to work solo, like her icon Bailey Bean, but Madeline says, “I’ll be the George to your Nancy” and is eventually allowed to help. 

So you put a little of yourself in this novel. That’s awesome. I think a lot of us do that in our stories. We put a little of our self in one of the characters, giving him or her something that we love or enjoy or even a phobia that we have. It makes the story come alive. Thank you very much for this wonderful interview, Tracy.

Interview with Romance Author Celia Yeary

I'm Celia Yeary, a romance author who is drifting into Women's Fiction. My life revolves around my husband, our home, grandsons, the community, and our church. Before early retirement, I taught biology to high school students in a private military boarding school. I loved my job, but decided to try something new.

This is Celia's second time back and guess what I found out about her? She is a seventh-generation Texan. Wow! Now how awesome is that? Welcome back to my blog, Celia. Please tell us about your new book.

Thank you, Linda. I'm very happy to be here, once more. My newest book is titled Wish for the Moon, a novel that does not fit any exact genre. It does have a sweet love story, but the center of the tale is 16-yr-old Annie McGinnis who, in 1901, lives on a farm with her family in North Texas. Her life changes when a stranger, Max Landry, walks to their house and asks for work.

During the 3-year span of the story, Annie becomes the caretaker for her big slow-witted brother, her mother until she dies, her widower father, and a local blind man who has no place to go. She even attempts—and succeeds—at rescuing Max from the hangman's noose. Eventually, grown-up Annie gets her wish, the one she asks for every night of a full moon, the one her mother always told her: "Annie, girl, you might as well wish for the Moon."

I love this title and the book cover. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

Partly from a coal-mining ghost town in North Texas. When I researched the town, I knew I wanted it in a story, but what kind of story? Instead, I created Annie who wished to see the world, or at least see what lay just over the county line. Then I created Max, who entered her world, and would become the instrument for her to see the next county when he is arrested for murder by the Texas Rangers and taken back to the coal-mining town.

Your website and blog says, “Romance...and a little bit o' Texas.” Are all your stories set in Texas?

Yes, all my stories, historical or contemporary, are set in Texas, the place I know best. My family line goes back seven generations to when Texas was a Republic. And I've lived in several areas of the state. I can't imagine trying to write a story set in, say, Baltimore, or Ogden, or San Francisco. I've visited many, many places, but that doesn't mean I know enough about any of them to use as a story setting. I simply stick with what I know.

That reminds me of Anne of Green Gables when Gilbert told her to write about people and places she knew about. She didn’t like his suggestion at first but eventually realized he was right. What kind of research did you do for this book?

Mainly, I researched Thurber, Texas, the unique coal-mining town in Erath County. It's one county over from Palo Pinto County, where I was born and returned to visit grandparents. I still return to that area because of family. The farm Annie lives on is my grandparent's home, my daddy's birthplace. The house, the well, the orchard and garden, and even the outhouse all come directly from my memory bank of those days gone by. I even used my Granny's rose garden, and the screened-in back porch. That part was very easy.

I love it when authors add real life situations to their stories. Do you usually put real experiences in your books?

Not very much. However, in WISH FOR THE MOON, as I said, I used my grandparent's house for Annie's. They never had running water, and one died in the forties, the other one in the sixties. I use many details in this story from my memory--Granny's big wood-burning stove, the well that had the tin tube to fill with water, and the front porch where Max looks into the front room.

I also mention the "healing water baths" over in Mineral Wells, where my Mother was born and now lives in a nursing home. That entire area is so familiar, and perfect for details in a story.

In MAKING THE TURN, I also use that same house, but updated it a bit in my head so I could use it in the year 2011 for Sara's old homeplace, where her mother remains.
Only these two involve any of my real life experiences. All other stories are completely fictional, although I do know the areas in which I place my stories very well.

Thanks, Celia, for this interview. I know my readers are more enlightened about what kind of author you are. I hope you come back again.

BUY WISH FOR THE MOON at: Willow Moon Publishing and Amazon

Celia Yeary - Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com
http://www.celiayeary.com
http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com

Interview with “Sweet Romance” Author Ruth J. Hartman

Ruth Hartman is a published romance author and licensed dental hygienist. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband. Ruth’s “furry children” are her cats Maxwell and Roxy. She’s pretty sure Max is German. He likes eating sauerkraut out of the pan.

Hello Ruth. Please tell us about your new book. What happens when a dental hygienist falls in love with her patient?

Grace Hart meets Bruce Gardener when he shows up in her office as a new patient. She’s a smitten kitten from the get-go. But doesn’t think anyone as good-looking as Bruce would take a second look at her.

This sounds like a fun book to read. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I have a friend who used to be a dental assistant. She met her husband when he sat in the dental chair where she worked. I thought it was such a cool story, and used a hygienist instead of an assistant.

With the rule of no dating patients, the couple has to find creative ways to meet. A Reviewer wrote, “This brings a lot of humorous scenes to the story. Ms. Hartman keeps Flossophy of Grace flowing with a quick wittiness that made me laugh out loud several times.” Is it difficult to come up with humorous scenes?

Not usually. My imagination is pretty vivid. Weird stuff happens to me all the time, and I use that in my writing. My husband says I find the most unusual things amusing.

So your sense of humor is natural, I take it. What does your family think about your writing? 

My husband just shakes his head and calls me a “sap” because I love writing stories with goofy humor and happy endings. My family always tells me they’re proud of me. 

Hey, "goofy humor" with happy endings is what makes me laugh. I love it. Okay, now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

My whole house is decorated with stuffed animals. Mainly cats. Anymore, my husband will often get me those instead of flowers for my birthday or anniversary, because he knows I love them so much!

Thank you, Ruth, for such a fun interview. Now we know the real you: The cat lover who writes humorous romance stories! I love it. I would like my readers to read a few paragraphs of chapter one from your book. I love it:

Chapter One

“Ouch!”

That was the fourth time she’d been bitten since lunch. She hoped they weren’t doing it on purpose, but sometimes she wondered. Maybe it was a pint-sized conspiracy. It was fall break for the elementary schools. All the elementary schools. That meant her dental hygiene schedule was crammed full of little people. There were kids yelling in the waiting room. Kids squirming in her patient chairs. She even heard a little girl loudly warbling her ABC’s in the bathroom. She felt like Mr. Rogers. She needed a cardigan sweater. Won’t you be my neighbor?

Grace loved kids. She really did. They were funny and sweet, and loud and annoying. They asked the most interesting, offbeat questions. And she normally looked forward to doing their prophies (cleanings) since their tiny mouths had less square footage than most adults’. But sometimes the little people tended to tell her too many intimate details about their parents she’d rather not know. Ever. And they all seemed intensely hyper today. The hooligans who weren’t bouncing like pogo sticks were playing trampoline on the waiting room chairs. Had their parents given them all ultra doses of Mountain Dew before their appointments? That would be wrong on so many levels. She’d had enough of the little guys for today. It was usually a nice reprieve from a day full of adults, but enough was enough. They had worn her down to a frazzled nubbin. Where was that cardigan sweater?

Since she’d arrived at the dental office at 8:30 a.m., she’d done twelve patient prophies, taken seven sets of tiny x-rays (that’s when the unfortunate biting incidents took place), given ten grape-flavored fluoride treatments, and instructed (or tried to) all of the little darlings how to remove the ick from their teeth with a toothbrush. She also dutifully handed out what seemed like 5,092 stickers. Whether the kids behaved like lambs or hyenas, they all got stickers. Unfortunately, she noticed several of the sticky handouts found their way to the recently painted waiting room wall. In between all of the patients, she cleaned her patient chair areas and helped with getting her instruments ready to be cleaned and sterilized. All in her spare time. She was pooped.

She looked at her yellow cat-face clock on the wall. It was almost time. In forty-five blessed minutes, she’d be finished with her last patient of the day. Thank goodness! It couldn’t come soon enough. Whoever it was, she wanted them done and scooted out the door, toothbrush in hand, as soon as possible. The only thing she knew about her next patient was that it was a man, and that he was fairly new to town. Other than that, she had no clue what to expect. Grace desperately hoped he wasn’t one of those men who thought he was good-looking in his plaid pants, white belt, and bad toupee. She always had a hard time holding back a snicker in those situations. She grabbed the last, lonely chart from the pink plastic holder on the wall and wearily called out the name.

“Bruce Gardener?”

As Grace looked up to greet her new patient, the sight that entertained her eyes nearly knocked her on her size-twelve backside. Good grief, he was gorgeous.

What happens when a dental hygienist falls in love with her patient? Visit Flossophy of Grace.
You may also visit Ruth at her blog: R J Writes.

Interview with Christian Author Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Perez Eckles writes with no eyesight but with insight to help you “see” the best of life. Her passion for life shines through the stories, included in 15 books and in 20 Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, in the two books she authored and numerous magazines including Guidepost as well as in her keynote messages.

“With a bit of sassiness, a touch of humor, and an amiga-to-amiga style, Simply Salsa encourages women to accept God’s call to dance!”

During tough times in our lives, God will be there for us and comfort us. Blindness and other trials made this author the person she is today. Hello Janet. Please tell us about your new book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta.

Each insight is drawn from examples from my life, other women today and from biblical times. Grounded in Scripture, they provide practical steps to live a life of freedom from insecurities, confidence to face tomorrow, and joy to savor each moment.

Could you please share one experience from your own life that you used in your book?

Excerpt from Chapter 6 from Simply Salsa:
“…But that night, as I faced the torments of an abandoned wife, Jesus saw my plight. How did I know? Because in order to survive, during the day, I began to soak myself in God’s Word through an audio Bible. Every chance I got, I listened to verses, insights, prom¬ises, instructions. I listened till my ears smoked. God’s truth pene¬trated my very soul. That’s how I knew the Lord was close enough to hear my softest whisper.

“Chicas, I put aside my pride, and Jesus in his tender, gentle way gave me some answers. Not because he found me to be extra wise or cute, but because I was desperate. But, as is often the case, he began by asking me a question: Who is the man you think should fill that spot in your heart?

“Being the quick chica that I am, I responded that it was my hus¬band. The man I wanted to win back. He was the person I loved most. He was the man…”

Wow! That must have been a difficult time in your life. Where did you get your ideas for this book?

The ideas bubbled up in me with each episode I faced and from each triumph I savored. And the topics came from hundreds of women who contact me through my ministry.

My blindness taught me to see beyond obstacles. The murder of my youngest son showed me God’s healing power. The financial setbacks proved God’s immense provision and many others. Colorful examples from other women also add richness to each illustration.

What does your family think about your writing?

They are all very supportive, although I think that when I began writing years ago, they were a bit surprised as I quickly learned to use technology for the blind to write. But the support I value the most is that of my husband. He gave his permission to share intimate details of our marriage, hoping to help other struggling couples.

This book sounds like it can help many women in times of despair. Thank you very much for this wonderful interview. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When it comes to adventure, I’m there! Not long ago, I went parasailing, the view wasn’t impressive, but the thrill was worth blogging about. The fun side of me loves to salsa, to dance the cumbia or move to any rhythmic Latino tune. I dance because it’s in my blood. And I love, love to cruise and savor exquisite cuisine much like I delight in the flavor of God’s Word that feeds my soul. 

Thanks, Janet. I know that you will touch many lives with this book. Your life proves that no matter what trials we go through, we may overcome them. The secret is to never lose faith.

Interview with "Sweet" Romance Author Jordan T. Maxwell

Jordan T. Maxwell always loved to write. One of his favorite authors is Stephen King and this influenced him so much that his first attempt at writing a novel was a horror story. He said, “It was a horror, but not in the way I intended!” Other than that Jordan is a mild mannered paramedic who has spent the better part of the last 25 years “bouncing around in all types of ambulances.”

“Dandyflowers made me laugh, cry, broke my heart into a thousand pieces and by the end had managed to rebuild it completely.” ~ Faith H. Tydings, Author of A Little Yellow Star.

Hello Jordan. Please tell us about your books, Dandyflowers and Dandyflowers - Laura's Diaries.

Dandyflowers is the story of a young woman named Erin who gets engaged. On the following weekend she goes back home so her father Jerry can give her what he calls his “love talk”. During those four days she learns about Laura, his first love and his first wife. Erin also finds out they had two children and the reason why they are no longer together.

Dandyflowers – Laura’s Diaries begins about five and a half years after Dandyflowers ends. In this part of the story Erin has read and reread Laura’s diaries, they were given to her by her father, in an attempt to answer the multitude of questions she has regarding Laura. Then on an unexpected trip to Chicago Erin encounters the two people who can answer the questions the diaries and her father can’t; she meets Laura’s parents. They, like Paul Harvey, tell Erin “…the rest of the story!”

There is a slight overlap between the first and second book. You get to experience Jerry and Laura’s first kiss from both of their perspectives. I actually had a reader tell me that a woman had to have written Laura’s take on the kiss as, “No man can write like that!” I assured her that when I write, I write alone and I did indeed write every word in both books!

Hahaha! That’s awesome! In other words, you feel what the character feels. Is your story considered a romance?

They are considered “romance”, but I hate having that term associated with them. When people hear the term “romance novel” they immediately picture those Fabio laden pulp paper novels found only on a grocery store’s impulse aisles that lead to the cash registers. I prefer the term General Fiction with a romantic twist!

I love your answer about the romance issue. I had the same problem as you. When I wrote my 5 historical romances, I was afraid to list them as such because of the same reason. So I listed them as historical fiction. I have since found out there is a new term called “sweet” romance. Your book would be in that category. I’m curious. Where did you get your inspiration for these books?

I suppose the seeds for these novels were planted sometime in 1979. It was then I began writing my pen pal, Robin. I still have every letter she wrote to me and after nearly 32 years we still keep in touch! I stumbled across some of those letters one afternoon several years before I began writing what would become my first two books and I remember thinking as I reread some of them, “There’s a book in here somewhere.”

There are several incidents in the books that are based wholly or partially on real events. For example, at some point in Dandyflowers Laura cooks Jerry supper and fixes him some beets. Did you know that if you cut the tops off of beets before cooking them all the purple will “bleed” out? Laura didn’t and neither did my mother who did this the first year she and my dad were married!

That's so funny. I bet she was surprised when she saw the pale looking beets. And yes, my mother taught that to me, too. A Reviewer wrote, “I've read many books, but rarely has one moved me the way Dandyflowers did.” What makes your story moving or does that spoil the plot of the book if you tell us?

What makes Dandyflowers and Dandyflowers – Laura’s Diaries so moving is their simplicity, their innocence, their inherent hope that love is all we really need. They are the story of two ordinary people who experience an extraordinary love that many can only dream of experiencing. It is because of this that the reader gets swept up in their story.

I had a co-worker who was so taken by the story and a certain highly emotional part of it that when she returned the draft copy I had asked her to read, she threw the binder at me. She indicated, using just two words, that it was her belief my parents were not married when I was born... then stomped away. It was at that moment I knew I had something people would like to read. It is also the reason why I adapted Dandyflowers into a stage play. I think it has wide appeal.

This has been a fun interview. What does your family think about your writing?

The best compliment I have received regarding the books came from my children when they saw the first book on the shelf at a well known book retailer. When they saw it, they gasped and said, “Daddy, we’re proud of you!” I walked quite a bit taller after that!

My dad is a Depression Era farmer who keeps his emotional cards very close to the vest. After he read Dandyflowers I asked him what he thought about it. He said, “Well, it would bring tears to your eyes if you let it.” High praise indeed!

Wow! What great compliments! Okay, now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

As I said in the bio portion I am a paramedic & have been in EMS for over 25 years. In that time I have delivered (or more correctly “caught”) only one baby. Big deal, right? Well, I saved the best for first as the baby I caught was my son! He came a little faster than his sister had and I had to take off my daddy / husband cap and put on my paramedic hat! I was scared to death, but I survived. That baby just celebrated his 11th birthday in April 2011! I know a lot of dads who play “catch” with their sons, but I guess I am just an over achiever!!! 

What an awesome experience! Not every dad can say that. This has been a fun and enjoyable interview. Thanks, Jordan. If this book hasn’t peaked everyone’s interest by the end of this interview, I would be surprised.

My Review of Dandyflowers by Jordan Maxwell

Dandyflowers is a delightful story told by a father to his daughter about his very first love, something he has never talked about before. The story begins at the age of fifteen in high school and tells of Jerry and Laura’s meeting, the many antics in their teenage life, and how they fell in love. It’s a story of innocence, humor, romance, family values, and their courtship and marriage.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed at the jokes they played on one another. I sighed at the romance. I smiled at the beautiful and modest description of their wedding night. I giggled as they bantered with one another… and I wept.

Jordan Maxwell did a wonderful job with this story. But my advice to all readers is to make sure you have a handkerchief handy toward the ending of the book. You may need it!

Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of historical “sweet” romances.

Interview with Author Marlayne Giron

Marlayne Giron loves to be creative, cook, entertain and has a side-business of doing book and promotional trailers for authors and speakers. She is a loving wife, mother of a teenage daughter, and the author of The Victor, a Tale of Betrayal, Love and Sacrifice. Marlayne calls herself “a Messianic Jewish Believer in Jesus.”

Make a Wish Fulfillment Blog
Video Productions

Hello Marlayne. Please tell us about your new book, Make a Wish.

Make a Wish is a compilation of short stories written as gifts for other people where I grant their deepest, most heartfelt wish and they are the “star” of their own story. All of these stories were written as gifts for others either because I was inspired to do so or because they were requested. Some are deeply emotional, heartfelt and inspirational while others are just fun.

What a wonderful idea! Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

Make a Wish had a very innocent beginning. A good friend of mine, Henry, who has been a quadriplegic since the age of 14 (and is now in his early 50s at the time of this writing), was really down in the dumps. He had been stood up for a fishing trip, and because of his condition, he is subject to the schedules and whims of others. He wouldn’t get out of bed, wouldn’t do anything and his wife Vicki had given up trying to coax him. Henry and I had become good friends ever since Vicki reviewed my book, The Victor, on her blog.

I had already spoken with Henry several times before this so I was distressed when I heard how low he was feeling. But what could I do? I lived on the west coast and he lived on the east coast. How could I possibly cheer him up? Then a light bulb went on over my head and I thought, “I can write him a story”…and that’s exactly what I did. I wrote “A Gift for Henry” in about one hour and then emailed it to them that night. The first thing the next morning I checked my email to see what the response was. Well…it was amazing! Vicki had written me and told me that they had wept for 20 minutes after reading it. That it had truly been inspired of God because of the details I put in, which I was not aware that were perfect for Henry. Such as the smell of orange blossoms being his favorite, how he was always trying to wiggle his toes to see if they had started working and that all he wants to do when he gets to heaven is to run, run, run for the Lord. I would have to say that 99% of the stories I have written for people received the same reaction. Everyone has felt as though they have been personally touched by God through their story and even those who don’t know any of the people and have read the book have told me how deeply touched they have been by the book. 

Already I’m intrigued with this new book of yours. A Reviewer wrote about the stories in Make a Wish, “While many make you smile, you must have LOTS of Kleenex available, for you will cry rivers after reading some (or, in my case, ALL) of them.” Tell us your thoughts about this.

I am personally amazed at the reactions on the part of those for whom I have written these stories. I pray before I write each one and ask God for inspiration. After 40+ stories I have come to trust the still small voice that puts the words onto the page that it will be just what the recipient needs to hear. I honestly wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested in reading the book who didn’t know the subjects of any of the stories but I have been pleasantly surprised by the reactions and wonderful reviews. The most common reactions are: “How did you know that?” “This had to be inspired by God” and “This was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” I seem to be inspired with specific details for each story that only the person for whom it was written knows about (and I don’t find out about til later). The responses have been intensely emotional; my only regret is that I really never get to be there when they are read; I only get to hear about it afterwards via email so it loses some of the emotional impact of the reaction.

What stories touched your heart the most as you wrote them?

“Three Wishes” is the One that made me cry the hardest as I was writing it. I am a deeply empathetic person so I can ‘feel’ the emotions when I am writing and even when I reread this one I still cry. The other three stories that have special meaning for me are “More Than a Memory,” which was written for the sister of my first love, Barry, who died of a brain aneurysm in 1981 and has been gone for so long that hardly anyone remembers him. The next would have to be “Something New Under the Son” because the wish was for the person to win the lottery. I was very conflicted about how to “answer” this wish. My purpose is not so much to be a literary “genie” but to touch the heart of the person I wrote it for in such a deep and meaningful way that they sense it is God speaking to them. I really struggled with this one and so asked a mutual friend some questions about the requesting person to see if something would spark the needed inspiration. I got it when I found out that she worked at Sun Trust Bank and…well…read the story and you will see what the Lord gave me. I was told that after she read her story it worked a true change in her attitude about life and she stopped trying desperately to win the lottery. The third one would have to be my own true-life wish fulfillment story, which appears at the end of the book called “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (after the Disney song in Cinderella). 

Wow! So you wrote your very own “wish fulfillment story” about yourself. How awesome is that! Okay, it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Three years before I met my husband I wrote a story (which I illustrated) for myself where Jesus takes me out on a date and introduces me to the man he has chosen for me. I used to pray for my husband by name (it was always Michael) and had a very detailed list of what I hoped to get in my future husband. The Lord answered my prayers right down to his name, looks and everything on the list. On our first date a total stranger, who was part of our six-some, told Michael and his sister that I would be his future wife. To read the details, they are all in my story “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”.

Thank you so much for such a wonderful interview. Okay, Readers! If you would like your own "Wish Fulfillment" story, you may email Marlayne directly at: thevictorbook@sbcglobal.net. She will need to get a short bio paragraph that tells about you, what your wish is and why. If she has any further questions, she will contact you via return email.

Interview with Christian Author Paulette Harper

Paulette Harper is a native Californian and was the youngest of eight children. She is the author of such books as That Was Then, This Is Now, which was nominated as a finalist in the 2009 Next Generation Indie book awards. She is the co-author of two anthologies, Victorious Living for Women and Victorious Living for Moms. Besides writing nonfiction, she enjoys sports, playing cards and spoiling her only granddaughter. Paulette is the mother of two daughters, is a Christian life coach and Inspirational speaker.

Hello Paulette. Please tell us about your new book, Completely Whole.



Completely Whole is inspiring, optimistic, hopeful and encouraging while providing a clear-cut, scriptural blueprint for each reader to follow as they allow the Word and the power of God to transform their pain and restore their lives on their road to becoming "Completely Whole." Readers of Completely Whole will find that it is not a book to just read once, but it can be used as a study guide to help one along the way in dealing with some of the issues that block a person from living a life of wholeness, spirit, soul and body.

You show readers how to overcome suffering caused by alcoholism, substance abuse, poverty, and other obstacles that prevent a happy life. Do you have any stories you would like to share where you have helped someone?

One reader made this statement “After reading Completely Whole, I had pages and pages of notes. I felt completely whole after I finished reading it. I'm not saying that after reading this book everything will be perfect in your life. But, it will help you focus on what is important in your life. ‘Regardless of your current condition, there is a better place that God has for you (Chapter 3).’ When I read those words, all I could do was cry and cry. I thank God for using Paulette Harper-Johnson to write a powerful book.”
 

What a wonderful comment about your book. What are your suggestions in helping people who have alcoholism and substance abuse problems?

For those having to deal with these life altering issues, I suggest one if not all of the following:

1. Admit that the issue exists and you are willing to seek help from either a spiritual leader, licensed counselor or program.

2. Church support groups are a great way to discuss and find solutions to help one with a step-by-step approach in getting victory.

3. Depending on the severity of the problem, one may want to commit to a program that requires a person to stay for an extended period of time.

4. Determine what in your life triggers those compulsive behavior patterns. Take a look at events, people, and the environment around you that may push you to resulting back to those destructive lifestyles.

That is great advice, Paulette. What does your family think about your writing?

My family is ecstatic about my writing journey. I am the first published author in my family which makes it even more of blessing to have achieved such a tremendous accomplishment.

Thank you for this lovely interview. I know you must be helping many people. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never
forget.

Wow, Linda. I remember when I was about 4, I was very inquisitive about the use of scissors. So I decided to use them to do my first haircut. I cut about 4 inches of my bands off and immediately hid my hair in our family bible for fear of getting a spanking. My mother didn’t spank me and that was the first and last time, until I grew up that I cut my hair. My granddaughter followed in my shoes, she at 4 years of age decided to do her first haircut. She cut her bands as well.

That is so funny. I think we all can relate to that situation in one way or another. Just a while ago, my little granddaughter Amber cut her own hair, but she butchered the whole top of her head…from her bangs to her crown. My daughter, Diana, couldn’t even trim her hair so it would blend in. All she could do was put a hat on her when they went to town. Hahaha! It was sad but funny.

Interview with Christian Romance Author Joanne Troppello

Joanne Troppello writes inspirational fiction in the genres of romance, mystery and women’s fiction. She is a freelance writer/marketing consultant, located in Pennsylvania. Currently, she has two books published; Shadowed Remembrances is a mystery novel and Mr. Shipley's Governess is a romance novel. Joanne enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her family.

“If you love Jane Austin, then you'll love this.”

Hello Joanne! Please tell us about your new book, Mr. Shipley's Governess.

Sophie Baird is looking for a way to escape the painful reality of her parents' deaths. Unable to live in their home any longer, she takes a job as a live-in tutor to Anastasia Shipley to remove herself from her painful memories and the feeling that God has abandoned her.

Anastasia has an illness that has prevented her from ever attending school and makes her father, Sebastian, over protective. When Sophie first meets Sebastian, she cannot deny the intense attraction she feels toward him. When an unexpected romance begins between them, she starts to rebuild her relationship with God, with the help of a certain little girl.

I love the plot to your story. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I am a huge Jane Austen fan and love her classic romantic stories. I wanted to write a contemporary love story with a classic feel. 

I, too, am a Jane Austen fan and so are four of my six daughters. A Reviewer wrote, “This novel by Joanne Troppello, will have you enthralled throughout with its delightful characters and combination of humour and heart stopping moments. If you love Jane Austin, then you'll love this.” Why is your book compared to Jane Austen books?

Since Jane Austen is my inspiration for this book, I tried to set the tone of the novel to mirror the classic feel of her stories. Like the characters Jane Austen created, the ones that spoke to me most are Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley from Emma. My characters are witty and the storyline is true to life, yet sweetly romantic. I’ve had readers tell me they felt like they were reading a book from the Regency period, but also knew it was a contemporary story; so I guess I achieved my goal.

Ooooh! I loved Mr. Knightley. He was awesome. Your first book was a mystery/romance. Was it hard to switch from mystery to contemporary/romance? The plot lines are so different because of adding something mysterious.

There were adjustments I needed to make, but there were several years in between writing both books, that it was not too difficult to switch gears. I’m currently working on two manuscripts now, a women’s drama and a romantic suspense novel so I’ve had to switch gears again, but I actually enjoy diversified writing.

I know what you mean. I began with historical/romance and switched to mystery/adventure. For me it was quite a change, though, because I had written 5 romances in a row. Then I turned to mystery as soon as I finished my last romance. It was an interesting change for me. Okay, now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Ever since I was little, I’ve had a habit of making faces and being very expressive when I talk. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon, we walked through the lobby of our hotel and saw a display of the “many faces of Buddha.” There were different statutes with varying facial expressions. My husband stopped and laughed. He said that they should have “the many faces of Joanne” instead. We chuckled and that little incident made it into my current manuscript, Island Honeymoon. 

How fun! I love it. Now we know all the many faces of Novelist Joanne Troppello! You sound like a fun person to be around.

Celebrating the Book Launch of Montezuma Intrigue

ADVENTURE...SUSPENSE...ROMANCE...INTRIGUE...HUMOR!

Montezuma Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

The search for Montezuma's treasure, mysterious events, a good-looking rogue, and family secrets! When a leather parchment of Montezuma’s map is found in great-grandfather Evans’ old chest, April and the twins know this summer is going to be a memorable one. The girls want to search for it but their father is against it for some mysterious reason. With Julia’s help, she and the girls convince John to go on a treasure hunt. Is Montezuma’s treasure a legend or reality? Whatever the case, John insists on keeping their little treasure hunt a secret. If certain people find out about it, the family could be in danger.

While searching for Montezuma’s treasure, Matthew is trying to get the courage to tell April how he feels about her. How does he tell his kindred friend that she means more to him than just a friend? Oblivious of Matthew’s feelings for her, April is gradually learning the importance of her heritage. Who were her ancestors and why have they kept a certain “secret” all these years?

Suko’s Notebook wrote, “In the latest book by Linda Weaver Clarke, Montezuma Intrigue, the mysteries continue as this author entrances us with life-like characters and electrifying adventures. The search for Montezuma's treasure is both exciting and memorable. I enjoyed the adventure and suspense in her latest novel, which kept me reading well into the night.”

Interview with Author Karey White

Karey White grew up in Utah, Oregon, Idaho and Missouri, the oldest of eleven children. She attended Ricks College and BYU. She’s married and is the mother of four children. She sews, has made wedding cakes for several years, and enjoys reading and writing.


Hello, Karey. Being an Idahoan myself, I attended Ricks College and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please tell us about your new book.

Gifted is a very special book to me. It centers on family, friendship, love and sacrifice. After years of wanting to be parents, Brent and Susan adopt Anna, a beautiful baby whose parents died in a car accident. As she grows they discover there are unusual things about her and they’re torn about how to handle these special gifts. The book is relatable to parents because we all face challenges. We walk a fine line between protecting our children and preparing them for the world. It’s also a great story for teens because of the friendship between Anna and Kelsey, her neglected and abused friend. The story spans sixteen years and we see how Anna’s gifts impact the lives of those around her.

This sounds like a wonderful story. I love the book cover. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

Our neighbors had a grand-daughter who was nine months pregnant when she died in a car accident. The doctors were able to save her baby and so my neighbors had to deal with the difficult task of finding a home for this great-granddaughter. I went to bed thinking of them and had an incredible dream about this baby girl. When I woke up, I wrote down the dream. That day, I couldn’t get it off my mind and ideas started coming. This was on a Saturday. When the kids left for school on Monday, I started writing. In the book, Anna’s mother has a dream that helps her understand her daughter. It’s the same dream I had that night.

What are Anna’s gifts and why are they not only a blessing but a challenge, also?

The first gift that Anna’s parents discover is that everything looks better when Anna’s around. The world is more beautiful, things are brighter and clearer. They also discover that people learn better when she’s around. This seems wonderful at first, but once Anna starts school, comparisons are made between classes. With those comparisons come unhappy parents and teachers who are blamed.

Also, Anna doesn’t get sick or injured. While this is a blessing most of us would enjoy, it makes Anna feel like an anomaly and she wants to experience life, even the hard parts.

A Reviewer wrote, “Karey White employs the miraculous to illustrate the impact of one mortal's existence the way Capra did in ‘It's a Wonderful Life.’” I loved It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and how an angel helped him to realize that life was worth living. Tell us your thoughts about this comment. How does your novel compare with this movie?

I’m flattered that someone would think of my book in the same way as “It’s a Wonderful Life” because that is such a classic. I loved this review because it put into words exactly what I hope people take away from Gifted. In the movie, the angel shows George Bailey the impact he had on other people’s lives. In Gifted, we see a special girl and the impact she has on the people around her, and it’s significant. Many people who have read the book have said that it made them think about the effect they can have on others. I think that’s so important—making a positive difference in the lives of the people around us. 

A positive difference in the lives of others…what a wonderful concept of life! Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I hope my characters are more memorable than me because I’m not sure I’m that memorable. I guess an interesting thing would be that when I was a child, my parents bought and remodeled an old schoolhouse in Wallsburg, Utah and that was our home for almost ten years. We had a gymnasium, a principal’s office and boy’s and girl’s bathrooms. I still miss that house.

AWESOME! You actually lived in a schoolhouse? Wow! And I suppose that you ate in the cafeteria for all your meals? What was your bedroom like? Was it a classroom?

We used the old school kitchen and eating area for the first couple of years that we lived there, then my parents remodeled and put in a new, modern, family-style kitchen. At first I shared a bedroom, but when I turned twelve, I moved into the library and it was my own room. It was a pretty narrow room, but it had floor to ceiling bookshelves. I loved it! It was a perfect room for someone who loved books as much as I did.

What a cool house!!! Thank you, Karey, for such a fun interview. I not only learned about your new book but I learned a few things about you. Now we know the real you! An Author who once had a library for her bedroom! Ha! Wonderful!

Interview with Children’s Author Nancy Stewart

 Nancy Stewart developed an appreciation of stories for young people as a university professor specializing in children's and young adult literature. She travels throughout the world and her love of nature inspired her to write One Pelican at a Time, Bella Saves the Beach, and Sea Turtle Summer.

Hello Nancy. Please tell us about your new book, One Pelican at a Time.

Bella and Britt think it’s so cool living by the beach, and they particularly love the old crooked beak pelican that they’ve known all their lives. (Pelicans live up to forty years, by the way.) But when an oil spill occurs, everyone’s life changes, especially the pelican’s. The girls try to do something. But what?

Where did you get your inspiration for this book? Do you get any ideas from real life experiences?

My husband and I bought a condo on the water in Clearwater Beach, Florida, three years ago. Although I didn’t know it would, that decision had a profound effect on me. I watched the marine life on our daily walks and quickly grew to love it all, particularly the brown pelicans.

Bella’s name came from one of my early morning walks. I noticed a heart drawn in the sand, and the name in the heart was Bella. The tide was just beginning to take it away. About a week later, I saw a beautiful African American child playing in the surf with her parents. Britt! And Pelican was not just a wisp of an idea anymore. It was Britt and Bella, and they were coming to life.

On my beach walks, I’ve heard children ask their parents some really great questions about ecology, particularly during the spill, although Tampa Bay was mercifully spared. Many kids are more educated about green issues than their parents. I suppose there’s both good and bad in that statement. 

Each of your books teaches us a lesson about saving nature. In One Pelican at a Time, the children are trying to save the pelicans from an oil spill. What will we learn in Bella Saves the Beach?

In Bella, we learn about beach trash and what a horrible problem it is for coastal areas. Bella and Britt see what’s happening to their beautiful beach and spring into action. Again, I wanted it (and the others) to be a kid empowering book, letting children know they can not only help, but lead by example.

What lesson do we learn in Sea Turtle Summer?

Sea Turtle Summer is quite dear to my heart. In coastal areas, there is so much attention given (finally) to the plight of sea turtles, particularly with their nests being disturbed. Knowing that, it seemed natural to put the girls on the case. And again, it was written with kid empowerment in mind. When the girls see an endangered nest, they take matters into their own capable hands. The lesson? Respect marine life. The sea turtles were here before the dinosaurs. It’s human intervention that is causing their populations to decrease, and ironically, it’s human intervention that can save them.

I think everyone should know that Pelican is in Amazon's Hot New Releases and Most Wished For. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Something about the real me…hmmm. A tough one, but here goes. When I was in Kenya with my family, we were up in the Rift Valley at a place called Lake Turkana. I try to run several times a week, and I wanted to run along the shore. I noticed many crocodiles on the shore, sunning themselves. Our friend, a native Kenyan, had flown us up there in his small plane. I asked him about the crocs, and he assured me they were well fed on Nile Perch in the lake and wouldn’t bother me. So I did it, and he was right. They simply slithered into the water as I ran. Would I do it again today? Probably not. But in the moment, with the sun shining and the birds calling…Well, I was in Africa, after all.

That was great. Wow! You were quite daring, if you ask me. Now I know the real you! The daring author who runs alongside crocodiles without a care in the world!

Interview with Historical Fiction Author Kevin C. Mills

Kevin C. Mills has been an award-winning journalist for over 20 years, writing for for the Lewiston Sun Journal, The Boston Globe, The Portland Press Herald and the Lynn Daily Evening Item. He is a descendant of lighthouse keepers, shipbuilders and merchant mariners. Two of his ancestors, poetess Celia Thaxter and maritime author George S. Wasson, are integral parts of Maine’s early literary heritage.

Hello, Kevin. So you’re a descendant of lighthouse keepers and mariners. That’s so interesting! Please tell us about your book.

Sons and Daughters of the Ocean takes readers back to the age of sail, where fortunes were made and lives were shaped by the fickle winds that raged across the oceans. It is a historical look at a small coastal village – Brooks Harbor, Maine. Its close proximity to the ocean creates an environment in which the shipping industry is the lifeblood of the town. The community is filled with merchant mariners, shipbuilders and crew. Those that don't earn their keep directly from the sea-faring life either profit or benefit from the shipping industry.

Sammy Jones, Albert Miller and Sarah Dyer are products of that environment. Their families have rich maritime histories and all three characters are about to embark on a distinctive course in their lives that change them forever. They are not only products of their environment but also have their fortunes shaped by the ocean's wake.

Jones works on the harbor docks, eager to follow the sea like his father. Miller works his family farm and feels trapped by its borders. Dyer is the daughter of one of the town’s most prominent sea captains.

All three characters tell their individual stories from a first-person perspective. You feel their joy and hurt with their sorrows. You experience their fear and follow their lives from inside their minds and hearts. You don't just read about the age of sail and the people it evolves around, you live that life and step back in time with each of these characters. It isn’t just a historical novel about sailing. It is a tale of adventure, courage, love and destiny.

I love adventure stories like this. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

I had spent a couple years researching my family tree and putting together two volumes of family history for various relatives. When those projects were about complete, I was interested in writing a novel. As a sports journalist, I’ve always stayed true to “Write what you know.” So when looking at subject matter for my novel, the stories from my maritime heritage were still fresh in my mind. They made a nice backdrop to start with. I had a number of experiences from various ancestors to draw from and that provided the framework I needed to build from.

I also had read the Civil War trilogy written by Michael and Jeffrey Shaara. I was interested in writing a historical novel much like The Killer Angels and then follow it with a sequel and a prequel.

Sons and Daughters of the Ocean ended up being that book. I’m currently writing Breakwater, the sequel. It follows the Miller family generations later. Following that, I’ll write Sea of Liberty, a story about Eli Miller and the privateering age during the American Revolution.

I love reading historical fiction because I learn so much, especially about American history. You said that this story is based loosely on your own family history of shipbuilders, merchant mariners and lighthouse keepers. Did you have to do a lot of research before writing this story, and what kind of research did you do?

I already had the family tree with dates and facts. I wanted to go beyond those names and dates. I read through other books and diaries, contacted historical societies, dug through family archives and contacted relatives I’d never met. I sorted through various documents, like wills, census records, real estate transactions, schooner wreck reports and bills of sale for schooners. I asked questions and sought answers to those questions.

I also started sailing on the three-masted schooner Victory Chimes for a week each summer. One of my ancestors built the first three-masted schooner of its kind in the Northeast. That was one of the reasons I chose to sail on the Chimes, which is the last of its kind still sailing the Maine coast. By watching the crew and participating, I learned a great deal about sailing schooners. Those trips also gave me a perspective of the Maine coast I’d never seen before, a glimpse like my ancestors had as they sailed the coast. A number of chapters were written while onboard the Chimes, describing actual scenes from along the coast, including the very harbors, coves, island and channels my ancestors sailed.

I also did a great deal of research through reading books about the age of sail. Among the half dozen books or so I researched, three of them were by my ancestor George S. Wasson. His work not only provided great insight and information on the schooner era but also gave me examples of the dialect of that time. 

Wow! You did a lot of research. Leon Garfield said, “The historian, if honest, gives us a photograph; the storyteller gives us a painting.” In other words, a storyteller makes us feel part of the story as if we were actually there, and we can understand what our ancestors went through. Tell me your thoughts about this.

I didn’t know any of these ancestors, obviously. I had plenty of facts and details of their lives but knew hardly anything about their personalities. I took the foundational knowledge of these people and let their characters evolve and develop. It kind of brought these ancestors of mine to life for some of us, I think. But I think these characters serve as models of all people from that era. I think any reader can read their stories and feel as though they’re learning about their own ancestors in that time.

Writing the characters from the first person truly puts the reader in that character. So I think the book provides an accurate portrayal of people during the age of sail. The people I’ve heard from have loved the book. Whether they be related to me or not, I think the style of the book makes the reader feel as though they’re connected to these characters. 

Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

My first experience writing about sailing was while working for a paper in Lynn, Mass. While in college, the co-operative education program set me up with jobs with the Boston Globe and Lynn Daily Evening Item. During the summer, the Item had me cover the sailing beat out of Marblehead. It was akin to sticking the newbie with the least desirable assignment. Much to their surprise, I took a liking to the coverage and spent the summers covering things like Marblehead Race Week and the Finn Class Olympic Trials. I recently ran into the current sports editor at the Item, who told me that they’ve never been able to replace me in the 20 years since I served as their sailing scribe.

Back then, I wasn’t even aware of maritime history of my ancestors. During those summers of covering sailing, I actually knew absolutely nothing about sailing. In fact, the first time I ever went sailing was years later when I had an afternoon sail on a Maine schooner in Penobscot Bay. I suppose it’s kind of like me covering professional hockey for 10-plus years and never having stepped on a sheet of ice wearing skates.

I understand what you mean. Thank you Kevin, for this wonderful interview. For those interested in learning more, you may visit Kevin’s Website and Facebook.