Interview with Author Steve Miller and Book Giveaway

J. Steve Miller calls himself a “wisdom broker,” collecting wisdom from many fields and packaging it for teachers and writers via his published books and the Web. He’s written seven books on subjects ranging from ethnomusicology (The Contemporary Christian Music Debate) to philosophy of religion (Richard Dawkins and His God Delusion) to writing and publishing. Over 1500 people a day visit his website for teacher resources on life skills and character education. He loves hanging out with his family, caring for his 106-year-old granny, and doing weird stuff like spelunking.

“This book helps authors determine whether or not they would like to be self-published or go with a traditional publisher. I was impressed with all the information I gained in this book.” --George Clarke, graphic designer and owner of Red Mountain Shadows Publishing

Welcome back to my blog, Steve! You have some new books that will help authors with book promotion and publishing. Please tell us about your new books.

Since you last interviewed me in 2010, my wife (Cherie) and I have published four books for writers:

• Sell More Books! Book Marketing and Publishing for Low Profile and Debut Authors: Rethinking Book Publicity after the Digital Revolutions. We researched low profile authors who were selling a lot of books to see how they did it. The resulting book helps authors narrow down which marketing methods might work best for them.
• Social Media Frenzy: Why Time Consuming Facebook, Twitter & Blogging Strategies May NOT Work for Your Business - Consider These Alternative Social Networking Initiatives. Publishers and literary agents push authors to spend tons of time writing blog posts, tweeting and building followings on Facebook. Our research and experience questions this “build a vast following” concept and suggests that many authors would do better to pursue other social media strategies.

• Publish a Book! Compare over 50 Self-Publishing Companies: Book Publishing with CreateSpace, Lulu, Lightning Source, iUniverse, Outskirts, Publish America, Xlibris, Xulon, etc. Here we try to cut through the confusing hype and help authors who want to self-publish to make wise choices in a company.
• Writing Conversations: Spend 365 Days with Your Favorite Authors, Learning the Craft of Writing. Cherie and I love to learn from successful authors. Cherie put together a wonderful collection of inspiring and informative quotes from a wide range of famous authors such as Stephen King, Louis L'Amour, Ann Lamott, Janet Evanovich, Ray Bradbury, Agatha Christie, and William Faulkner about the craft and business of writing.

Where did you get your inspiration for these new books?

Our inspiration was twofold. First, we needed the wisdom. Cherie and I want to spend a big chunk of the fourth quarter of our lives writing and publishing. So it made sense to do some serious research into both the craft and business of writing.

Second, we kept meeting frustrated authors who were bewildered by the publishing and marketing process. Sometimes they had chosen the wrong publisher or self-publishing company, thus ruining their chances of successfully marketing their books. Other times they were feverishly blogging and socializing on Facebook, but their books weren’t selling. We wanted to help them, so we put what we were learning into books.

George Clarke, graphic designer and owner of Red Mountain Shadows Publishing, wrote about Social Media Frenzy: “I learned a lot from Steve Miller’s book. I found out that having a blog, just for the sake of having a blog, doesn’t do much for an author. The same goes for Facebook and Twitter. Our time is precious. The work involved in maintaining the blog doesn’t always provide the best results.” Tell us what you think about this statement.

Blogging works for some people. It looks like it’s working for you, Linda, since a lot of people comment and appreciate your reviews and advice. So I’m not saying it can’t work.

But the question that most people aren’t asking is, “Will it work for everybody?” Well, if by “work” you mean, “build a vast following and sell a lot of books,” I’d suggest that the answer is no. It may work for some, but probably not for most. Typically, authors with successful blogs (those with big followings) pour tons of time into researching their niche and even more time into writing regular, insightful posts. They also have claimed a particular niche that thousands of others aren’t competing to dominate. But even if you successfully build that following, you need to answer a further question: “Is this the best use of my time if my primary objective is to market my books?”

Let’s say you’re a debut mystery writer. I think it’s a good idea to keep up with your friends on Facebook and have a blog where you talk about your writing and publishing experiences. That’s what I’d call casual social media. But if your idea is to write substantive posts on mystery writing multiple times per week and expect that tons of people will start following you rather than following the established mystery writers, you’ll probably be disappointed.

I believe there are better ways to get noticed in social media besides trying to gather and keep a following. That’s the second half of my Social Media Frenzy book.

What kind of research did you do?

For Sell More Books, I first read widely in book marketing and general marketing - about 30 books as I recall. Beyond that, Cherie and I read widely in business and biography, gleaning general principles of success.

Second, we studied low profile authors who were selling a lot of books to find what was working. Us low-profile authors are very different from best-selling authors. If high-profile authors go on a tour, everyone wants their autograph and everyone wants to interview them. I wanted to discover how low-profile authors were selling tens of thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of books.

Third, I kept careful records of what actually worked for selling our own books, and just as important, what didn’t work. I did lots of stuff that took a lot of time and money, but didn’t sell any books at all. Zilch. I think that’s just as important for authors to know as the successes.

For Social Media Frenzy, I drew from our own experiences in social media, our reading in the field, and our faithfully attending the long-running SoCon social media conference for over six years. We learn a lot from social media experts each year at SoCon.

For Publish a Book, I drew from my earlier research and publishing experiences and went to each self-publishing company site to read the fine print of what they were offering. Some, as Lewis Grizzard would have said, were “slicker than a bucket of greased eels.”

Any final words?

If you’re an author, keep learning the craft and business of writing. It doesn’t have to be my books that you read, but never stop learning. And force yourself out of your author’s cave to hang out with fellow authors and learn from them. Ignorance and isolation are bad ideas in this field.

Thank you so much for this interview and great counsel, Steve. I hope many authors take your advice.

Interview with Romantic Fantasy Author Anna del C. Dye

Anna is the author of The Silent Warrior Trilogy and three other Elf books. She has also authored “Emerine’s Nightmare” an electronic book about fairies for elementary kids. She has won many awards with her work, among others: First page award-A Kingdom by the Sea, Bronze award- for Elfs in a Conquered Realm, second place for Emerine’s Nightmare. Her short story “Why Me” was included in the Anthology Angels Round About by Julie Olsen and her piece “Women in my Life” was published by Deseret Saints.

Hello Anna! You write tales of Elves & Romance. Please tell us about your novel, Royal Elf of Abalon.

My Elf series has romance for the ladies and battles for the gentlemen. Elves in my world are everything a woman may want in a companion, and that is what attracts many readers to my books. A Royal Elf of Abalon is the story of a young princess smothered by her very selfish mother, until one day she sees through her and her life changes quite rapidly. However, with her mother out of her life, she isn’t prepared to guide her kingdom, let alone choose a mate for herself anytime soon. Yet, the choice to become a price toward the safety of her kingdom versus the possibility of marrying for love it is a luxury not given her as the royal princess. No matter what, she must do what is right. 

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. I love those books and they opened my mind to so much fantasy that I had to share it. Of course, my love of Elves has nothing to do with it. ☺

What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

I needed to learn how to describe battles, so I found a medieval sword-fighting class and joined it with my husband. We love it. I had to keep true to the elf civilization in my prior books and needed to go back to cross reference with them.

Thanks to the internet, I was able to find the right medieval wording for some of the words in A Royal Elf of Abalon. The name for the characters came from books that I used for ideas, but they are made up.

I’m impressed with the fact that you actually joined a medieval sword fighting class. Wow! What does your family think about your writing?

First would come my husband, who edits and takes care of all my website and electronic needs. He does anything for my book to shine. The president of my family fan club is my daughter-in-law, Monica. My oldest son converts them into audio books and does my music. My third son does my Book Trailers and posts them in YouTube. He also does some live trailers for me. As you can see I am very supported by them.

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

I was born and raised in Chile, so my first language is Spanish. I met my husband there and he brought me to be married in the Salt Lake Temple in Utah. When I joined the church, the only temple picture we had in my ward was that of the Salt Lake Temple, so it became my dream. We have been married thirty-four years and we are the happy parents of three princes and a princess.

My husband, Rodney, a native of Idaho, is not only the reason I write, but also the love of my eternal life. He is the one that has always given me wings so I can fly. I am thankful that he took the time to transform me, a small worm, into a beautiful butterfly. Linda, thank you so much for having me on your blog this week. You can find my books at http://www.annadelc.com.

Thank you, Anna, for this wonderful interview. It must have been difficult getting used to a new country. I also love the fact that your whole family is getting involved in your writing. That is awesome.

Desert Intrigue Book Launch

MYSTERY…ADVENTURE...ROMANCE...HUMOR...INTRIGUE!

"Desert Intrigue is an entertaining and joyful book, my favorite in this mystery series by Linda Weaver Clarke, which I think would make an excellent TV mini series. I love the sparks of romance in this adventure--they spice things up and add much interest to the story. The book has a handful of surprises that I did not anticipate, and the mystery fuels much of the action." -Suko’s Notebook

Desert Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder. John and Julia quickly head to Mesa, Arizona and discover a few mysterious events. Will they find out who is behind these disasters before Uncle Kelly’s dude ranch is ruined? While Sharlene and Faith are busy helping their uncle save the ranch, April and Matthew are planning their wedding but everything seems to go wrong.

Steve Miller, Best Selling Author, called it “a Satisfying, Intriguing Story!” He wrote: “It was difficult to put this one down. I cared about the characters, I cared about their ranch, and I was brainstorming right along with this delightful family, figuring out how to either remove the curse or solve the mystery that threatened to destroy their way of life. But as with life as I’ve experienced it, it’s never just saving the ranch. There are children flirting with romance, relational complexities, and a wedding in the works that just won’t seem to come together. The writing is clear and lively, never calling attention to itself or getting in the way of the story. The touches of humor and inclusion of regional history tie it all together to make a satisfying story all the more fascinating. Highly recommended!”

Anasazi Intrigue: purchase a book at Amazon.

Mayan Intrigue: purchase a book at Amazon.

Montezuma Intrigue: purchase a book at Amazon.

Desert Intrigue: purchase a book at Amazon.

Interview with YA Author Steve Finegan

Into the Mist: Silver Hand is Steve’s debut novel. In addition to being a YA author, Steve is a seeker of the extraordinary in the ordinary and an avid, eclectic, and voracious reader.  Steve lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Jeanne, son John, golden retrievers Gary and Cooper, one very old Yorkshire terrier named Corkie, and a horse named Jordan, who seems to think he’s a dog.

“A pleasure to read. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Wanted more.”–Marc Mohan, The Oregonian

Hello Steve! Into the Mist: Silver Hand is the first book in a two-part fantasy adventure story. Please tell us about your novel.

Into the Mist: Silver Hand is a contemporary YA fantasy with adventures both in this world and in an alternate reality in which 13-year-old Gabe Wrenn becomes a central player in an epic battle of Good vs. Evil. But at its heart the story’s about Gabe’s struggles in this world to deal with his epilepsy and the way other people treat him as a result of it: His mom hovers over him. His brother bullies him. He has almost no friends. Gabe’s come to believe his epilepsy makes him an abnormal freak. On the other hand, Gabe’s dad believes his son’s epilepsy is responsible for making him a gifted graphic artist and writer. And his best and only friend, Ellie, thinks it gives him access to the supernatural world. To them, Gabe’s epilepsy is not a disability but an extraordinary ability.

This conflict, abnormal vs. gifted, is the engine powering this two-part series. Meanwhile, the reader should be experiencing another conflict: “Is this adventure real or all in Gabe’s head?”

My husband read your book and couldn’t put it down. It was full of intrigue and adventure. He thinks adults would enjoy this book as well as teens. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

This is fun. Back in 2009, I was mulling an idea for a fantasy story: What if a terrified boy is found running from the clump of oaks bordering the park behind his new house? And what if he’s clay-smeared and bloody, daubed about his body with weird spiral patterns, and carrying a gore-stained makeshift spear? And what if his horrible screams are in an incomprehensible language? And what if later he remembers nothing at all about what happened to him?

Well, I loved the situation and believed that I could concoct a decent novel out of the mystery. I also thought it might somehow provide me with an opportunity to explore the hazy boundary between fantasy and reality – a particularly fascinating theme. The question was: Where should I begin? Being a parent, I knew this boy’s folks would most likely rush him either to the emergency room or to his doctor, so I called our pediatrician and asked him what he’d make of such a case. I expected him to brush me off or tell me the situation wasn’t plausible. Instead he said, “Wait a minute! I think I might know what he has.” Then he asked me to come in the following afternoon to talk about it.

The next day, I found myself gazing at Dr. Miller’s tacked-up collection of happy-baby Polaroid photos and wondering what he had to tell me about my young character. After a few minutes, he swept into the room, wearing his usual starched shirt and bow tie, and sat at his big oak desk. “I’d say your boy’s showing symptoms of TLE,” he said as if in answer to a question. “What?” I asked. “TLE. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy,” he repeated. I loved how seriously he was taking the case of my mystery boy. “What makes you so sure?” I asked. “I’ll show you.” He whipped around to his desktop PC and googled the term temporal lobe epilepsy.

For the better part of an hour, we sat cheek by jowl poring over online articles and talking about simple and complex partial seizures (which are short of the shuddering grand mal seizures everyone associates with epilepsy), and a host of other related issues. “The way I see it,” concluded Dr. Miller, “your boy had one of these more localized seizures right here.” He tapped the right side of his head just above the ear.

“Anyway he could have hallucinated an experience, which he then acted out, although it was very real to him. You see it’s as if the portal to the otherworld was in his brain, which more or less blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.” I felt a seizing in my chest. “Wow!” In that instant, I knew I had a story to tell. Yes, I had a ton of research to do before I could start writing it, but that didn’t dampen my spirits.

What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

The research phase was intense and time-consuming. Fortunately, I had Dr. Miller and one of his colleagues, a pediatric neurologist, to guide me, answer questions, and read drafts, particularly those passages dealing with Gabe’s symptoms, associated behaviors, as well as his diagnosis and ongoing treatment. After a few weeks, I had to clear space on my bookshelves for the dozen or so new volumes about epilepsy and related disorders. Then there was the research into Celtic-Welsh myths and legends, which was really just an extension of a decades-old delving into certain mythological themes and motifs that I felt a desire to express. Other parts of the book were relatively easy. My son was 13 when I began writing it, so I was immersed in contemporary teen culture. I also have a very good memory of my own teen years, and how I interacted with my friends and enemies.

Wow! You really took your research seriously. That’s wonderful. What does your family think about your writing?

My wife and son are very supportive. My son John often reads and comments on early drafts. Believe me, he lets me know if I’ve written a teen scene that isn’t as authentic as he thinks it should be.

I love it. What a great son! Okay, it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Hmmm. The real me? Well, when I say I’m a seeker of the extraordinary in the ordinary, I mean it. Not in the sense of feeling compelled to skydive or anything like that, but to live more fully in the moment. This requires awareness and mindfulness, both of which are hard to achieve in our hyped-up world. So I meditate daily for about 30 minutes. I’ve been doing it for years. Just a simple sitting and breathing meditation. It helps tremendously to draw me back into my body and into the moment. It’s really amazing how much of the time our minds are caught up in the past and the future at the expense of the present moment.

You’re right. I totally agree. If we meditate about our lives for a few minutes each day, I think we would have less stress and enjoy the day a little better. Thanks, Steve, for this awesome interview.

Mystery/Adventure Series Book Giveaway

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

ADVENTURE...SUSPENSE...ROMANCE...HUMOR...INTRIGUE! How do you qualify for a giveaway? Read the reviews below and listen to the video. Then list one thing that grabs your attention. For an extra entry, you may also click on the book cover on the side bar and read a sample chapter. For an additional entry, post this contest on Facebook or your blog. Tell whether you want a book or ebook and which book you want. Happy Reading!

Behind the Scenes: This series was inspired by one of my favorite TV shows called Hart to Hart, which featured a married couple investigating and solving crimes staring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. The couple was madly in love: you laughed at the humor and sighed at the romance. I wanted to create something similar with a little suspense and adventure. In this series Julia is a reporter for a daily newspaper and John is a professional knife maker. Just like Hart to Hart, because of her curiosity, Julia gets herself into a bunch of trouble. Before long, she finds herself and her husband up to their necks in danger and running for their lives.

Anasazi Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Stolen artifacts, a devastating flood, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold in this mystery adventure novel. When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, Julia realizes the story and investigation are much bigger than she thought! Julia and her husband find themselves on the run trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous.

Socrates Book Review: “This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Weaver Clarke and I’m already hooked. The first pages grab you right in and grab at your heartstrings as you read about the destruction caused by the flood. When Julia and John fight for their lives, readers will be on the edge of their seats for this one. There’s also romance in the mix. John and Julia’s marriage is strong and they are quite supportive of each other. Even when they have their ups and downs, it’s not for long and they get right back into each other’s arms. It’s nice to see a relationship portrayed this way. Very realistic and believable. In fact, all the characters are portrayed realistically including their three daughters. And...my Socrates Great Book Alert Award!”

Melanie Ski, Homesteading Review: “Mystery and suspense intertwined with fascinating facts about the Anasazi culture! The thing I absolutely loved most about this book was the relationship dynamics between John and Julia. Their relationship with each other symbolized to me a model of what faithful Christian marriages can look like, even 20 years after the ‘newness’ wears off. I loved how Linda Weaver Clarke used descriptions in each chapter of the ebb and flow of John and Julia’s relationship, the physical love for each other, the respect, and the learning to bear one another’s burdens. Historical suspenseful fiction, the best of the best!! Add in a strong Christian family and you have a super fantastic story!”

Mayan Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

The jungles of the Yucatan, Mayan ruins, looters, a mysterious artifact, and a nosey reporter are focus of Mayan Intrigue. With a blend of mystery, suspense, and Julia's curiosity, John and Julia find themselves on the run once again. The discovery of a priceless artifact soon puts Julia’s life in great danger. From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot for John and Julia Evans.

Suko’s Notebook Review: “What starts out as a romantic trip quickly turns into a dangerous adventure among the Mayan ruins and jungles! Excitement prevails. This book is full of mystery and suspense. Linda’s writing is lively and down-to-earth; she has the ability to make you feel as if you’re in these stories, along with John and Julia, trying to decipher the truth and escape from harm.”

Socrates Book Review: “Ms. Clarke’s descriptions easily transports the reader to Mexico. You really feel as if you are part of the story. Her words flow beautifully through each page of the book. Readers learn more and more about the beautiful relationship shared by John and Julia. Their commitment to each other is stronger than ever. With each book, these two become more like friends of the readers instead of book characters. I enjoyed this very much and am looking forward to the third book in this thrilling series.”

Montezuma Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Mysterious events, the search for Montezuma’s treasure, 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. Is Montezuma’s treasure a legend or reality?

Theresa Franklin, Life’s Journey: “Montezuma Intrigue is truly intriguing. The old country and western song said, ‘You had me from hello.’ Linda Weaver Clarke had my interest from the first sentence. It is an adventure from beginning to end. Although the plot is finding the treasure, there are sub-plots that teach Christian values found in few books today. Linda does a great job of weaving these values into the story without taking away from the main plot.”

Suko’s Notebook Review: “Linda Weaver Clarke has done it again. I am charmed by her new book, 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. This time, the story took me on a rugged, outdoor adventure with the Evans family in search of Montezuma's treasure, through canyons and ravines and caves, aided by an antique parchment map found in an old wooden chest in the attic. There are also a few romances, and some surprises as well, which kept my reading pleasurable and lively. I enjoyed the adventure and suspense in her latest novel, which kept me reading well into the night.”

Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Tristi Pinkston

Tristi Pinkston is the author of nine published books, with more on the way throughout 2012. She is the mother of four adorable homeschooled children, and the wife of one thoughtful, supportive man. She works as a freelance editor and online writing instructor, and she is also a virtual book tour coordinator. She’s a regular presenter at the annual LDStorymakers Writers Conference, and loves seeing people achieve their dreams.

Hello Tristi! Please tell us about your mystery novel.

Targets in Ties is the fourth installment in my series, The Secret Sisters Mysteries. My characters are an elderly Relief Society presidency who turned to espionage to get their visiting teaching done, and in this book, they are travelling down to Mexico to pick up Ren, our main character’s nephew, from his mission. While there, they run afoul of a wanted antiquities thief and end up having to escape using only a missionary name tag and string from a sock. It’s a lighthearted comedy/mystery appropriate for all ages.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I held a contest on my blog to see where Ren should go on his mission. Mexico was the winner, so I then thought about all the possible problems my little ladies could get into while there. I love Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries about antiquities theft, so I decided to try my hand at it. From there, it just took off, and we ended up racing through the jungle, bartering for goats, trying to shoot spiders, hot-wiring cars … yes, I do have a very active imagination.

I love comedy. Your book sounds fun to read. I, also, have a great interest with antiquities. My new mystery/adventure series is all about artifact theft. So we have something in common. I noticed that you have written cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, historical fiction and a cookbook. Which was the most fun to write?

I enjoyed each of them immensely, but the most fun by far has been cozy mystery. My characters come to life in my head and banter with each other, and I love seeing what they’re going to come up with next.

What does your family think about your writing?

I started writing when my oldest child was three, so my kids don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. They get excited to see me release something new, and they love to read my books, but this is their everyday life, so I’m not sure they see it as unusual in any way. My husband wasn’t completely sure what he thought when I first started, but then he saw how happy it made me, and he got totally on board. He’s now my biggest support. And of course, my mom likes to brag.

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

I once went on a group date at the library after hours (yes, we had permission) and we played Sardines. I won by hiding in the men’s bathroom. No one thought to look for me there. I am sneaky like that.

Hahaha! That’s so funny. Who would ever think of searching the Men’s Room? Not me! Now I know why it’s so easy for you to come up with comedy in your books. Now we know the real you: The “Sneaky” Author!

Interview with Author Mandi Tucker Slack

Mandi Tucker Slack has been married for 12 years and is the mother of two boys and a little 3 year-old girl. She and her family spend most weekends rock hounding or exploring new places. She loves the desert and mountains, and has been interested in everything from archeology to paleontology. One of her favorite hobbies is collecting and searching for fossils in the desert. She also grew up frequenting museums and accompanying her parents on archeological digs in San Rafael. Like a true author, she loves to incorporate her hobbies and interests into her writing.

“If you want suspense, action, drama all in one book, this is the one you want to read. I was instantly hooked and couldn't put the book down.”

Hello, Mandi. Your book is one of those where you have to sit on the “edge of your seat.” Please tell us about your suspense novel.

Jacey Grayson is a recently divorced mother who learns some frightening news about her ex-husband, John. Frightened, she and her son Blaze flee to Utah to hide among rural Mormons. The main theme in The Alias is Jacey’s attempt to overcome years of abuse and develop a sense of who she really is. As the story progresses we see her desire to change and grow. She struggles with feelings of guilt and remorse for staying with her ex-husband so long and exposing her son to abuse, but as the story progresses we also see how she uses the lessons from her past to move forward into a more promising future. 

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

My story ideas usually come from a conglomeration of different events that touch my life. At the time, a close friend was pursuing a divorce where she had suffered some spousal abuse. I was struck by the amount of strength it would take to leave behind such a marriage and the amount of courage needed to build a new life. One of the main themes in The Alias is domestic violence. Jacey, the protagonist, is attempting to build a new life for her son after leaving behind an abusive and controlling husband. One reviewer said, “Having had some spousal abuse myself, the author handled the topic with a maturity I appreciated.” I’ve really tried to portray that quiet strength in this novel.

A Reviewer wrote, “I literally couldn't put it down and when I had to, I became agitated… while I was reading it this morning my heart was pounding and my hands were sweating wondering what was going to happen.” Wow! What a wonderful review! But this is only one out of many who have said that your book was hard to put down. Tell us your thoughts about this. What is your secret in writing an intriguing book?

I love suspense. I love to read any sort of story that gets your heart thumping. So, it is only natural that suspense is what I love to write. I like mysteries and I like to keep readers guessing. 

What does your family think about your writing?

My boys are always so supportive. When The Alias was first released, I gave each of my young boys their very own copy. My oldest, who was in Kindergarten at the time, carried it around with him for days. It just warmed my heart. My husband has been so supportive and without his help, I couldn’t do it. He has always gone the extra mile to help me when I’m at a point where I just can’t put down my computer.

You have a wonderful husband. I can just imagine your little son carrying around your book. How adorable! Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I was a kid, my dad joined the Army and we moved to Germany to live for 4 years. During that time, we visited many near-by castles and palaces and during one of those visits my sister and I met a little German girl who was about my age. We couldn’t communicate, but we all immediately became best friends and my mother brought us to the castle nearly every week to play with our new friend. I loved exploring the grounds, towers, dungeons and the great halls. The time spent at the castle has always been some of my best memories.

Wow! What special memories you have! Thanks, Mandi, for this awesome interview. It was fun meeting you at the book festival, and now… getting to know you here at my blog.

Interview with Author Maria Hoagland

Maria Hoagland graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. She is a long distance runner, eighth grade algebra tutor, and type 1 diabetic. She and her husband reside in Texas with their three children. She loves soft green grass, a breeze in the trees, and a good book. Nourish & Strengthen is her debut novel and she is currently editing a second. You can connect with Maria Hoagland on her Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

“I really like Maria's writing. There are many sweet as well as hilarious moments with Chloe's kids, giving a good balance to the more serious struggles that she and her friends are dealing with. I learned so much about diabetes and the daily challenge it is. It is a great book for any woman. Very uplifting.” --Jenny Moore, The Write Stuff

Hello Maria! I understand this story is about a woman who is trying to deal with the challenges in life. Please tell us about your novel, Nourish and Strengthen.

Hello, Linda. Thank you so much for allowing me to visit with you on your blog! I’m so excited to talk about my book. Have you ever noticed that people—especially women—can be pretty hard on themselves sometimes?

Chloe Taylor has the perfect life: a model’s figure, a husband who adores her, three healthy children. So why does she feel so much less than perfect? After losing forty pounds, Chloe Taylor is finally happy with her body. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s not the one in control. When Chloe is called as the Primary president, she discovers that managing the highs and lows of a chronic illness may be easier than the ups and downs associated with family, friends, and church callings. Consumed by her own challenges, Chloe fails to recognize the issues her friends are facing and is in danger of losing their friendship. As Chloe strives to develop Christ-like love for herself and those around her, she learns that outer appearances are far less important than inner peace and spiritual strength. But is she strong enough to face her most difficult trial yet?

Your book sounds very interesting. Where did you get your inspiration for it?

Although Nourish and Strengthen is most definitively fiction, many of the medical experiences are based on personal experience. My husband and I are both type 1 diabetic, as are two of our three children, and people are always asking about the disease and our experience with it. I wanted people to realize that although it’s a constant challenge, it’s only a part of daily life.

Chloe’s major challenge is living with a chronic illness, but we all have trials in our lives just as difficult to us as Chloe’s are to her. I hope readers will come away uplifted and ready to overcome their challenges and learn a little about diabetes along the way. But most importantly, I hope readers find themselves more willing to accept other people’s best efforts, including their own, and not always expect perfection. 

So true. We're our own worse critics. What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

Because we’ve been living with diabetes for quite some time in our household, there wasn’t a lot of initial research to do; however, I made sure to fact check with medical personnel, law enforcement, and rescue workers so I wouldn’t pass on misleading or false information.

I bet that was so interesting to interview them. What does your family think about your writing?

My husband, family, and friends have been very encouraging over the many years that I talked about and worked on my novel. And now that it’s out, they are even more so. But one of the best things to come from this experience has been watching my oldest child become interested in writing. The past two years, while finishing high school, he has written two dystopian novels, one of which is being reviewed by national agents. I can’t tell you how excited I would be to have his novel sitting next to mine on a shelf—and to know that my example might have been a small part of that achievement.

How wonderful! I can almost hear the “pride” in your voice as you speak about your son. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I’m an endorphin junkie—that’s why I run. And I have found that running is a lot like writing. Mentally, I know I want to run because ultimately I enjoy it, but sometimes it’s difficult to make myself start. Those first twenty minutes are pure work, trying to get into the groove, find my pace. I get tired and worry I can’t go any further. But once I push through that wall and continue on, I get into a rhythm and start to enjoy it. Near the end, I push myself, running faster, working harder to meet that goal and improve each time. The real pleasure, however, comes when I finish and I have exerted my all. I may be sweaty and out of breath, but seeing my book on a shelf, hearing positive comments from readers, makes it worth all the work, and I know I will do it again.

I love your attitude about exercise. I’ve heard so much about endorphins and how they can make you very happy. I, also, learned that they are only released in your body through exercise. I guess I should do more walking, huh? Thanks so much for this wonderful interview, Maria. 

The Debut of Author Sarah Hinze’s New Book

Sarah Hinze loves children. She has given birth to 9 of her own, taken in additional foster children over the years, advocated for children’s rights before Arizona legislators and in the nation’s capital, published 6 books about the origin and destiny of children, and lectured on her research in the United States, Canada and Mexico. A former school teacher, in 1993 Sarah was named Arizona Homemaker of the Year. In addition to researching, writing and speaking, Sarah offers her gentle, strengthening wisdom as a Life Coach, in person or by phone consultation.

Sarah has collected personal accounts of those who have had dreams or spiritual experiences with their children before they were born or experiences of those who remember their life in heaven before they were born. This last study makes up the stories in her new book, The Memory of Angels: Remembering our Premortal Home.

Hello Sarah! According to your bio, you have accomplished a lot in your life. Please tell us about your new book.

We Lived in Heaven includes the vivid memories of life in heaven as told by young children, and dramatic stories of prayers answered by guardian angels who watch over us. Highlights of a few stories include:
* A letter from a mother to her son, whom she gave up for adoption, telling him of the dream that guided her through that painful decision.

* A kidnapped child who survived her ordeal by the guiding hand of a sister who would be born years later.

* A little boy’s memory of being brought to earth by his grandfather–a man he never knew.

At this time in my life several books had made the Near Death Experience (NDE) famous as evidence that there is “life after life.” I realized that seeing my children before they were born was evidence for “life before life.” I knew at least four Biblical accounts also teach that we live before this life—Jesus, John the Baptist, Samuel, and Jeremiah. I wondered if other people had similar experiences. I prayed for guidance and soon began meeting people who had seen their children before they were born. I coined the following definition: Pre-Birth Experience (PBE), meaning contact with or announcement regarding an unborn soul, and began collecting accounts for my first book, Life Before Life. I have now collected hundreds of case studies illustrating the reality of the PBE. As with any area of research, the more we learn, the more we can refine the data. We Lived in Heaven is my fifth book in this refining process. 

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

I began my research on Pre-Birth Experiences over twenty years ago without the Internet, if you can imagine such a thing! My husband was an invaluable help in this research. We called relatives and friends, explained we were writing a book and asked if they, or someone they knew, had seen or heard from their children before they were born. We visited with people in line at the supermarket, the bank, the doctor’s office, and so on. We sent letters to the editors of various newspapers around the U.S. Many of those letters were published and we began receiving letters and phone calls from strangers reporting PBEs. We read books and articles on the near-death experience and contacted some of the authors, asking if some had seen their future children or spirits waiting to be born during their NDEs.

Within a few months we had collected about 150 PBE accounts from which approximately 35 were selected for my first book. Today I have a website, www.sarahhinze.com and through email have received, and continue to receive, hundreds of Pre-Birth Experiences from around the world. When we give lectures we consistently find that at least 2-3 persons in any group of 30 have had or know someone who has had a PBE. In social science and cross-cultural research, the PBE is called the “Announcing Dream.” We now have 21 grandchildren, several of whom announced to their parents in dreams or otherwise that it was their time to come to earth. Our research suggests the PBE is a universal phenomenon that occurs in virtually all cultures and races. Most important of all, the PBE can be a beautiful, sacred, bonding and life changing experience for the unborn spirit, the recipient, and the entire family when shared. The PBE contributes powerful evidence for the sanctity and eternal nature of life.

Wow! So what does your family think about your writing?

Each member of our family supports our research, respects the sanctity of life, treasures their own children and some have had their own confirming Pre-Birth Experiences.

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

I was born in Eastern Tennessee at the foot the Great Smoky Mountains. I love trees and green and recently found out that I have a Native American line from the Cherokee nation that runs through my family line. I am proud of this line and sometimes I can feel my dear Native Grandmothers and Grandfathers with me. 

Now how awesome is that! Thanks, Sarah, for this very enlightening interview. I have learned a lot. For those interested in her book, you may go to Amazon and check it out. It’s also available in German and Portuguese.

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Ruth J. Hartman

 Ruth Hartman is a “humorous” 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.



Welcome back to my blog once again, Ruth. It’s fun talking to you. You write humorous romances. How fun! Please tell us about your new book.

“Grin and Barrett” is a quirky romance about two dentists. Remmie Grin and Victor Barrett. Their offices are right next door to each other and they go to ridiculous lengths to steal each other’s patients. Along the ride, though, they find out they have feelings for each other. But they’re both too stubborn to admit it.

The names of the main characters are hilarious. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel? 

I’ve worked in dentistry for nearly 30 years. I’d written two dental romances before this one. “Flossophy of Grace” was about a hygienist and a patient. “Pillow Talk” was about a tooth fairy and her dentist. I decided the dentists needed a book of their own.

You put a lot of humor in your books. Is it hard to come up with such humorous ideas or does it come naturally?

It comes naturally. I guess because I’m so goofy. I find the strangest things amusing. Like the piano-playing cat on those pistachios commercials. Or the woodchucks actually chucking wood on the insurance commercial. I don’t know. I just find stuff funny. My sister and I can just look at each other and start giggling. There may not really be a reason. But, who needs a reason, right?

I’m also a klutz. And you’ll see a lot of that in my books for the heroine. Klutzy characters make their own fun. ☺

What kind of research did you do for this book?

I didn’t have to do a whole lot, since I’m surrounded by all things dental every week. The dentists are compilations of several I’ve known over the years. Although, I’ve never met a dentist exactly like Victor. His character was different than any of my other heroes. I just wanted to try something new. So I made him opposite, in several ways, from heroes in my other books.

In our last interview, you mentioned that you add real life situations to your stories. Can you tell us an experience that you added in this book?

I played up the height difference between Victor and Remmie. My husband is nearly a foot taller than I am, and it keeps things interesting. Like dancing. We recently went to a dance sponsored by his employer. We went out on the floor for a slow dance (he won’t do the fast ones) and I noticed we had to hold each other differently than other dancers. While some of our female friends could look almost eye to eye with their husbands, and could have their arms around their date’s neck, either Garry would have had to lean way down for me to put my arms around his neck, or I’d be on tip toes all the time. Even though I wore boots with heels.

So, I just ended up with my arms around his middle and rested my nose on his chest. Which was better than my nose in his armpit. It’s not the easiest position to have a conversation with someone. The scene with Remmie and Victor tied together in a three-legged race is an example of that.

Your book sounds so much fun to read. Thanks for this wonderful interview, Ruth. And congratulations on another humorous love story!

Interview with Romance Author Emily Mah Tippetts

Emily Mah Tippetts grew up in New Mexico and now lives in London with her family. Someone Else’s Fairytale is her third novel written as E.M. Tippetts, the name she uses for romance. She also writes science fiction and fantasy as Emily Mah. Before she was a writer, she was an attorney who specialized in real estate, estate planning, and literary estate planning. To learn more about her, including how to contact her, visit her website.


Hello Emily! Please tell us about your sweet romance.

Protagonist, Chloe Winters, doesn’t just not care about celebrities, she’s got good reasons to avoid them. Suffice it to say, she’s got some unusual scars and cops recognize her immediately when they hear her name. The movie star is Jason Vanderholt, star of the New Light franchise, a series of gladiator movies that made him so famous he can’t set foot anywhere in public without attracting a mob of adoring fans.

Someone Else’s Fairytale conforms to the moral norms of Latter-day Saint fiction. There are no steamy sex scenes, swear words, or gratuitous violence. I loved writing it, and hope my readers get that same sense of lighthearted joy when they read it. It came out in December in ebook form, and is just now coming out in print.

Since my blog is a family friendly blog, your book fits right in. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

The idea for Someone Else’s Fairytale came to me while I was desperate to think of another light romance concept. I was completely blank, but wanted more than anything to have a book idea that I loved so much that I’d look forward to working on it every day. I must’ve spent two weeks wracking my brain for something, anything, and then one day I was bored and reading entertainment headlines. It occurred to me that it really is strange how many people idolize celebrities and how if one ever hit on me, I would find it an amusing incident to tell my grandchildren about and there it was, the idea I’d been searching for. What if, I thought, I had a protagonist who doesn’t care about celebrity, fame, or money who gets hit on by a movie star? So that’s the plot of Someone Else’s Fairytale.

The setting just had to be Albuquerque in my home state of New Mexico. It’s ideal because although it is a city, the population is tight-knit enough to make it feel like a small town. It’s produced several well known actors, and even those who aren’t well known are known to the people who live there. Their former classmates and extended family are still around everywhere. For example, I worked at the law firm that Neil Patrick Harris’s grandfather helped found. His brother ran a restaurant on the east side of town. So I made Jason Vanderholt an Albuquerque native and a graduate of La Cueva High School, which is where Neil Patrick Harris and Freddie Prinze, Jr. went to school.

Once I had my characters and setting, it was just a matter of introducing Jason to Chloe, and the rest was a couple of months of hard work and serious fun. I hope people enjoy the ride!

What a great plot! Back in the 40s, my mother and her sister took a trip to Palm Springs and while there she was hit upon by Errol Flynn. She enjoyed his flirtations but knew his reputation with the women and was careful. For those too young to remember, he played the part of “Robin Hood.” So, Emily, you write “chick lit” and science fiction. What does your family think about your writing?

They’ve been endlessly supportive. My parents paid for a very expensive education for me, and yet brag to their friends about my books - that’s loyalty, given the average income (or lack thereof) a writer earns. My husband reads everything I write, even the chick lit. And then the other people who’ve helped me along, such as my best friend Char who reads absolutely every draft of everything I produce, have become family to me. I don’t know what I’d do without them. My boys are too young to tell me what they think, so we’ll see!

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

I’ve got six names altogether. My legal name is Emily Mah Tippetts, but I was born Emily Mary Mah, and my Chinese relatives gave me the name Shi Yue. So I am Emily Mah, E.M. Tippetts, Emily M. Mah, Mah Shi Yue, and many other names besides. This means that I can go through a lot of permutations before I have to use an actual pen name, which I love, because I can brand my different styles accordingly, but still look at the cover and see my very own name.

Wow! That’s really something. Now we know the real you: Emily Mah Tippetts, Emily Mary Mah, and Shi Yue! Hahaha! Thank you so much for this interview.

Interview with Author Thomas Blubaugh

Tom resides with his wife, Barbara, in the Ozark hills of southwest Missouri. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom started writing poetry when he was fourteen. He had hopes that his poems would be turned into songs for Elvis and other popular artists. This dream didn’t develop, but he continued writing. Tom has written nonfiction most of his adult life. He has published Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry (1974), written articles for denominational magazines and business publications, co-written a devotional journal The Great Adventure (2009), and his first novel Night of the Cossack was published by Bound by Faith Publishers (2011).

“This book can only be described as a rare gem. Truly a work of art! I couldn't put it down. You won't find another book like it on the shelf these days.” -- Salena Stormo

Hello Tom! Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up rather quickly. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

It’s a story about my maternal grandfather who died before I was born. I had a little information about him, one being he was a Cossack soldier in Russia. I researched enough to know the information I had was factual and I began writing about him for myself. It was very important to me since both of my grandfathers were gone before I came on the scene. I always wanted to have a grandfather. I didn’t really think about it being published until sometime after I started the project.

This is so awesome. As some of you know, I fly throughout the U.S., teaching people how to write the stories of their ancestors. This subject is very dear to me. So… what is a Cossack?

Cossacks were members of several peasant groups of Russian and Polish descent. They lived in autonomous communal settlements, especially in the Ukraine, until the early 20th century. In return for special privileges, they served in the cavalry under the czars. They were well known for their horsemanship. They raided villages for supplies, women, and young men to increase or replenish their ranks. Eventually they became a part of the Russian army.

What age group would appreciate Night of the Cossack?

I have received correspondence from readers age twelve through eighty-six telling me how much they enjoyed my book. It’s classified as a YA novel, but I think of it as a historical fiction for all ages.

What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

This was very interesting. I was not fond of history as a student, but I found the study of Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Italy, France and the Cossacks to be fascinating. I used our local library, the Internet, a travel agency in Ukraine Geneology.com and the museum at Ellis Island as sources of historical information. I also used the map department of Missouri State University to review actual maps of the time of my novel. I also talked with a Russian History professor at MSU and interviewed students from Russia and Ukraine and an elderly Jewish lady from Poland.

That must have been so interesting to interview everyone. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

As a result of a series of events I became homeless in 1998. Although it seemed tragic at the time, God used it for good. After years of being self-employed, I found myself free to pursue writing and volunteer work and for the first time in years—I had time to smell the roses.

Ahhhhh! To smell the roses! How wonderful! Now we know the inspiration behind your novel: Your Grandfather! Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to talk about your book. My dear readers, I just wanted you to know that the first page of Tom’s book grabs you right away. Read it and see what I mean. 

Chapter 1

Nathan’s eyes flew open. Sounds, screams and gunshots penetrated the cold air of his upstairs bedroom. The pungent smell of smoke invaded his nose. He coughed. Am I having a nightmare? Shadows danced wildly across the ceiling and down the walls. Heart pounding, he threw off his covers, jumped out of bed, and rushed to the window. His little brother, Israel, followed. Its real!

“What is it, Nathan?” Israel whispered.

Nathan pulled his brother against the wall behind him.

“Hey! I want to see!”

“Shush, Israel.” Nathan looked through the window at the valley below, his heart racing. Men in long coats and fur hats were running through the village brandishing swords and raising rifles. Cossacks!

Interview with YA Romance Author Sherry Gammon

Sherry Gammon is a mother of six beautiful children. She began writing poetry at the age of 12, and fell in love with writing. Sherry is a grandmother to one beautiful baby…so far, and has written four books. Unlovable is the first in the series but each one is a standalone book. A bit of trivia about Sherry! She was not happy with the way Ms. Rowling was killing off her favorite characters in Harry Potter, so she rewrote the book how SHE wanted it to end…needless to say, it will never be published.

“Unlovable is a very lovable story…Despite the heart-breaking moments of this novel (and Unlovable has quite a few of these), I loved every word, sentence, page, chapter I read. While I usually prefer more lighthearted stories, there is something special about this novel and the way it's written that made it possible for me to get completely sucked into the story.” –Fictional Distraction

Hello Sherry! This book is a young adult romantic thriller. Please tell us about your novel.

Seventeen year-old Maggie Brown is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes. But drugs are not Maggie's problem... her mother is. Maggie’s struggling with her growing feelings for the new guy at school, Seth Prescott, and fears he is just another person who will let her down, like everyone in her life has done thus far. Seth Prescott is an undercover cop assigned to Port Fare High, and despite his job, he’s developed strong feelings for Maggie. Seth’s working tirelessly to flush out the sadistic drug peddlers that have invaded the small town of Port Fare, New York, while Maggie fights to stay alive as the search turns deadly. Seth and Maggie’s romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak and self-discovery as their world is about to change forever.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I grew up with a couple of girls who had a rough go of things. I formed Maggie's character around these two girls. The drug part was all made up, thankfully!!

Thrillers tend to keep a reader on the edge of their seat. What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

Lots. I didn't know anything about guns, drugs, or the MET. I had to research quite a bit, plus I interviewed people I knew who were familiar in each of these areas.

I bet that was so interesting to interview all those people. What does your family think about your writing?

Love it. Completely supportive in every way! I'm very blessed, that's for sure. My hubby is very encouraging. He is a good editor also! 

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

I have six toes on both my feet! 

What did you say? Hahaha! Well, at least you got my readers attention.

Okay, not really. I have lived in five states and 26 different homes! I am a nomad, my kids hate it! We have lived in our current town/ward for almost nine years now. A record for us! And we don't plan on moving any time soon. We love New York…though we hate the taxes!! We are only 20ish minutes from the sacred grove!! Is there a more perfect place! 

Oh my gosh! 26 homes? I bet that’s a real record for most kids. So you’re from New York, eh? My hubby and I went to Palmyra and walked through the historical sites a few years ago. It was the most amazing experience. We even saw the Hill Cumorah Pageant.  Loved it! I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a fun and spiritual vacation.

Interview with Author and Artist JoAnn Arnold

JoAnn is the author of 5 books, plus 1 that she co-authored. She enjoys writing in different genres. JoAnn and her husband, Brent, live in Santa Clara, Utah. They have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and fifteen grandchildren. All of their sons live out-of-State. She explained that is what happens when you send sons on missions. They find there is life outside Utah. 

Hello JoAnn! Oh my gosh! You're from Santa Clara? I live in the same area. What a coincidence! Here we are, living just a few miles from each other and didn’t even know it, and we finally meet through an interview. What a small world! Okay, please tell us about your novel.

Hi Linda. Thank you for giving this interview. Journey of the Promise is a story of a young woman, Callie McAllister, who falls in love with the perfect man and moves into the perfect house, a beautiful mansion. But it isn’t long before she finds out that her husband is far from perfect.

In Callie’s search for answers, she finds herself in the part of the mansion that has been closed for several years. As she wanders through the rooms, she finds a journal written by her husband’s great-great-grandfather and her life suddenly takes on a new meaning. She sets out on a journey that leads her though secret rooms and hidden caves to those who have waited hundreds of years for her to fulfill a promise made in another time. 

I’m intrigued with the subject of this book. Where did you get your inspiration for this novel?

When I first started writing this book I had a totally different concept as to where it was going. Callie was a grandmother. When I finished the third chapter, Callie told me she didn’t want to be a grandmother, she wanted to be a young woman who was about to have an incredible experience.

“Okay,” I said and I went back to the first chapter and began changing Callie’s life. After I did that, Characters began introducing themselves and I decided to let them tell the story and I would do the writing. It was one fun experience. So far I haven’t used life experiences in writing my novels. I get an idea and let the imagination do the rest. 

You are also an artist. “Watching for Daddy” is an adorable painting. Does painting bring out a different side of you that is completely separate from writing? Tell us your thoughts about this.

I have found that writing and painting both use the same part of the brain. When you are doing a painting, you are telling a story on canvas. When you write a book, you are painting a picture in the reader’s mind. Sometimes when I have mind-block while writing, I’ll work on a painting and visa-versa. I have a passion for painting and that same passion for writing.

Your paintings are so beautiful. Visit JoAnn’s Website and see her beautiful artwork. What does your family think about your writing?

After reading my first two books, “Miracles for Michael,” and “Journey of the Promise,” Devin, my third son, called me and said, “Mom, while I’m reading your books, I have to keep reminding myself that this author is my mother. I didn’t know you had an imagination. I decided to do a little research on why some have an imagination and some don’t. I found that everyone has an imagination when they’re little, but most of them grow up. Mom, you have never grown up.”

My family is very supportive and my husband cleans the house while I write, then does the editing, making sure my punctuations are in the right place and all the words are spelled correctly.

What a wonderful husband! You are very blessed to have a man like that. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I have Meniere’s Disease which is a disease of the inner ear. Through acupuncture I can keep it under control but I can’t eat anything with sugar in it or I’ll have an attack. I have learned how to eat and what to eat. I make the best muffins with carrot pulp and pineapple pulp, multigrain flour and unsweetened chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is my best friend. Haven’t had a pop in over 15 years. 

Dark chocolate, eh? Thank you so much for this interview, JoAnn. My readers and I have gotten to know a very talented person. By the way, I love your son’s perspective of an author’s imagination…that we’ve never grown up. Hahaha!

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Jewel Adams

Jewel Adams stays crazy busy with her family and writing. She has written several books in different genres and is also a motivational speaker to both youth and adult audiences. She home schools her four kids that are still at home, and between that and conjuring up new ideas for her books, her brain is completely fried most of the time. She and her husband Sean are the parents of eight children, which means they are both losing hair, but hey, that's what Rogaine is for, right? She and her family reside in Utah.

“This story really tugs my heart strings and it was done in the most tasteful manner. It is a true love story of two people deeply in love, who love their family while facing life's many trials.”

Hello Jewel! It's nice meeting you. We don't live very far from each other. What a coincidence! Please tell us about your novel.

The Legacy was a two year long project. It’s the story of a young black woman who leaves her tragic past behind and changes her life. So many wonderful blessings come into her life, but she still feels unworthy of them and has yet to understand her worth in the eyes of God. She soon finds love and that knowledge eventually comes, but she soon faces some trials she never expected.

I usually put a little of myself in my heroines, but I put more of myself in Cisely, the heroine of The Legacy, than any other character. When you read about her past, the abuse, and then the days of drugs and alcohol, that was me. It took a long time for me to see what God sees in me. He sent me a great husband and eight amazing kids. Now I just enjoy life and take the joys and the trials as they come.

Wow! Isn't it amazing how the Lord watches over us and helps us find true happiness. You are very blessed. I read your book and your style of writing is new to me. Please tell my readers about it.

I like writing in first person-present tense because I'm able to really get into the main character's head and show more emotion. I also write in first person-past tense in some of my other books.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

Many times, I do draw on some life experiences, I just change the names to protect the innocent, and the guilty:-) Sometimes I use the experiences of others. My desk sits in front of my bedroom window, which is over the garage. Sometimes I sit and watch the neighbors coming and going. They have no idea of the stories or characters they inspire:-)

Haha! That’s so funny! A Reviewer wrote, “I am so enchanted by this story. The Legacy is beautifully written, heartfelt and very inspirational. I'm an avid reader and this is, hands down, the best love story I have ever read. I started reading and simply could not stop until I reached the end (I did not even stop to dry my tears.) … I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to find a story that does not center on the physical aspect of relationships!” Tell us your thoughts about this, especially the last sentence.

When I was a teenager, I loved to read romance novels, but the only ones available were Harlequin, and this was way before their Loved Inspired novels. When I was older and began thinking about writing, I decided to write romance that was uplifting and clean. Most of my books are interracial romance because that's what I know, and I like to write stories that are emotion-driven, and stories that featured characters with Christian morals and values without being preachy. I love hearing from fans how my books have affected them. Some of the emails make me totally teary and they reaffirm my determination to never sell my fans out by crossing the line and introducing immorality in my writing. Some enjoy more physical stories and that's completely okay. I'll never judge anyone for what they enjoy reading because we all like different things. 

What does your family think about your writing?

It's funny, but my oldest daughter likes to read my books and has finally gotten past the “Mom, I can't believe you wrote that! You're my Mom!” syndrome. It was okay for her to read passionate love stories from other authors, but having her mom write those things was just totally weird. I think she is good with it now:-) The rest of the family thinks it's pretty cool.

I know exactly what you mean. My books are sweet romances, too, and a couple of my daughters felt the same way. What a coincidence! Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I seriously cannot go a whole day without orange Tic tacs. My kids call them my drug of choice. Heaven will not be heaven without them:-) Okay, something serious: When I was a kid, I suffered a lot of abuse for a lot of years, but I had dreams just like any other child. And even though they were grandiose dreams, they could never compare to the life I have been blessed with. God had bigger plans for me than I had for myself. It's nice to know He saw the real me and knew what was best for me. 

Thank you so much for this interview, Jewel. I look up to you because of what you have become through all the difficulties in your life. Now I know the real you: a woman of courage!

Interview with Sweet Romance Author Marie Higgins

Marie Higgins is a multi-published author of romance; from refined bad-boy heroes who makes your heart melt, to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. Visit her website to discover more about her at http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com

Hello Marie! A Walk in Heaven is a Christian Historical Romance. Please tell us about your novel.

Hi Linda, and thanks for having me on your blog! My story takes place in Montana, 1875 on a cattle ranch. This isn’t an ordinary Christian Historical Romance…this has a lot of action, suspense, and family drama. This story, as well as my others, can be found on Kindle and Nook. Soon they’ll be out in print, but I just don’t know when.

“All he wanted was to trust again.” Joshua Grayson is not happy about his new sister-in-law’s visit and he uses the term ‘sister-in-law’ loosely as Careen Kennedy Grayson was a complete stranger. Joshua’s brother, Matthew, left the family ranch in the dead of night to run away and wed a woman he’d never met. The fact Matthew was killed moments after walking out of the church with his new bride merely adds insult to injury. Joshua struggles with resentment and trying not to blame Careen for his brother’s death. But it is difficult not to harbor ill feelings when he knows she’s keeping secrets. Despite his suspicions, Joshua slowly grows attracted to Careen and even starts to like her. Unfortunately, Joshua knows all too well the folly of loving a woman he cannot trust.

Careen Kennedy Grayson was married and widowed within minutes of the other. When her obsessive cousin, Luther, arrives minutes after Matthew’s death, she knows deep down he’s the one who killed Matthew. Luther is arrested and held for trial while Careen takes her husband’s body back to his family. Soon after arriving at the loving Grayson ranch, Careen learns of her mother-in-law’s heart condition. Unwilling to cause undue stress, Careen decides to wait until after Luther’s trial to speak the full truth of their son’s death. Soon Careen grows embedded in family and ranch life, getting closer to the Grayson’s with each passing day. She finds herself unnaturally drawn to Joshua and she knows their budding attraction will only complicate matters… Especially when the family discovers her cousin did indeed kill Matthew.

This story sounds so intriguing to me. Where did you get your inspiration for this book? Do you get any ideas from real life experiences?

Since I never write from real life experiences (yeah, my life is boring!) I use my imagination. My inspiration for this book came after I’d read a few Inspirational stories and found the story lines flat. Because I love writing historicals, I picked a spot for my story – Montana. I’ve never been there, so I let my critique partner and friend help me out (since she lives there). After I plotted out my characters, the story fell into place. The only thing I can say that comes from real life experience is falling in love – or trying not to fall in love with someone.

Since this is historical fiction, what kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

I had to map out the towns in Montana. The bad guy in the story (heroine’s cousin) tries to track her down. So I had to first make sure that town existed in 1875, and if they had a telegraph office, jail, church, etc. I had previously researched clothing, so I was all right on that account. I had to research the weather since there is a blizzard in the middle of the story. But I really enjoy doing research! 

I know what you mean. My first 5 novels are historical romances and I had to research the clothing and a blizzard, as well. What does your family think about your writing?

They are very proud of me! Even my husband, if you can believe that. For years he never supported my writing. It hurt. But he was embarrassed to tell people his wife was a romance writer. But now that my books are in bookstores, and people in town are recognizing me as ‘that romance writer’, he has a different change of heart. My daughters, my mom, and my sister love bragging about me. I’m not sure if my brother does, but I know his wife and daughters do!

Thanks, Marie, for this awesome interview. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I was young, I was extremely shy! There was a time my brother and I were with my parents on a train. I don’t exactly remember what kind of train, but it was for tourists. Anyway, there was a loud commotion and I fell to the floor and stuck my head between my father’s ankles and held on tight. I was so scared! As I grew up, I walked with my eyes to the floor and didn’t talk unless someone said something first. If I didn’t know that person, I mumbled my answer. My 16th year was my turning point. I came out of my shell and no longer was shy. It took my parents completely by surprise and they had a hard time handling that. From that point on, I wanted to be center of attention. I loved making people laugh – still do, in fact! I don’t mind giving writing workshops, or getting up in church to give a talk. Now if you see me on the street, I’m the one usually speaking first! lol

Wow! Who would have ever suspected that you were that shy? Now you’re teaching writing workshops and giving talks all over the place. Thanks for allowing us to get to know the real you!