Interview with Christian Romance Author Lori Copeland

Lori is a “best-selling” Christian author. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. They are quite involved in their church and support mission work in Mali, West Africa. Lori has three children, several grandchildren, a great grandchild, and over 95 books published. Whew! Those are quite the accomplishments. My personal favorites are: “Men of the Saddle” and “Brides of the West.”

Walker's Wedding: Jilted by his fiancée, Walker McKay is determined to never let a woman near his heart again, but he needs an heir. Courting someone new is out of the question, so he’ll have to find a wife another way. Wealthy heiress Sara Livingston wants to marry, but her suitors are deemed unsuitable by her unreasonable father. So she answers an ad for a mail-order bride and grabs onto it with both hands. Will Sara’s deception about her background and Walker’s wounded heart keep them from finding what they are looking for? Or are they truly meant for one another? 

Hello Lori. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to interview you. I have read several of your books and have enjoyed them immensely. I absolutely loved the “Men of the Saddle” series. Tell us about your new book, Walker’s Wedding. 

Walker's Wedding is the third book in my Western Sky Harvest series, and I have to say it's my favorite--of course all my books are like my babies. Actually, that isn't true; often a book will not turn out the way I envisioned and that always makes me sad. But there's the rare occasion that a book comes together exactly as I've planned and I rejoice. Walker's Wedding is one of those titles. This book was previously written for the ABA market and Harvest allowed me to refresh it the way I'd always envisioned the story. Without giving away the plot I'll just say that it's a book with strong emotions, a few laughs and always the message that through God all things are possible. 

I love your books because your characters are so well developed. Where do you get your ideas? Do you get some from real life experiences or your imagination?

Oh my---that's hard to say. I think every author draws on life experiences, though I have never experienced anything like what Sara Livingston does in this story! I usually mull the hero and heroine around in my mind for a while before I come up with the setting and situation. One of the fun parts of writing is that you never know where the story is going to lead. I am an author that has no problem veering from my original thoughts if I feel that the characters are suddenly taking the lead in the story. 

Lori began her writing career in 1982. "In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him." Lori, tell us about your journey from secular writing to writing Christian Novels.

I began my career in the ABA market. I wrote the short romances for Dell, Random House, Harlequin--just about every line going at that time. My heart was never in the secular romance. I was a Christian, but I wasn't serving God with my talent. I had prayed for fifteen years for Him to open a door to the Christian market, and He finally did. I began with Tyndale House with my Brides of the West series. Since then I've worked with Harlequin Steeple Hill, Zondervan and Harvest House. Please visit me at my web site: www.loricopeland.com and catch up with all my latest titles. I have so many older titles that I hope to refresh someday--great stories that I would love to tell with a Christian voice. 

What does your family think about your writing?

LOL. You have to understand that I come from a family comprised mostly of men. My husband is an only child; I have three sons, they have four boys among them and one girl. Yay Audrey! And we were blessed with a darling great-granddaughter Anabelle, 17 months ago. And now Mya is on the way! We're gaining on 'em, ladies. I am certain that my family is very proud of my success, but around home I'm just mom, grandma and taxi service, and that's the best occupation a woman can have. 

So true! Being a mom is a full time job. By the way, we're complete opposites 'cause I have all daughters and no sons. (Six daughters in all.) Okay, tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

The real Lori Copeland is a very lonely author. I sometimes feel that I sit in a small office and write to air. Writing is a solitary job--and it is a job. A writer gives up much of what other people take for granted. We give up close friends--because friendships take time. We give up small pleasures like days off--because a writer is never far away for his work. We give up our innocence because everything we write about is suspect; friends think we're writing about them, enemies are certain you've stolen their material. Writing is both a curse and blessing---never forget that when you read a book. 

Lori, always remember that you have many readers to whom you bring great joy, including myself. You don't know how many hearts you've touched. If you really think about it, you don’t write to air, but to an audience that loves Christian Romance. It’s difficult to find a beautifully written romance that is clean for all ages. You entertain, bring joy to your readers, and make us laugh. I love the humor you put in your books. I often wonder if making a person laugh is the best job of all. That’s why you’re an author. We need this kind of entertainment. Thank you for a fun interview.

Book Review for Walker's Wedding:

Walker’s Wedding is a refreshing and adorable romance with plenty of humor. The story begins with Sarah who, at the age of 25, is considered an old maid. Every man that comes courting… her wealthy father doesn’t approve of or they are fortune hunters. At this rate she’ll never find a husband. Sarah wants to marry and have children. She is also desperate to get away from her controlling father and have a life of her own. She wants to love and be loved and would do anything… even be a mail-order bride. Without her father’s knowledge, she heads for Wyoming on the train to meet her husband-to-be.

Walker McKay isn’t sure what to expect when he meets the beautiful red headed Sarah Livingston. He had been abandoned at the altar once before and was humiliated. Not wanting to be jilted a second time and disgraced, Walker McKay plans a barbeque, just in case his new fiancée might skip out. This way, if she doesn’t show up, then no one knows he’s been jilted again. Sarah is surprised when she walks down the steps in her wedding gown and finds the room full of guests having a barbeque. When she turns to Walker with a puzzled look, he just smiles. He did not forget to invite the preacher who doesn’t even know he is about to perform a wedding. “Got your bible with you?” Walker asks the preacher. Who ever heard of a Barbeque Wedding?

Most romances are about a couple who meets, he courts her, and they fall in love… but this story takes a different direction all together. It’s about a couple who marries, he courts her, and then they fall in love. The humor is delightful throughout the book, with one twist after another. When Walker finds out that she isn’t who she says she is, he flies off the handle and isn’t sure what to do. Author Lori Copeland has written an adorable novel about romance after the wedding. I highly recommend this book. It’s fun!

Review written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of Melinda and the Wild West, a Semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award.”

Interview with Author Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen knew she wanted to be a writer when her 6th grade English teacher read The Outsiders to the class. When she reached the section where Johnny urged Ponyboy to stay “gold,” Ronda realized she wanted to write "golden” words just like Hinton. Her novel, Trapped, won 1st Place for “2009 League of Utah Writers Full Length Novel” contest. Read sample chapters Here.

"Just like its title, Trapped, snatched up my attention with its first sentence. Hinrichsen carefully presents absorbing characters, heart-tugging romance and mystical-laden riddles in a way that kept me turning pages way past bedtime." Jody Durfee

“A forged letter, a golden vial, an ancient curse...” Wow! Tell us about your new book, TRAPPED.

TRAPPED is about a sheltered Florida girl who wakens to find a thief in her mother’s home. After she escapes, she discovers he not only stole two paintings, but he also left behind shrines dedicated to her and a mysterious note, a "trap," which eventually leads her and the man she loves to a mafia-like world within the Austrian Alps.

Your book sounds full of suspense. "As Emi struggles to understand her destiny, she learns that everything isn't as it seems and that all choices have consequences." Where do you get your ideas? Do you get some from real life experiences?

Ideas come from everywhere. In fact, I think of them as floating around in the sky, waiting for someone to grab onto them. Sometimes more than one person grabs onto the same idea. In fact, sometime ago while I was in the submission process with my first novel, MISSING, I came across a website where someone had expressed the idea for a novel that was very similar to MISSING. Even the characters. I couldn’t believe it! And yet, even with all those same ideas floating around, it’s the uniqueness of those who mold them into stories that make them different than all others.

Do real life events make their way into my work? Yes and no. Often a personal experience will spark my imagination or help me see the human truth within a situation. I also do a lot of research into real life places, people and situations to make my stories as authentic as possible, especially in stories like MISSING. But ultimately, my fiction is exactly that—fiction: a creative mix of fact and imagination.

Actually, TRAPPED is the result of two vivid yet very different dreams I had a couple of years ago. The first involved a child caught in a deadly trap and the second portrayed a fantastical scene of sacrifice, complete with character motivations, that ultimately became the basis for my finale. None of it was real, and yet I “experienced” the dreams.

Josi Kilpack wrote about your book, “Family secrets, magic, and a fascinating new setting. Well written and cleverly done, Trapped is a great example of what makes suspense novels so engaging.” What is your secret for suspenseful novels?

There are quite a few suspense-building techniques, but one I frequently rely on is I use fairytale plot structures because they are wrought with emotion, wonder, and danger, all elements that are important to suspense.

What genre do you consider your novel to be?

Good question. I think of it as mystery/suspense with a hint of fantasy. It's sort of similar to an Indiana Jones kind of story. :)

Now that’s what I call intriguing! What does your family think about your writing?

Some are proud of me. Some amazed. And some wonder why I do it.

Isn’t that the truth! I believe that families are amazed because it’s something new, not the average run of the mill career. Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Several years ago, I saw the movie “Operation Petticoat.” In it, the pretty boy character played by Tony Curtis said he was a scavenging “idea man” rather than a sailor. As a writer, that’s what I try to do, too: come up with ideas and mix them up until they represent the people and stories in my head.

So you are a "scavenging idea woman." Is that right? Now you've got your new nick name! Thanks for such a pleasant interview, Ronda.

Interview with Author Laura Lyseight

Laura Lyseight has been a source of inspiration and great influence in the lives of many teenagers and children. Her burning ambition to see teens find and reach their full potential has driven her to write books to challenge, empower and enrich their lives beyond their own expectations. A private tutor and coach, and a best-selling author, Laura is mentoring teens to leadership and helping them create their own success stories.

Hello Laura. Please tell us about your books and what you want to accomplish in helping young people.

Thank you very much for this interesting question. My objective and obsession is to create an awareness of the untapped abilities, capabilities and hidden potential that lies dormant in the lives of many teens. This is the passion that has consumed and driven me to prolifically write and help teens break out from their limiting beliefs, both internally and externally.

When writing, do you get your ideas from real life experiences as a teenager?

Definitely, everybody has to pass through this unavoidable teen stage in life. Personally I think this is a vital stage where one can make or break him or herself. Walter Hoving says "Youth is a frightening age...so many problems; so little wisdom to solve them."

In my teen years I actually wanted to be my very best. I was great with my academics, but was not an all round, as I lacked the ability to think outside the box. My parents encouraged us (my sisters and I) to get the best grades, so we could end up with good jobs, but I always used to ask why some people were extremely wealthy, while we were just above average. I wanted to know more, but had no mentor or role model to satisfy my curiosity. I knew people, who were doing extremely well financially, had secrets that the average person did not know about. Yet I had no one to show me the path to achieve great success. If I knew in my teen years what I know now, which I gladly share in my books, my life would have certainly turned out differently. I give thanks to my God in all things though, because the steps of the righteous are ordered by Him. This is one of my main reasons for mentoring teens.

1001 Life Changing Quotes 4 TEENS is a compilation of words of wisdom to inspire and change the lives of teens. These quotes are taken from various scholars. In your book you wrote: “Jesus says profoundly, ‘The words that I speak, they are Spirit and they are life.’ Words live and have incredible power, so watch what words you speak.” Your book is full of wisdom, “designed to motivate, challenge, and help teens in charting their successful path in life.” Please tell us why you want to inspire teens to a better life.

God has already placed in us the ability to rule, reign and take charge over our lives. He wants us to enjoy our lives, influence and affect others around us. He calls us to the abundant life, so that we can be channels of blessings. However, majority of people are clueless of this birthright and as the Bible clearly states "Because of LACK of knowledge my people perish." You need to gain knowledge, you must have a desire to make friends with words of wisdom because, you are called to success.

As a matter of fact, you are the only one who has the power to personally develop yourself. Throughout history all successful men and women have been known to tap into the power of wise words and you should want to do the same. You can do more when you are successful than when the opposite is true.

In your book you wrote: “You are unique and you are one of a kind. You can BE, DO and HAVE whatever you desire. Break loose from every limiting and wrong thought so that your genius can appear. You are created in the image of God. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. ” I love this quote. What did you mean when you said break loose from every limiting and wrong thought?

I will start by saying that any limiting belief comes about due to the accumulation of occurrences from childhood to whatever stage we find ourselves. Sadly enough both young and old have these limiting beliefs, but the good news is that we can all break loose from them.

I coach teens who normally come to their first meeting with all kinds of wrong thoughts and excuses on why they are not performing at their best. They have every imaginable excuse going on in their minds- they come from a broken home, they do not deserve it, they are not good enough, they are not clever, their skin color, they are not cool or pretty enough, and the list could go on...you know what I am trying to say.

Truth is, life throws challenges at all, but you do not have to make a bed and sleep where you met the challenge, instead you make the best out of every misfortune. In my book TEENS BEAT FUTURE ECONOMIC CRISIS, I talk about a girl who had no friends in school because these group of girls in her class said she was not cool enough, as she listened to country music. She went home from school almost everyday feeling lonely and sad, but when she got home she would write her own lyrics to country music. She got signed up and the same girls who said she was not cool, came to her show, wearing her T-shirts. She admits those girls did her more good than harm, even though at that time it was painful, not having friends.

This is exactly what I am talking about when I say break loose from every limiting belief. You are the captain of your own ship, God gave you that power, do not let any circumstance or anybody sink your ship. There is a winner on the inside of you. His name is Jesus. You are one of a kind, because you are created in God's image.

Wonderful words of wisdom! What does your family think about your lectures and writing?

I thank God, because He never ceases to surprise me with the talents and gifts he has put on the inside of me. I just love teaching and mentoring, but I did not even know I could write as well. Out of my obsession to share more of my experiences and thoughts with teens as well as children I was led to write these books. I have two other books in the pipeline.

My husband reads my books and is fascinated by my style of writing, my mother and sisters keep on telling everybody about my books. My dad who passed away two years ago, would have been over the moon to see my achievements, he instilled such discipline and the "CAN DO" spirit in me.

You have a strong belief in God, Laura, and a wonderful outlook on life. Do you have any last words for our teens?

You are my successful teen, stand tall, smile, look at yourself in the mirror, do you see your uniqueness? You are a STAR, you cannot be hidden… shine, shine so bright.

Thank you so much, Linda, for giving me the opportunity to share on your site. You are a blessing.

Thank you, Laura. You are very sweet. You are a blessing to the youth. I hope that you will be able to help many young people. To learn more about her books, visit www.success4teens.info.

The Mystery Behind Artifact Theft is Inspiration for New Novel, Anasazi Intrigue

Stolen artifacts, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold with Anasazi Intrigue. Ancient American artifacts are being sold to the highest bidder. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to find out about it.

Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year but Utah’s vandalism is the worst in the country. Theft at the Four Corners area of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona is still a big problem. The damage to these sites is estimated at almost $42,000 in two year’s time. An ancient funeral pit can be sold for as high as sixty thousand dollars on the black market, not to mention pottery, baskets, and pendants found by looters.

An article in the Associated Press said, “Two dozen people were indicted Wednesday after a sweeping undercover investigation into ancient artifacts stolen from public and tribal lands in the Four Corners area.” (Associated Press, Mike Stark, June 11, 2009)

There were around 300 federal agents that were involved in the arrest of both men and women from ages twenty-seven to seventy-eight. They were all part of an underground network. In fact, archaeological theft has gone corporate. They even pay rent on private property in order to dig without being caught. Unfortunately there is no law to prevent digging on private property.

I read an article in the Las Vegas Sun Newspaper about a couple men who were loading some artifacts in the trunk of their car. A ranger saw what they were doing and questioned them, not realizing he had accidentally stumbled upon the largest operation around. The article said they recovered more than 11,100 relics.

Did you know that people are actually selling shards and arrowheads on websites? The Anasazi culture is being sold to the highest bidder. Is there anything that can be done to protect America’s past?

This subject was so intriguing to me that I sat down and began writing. My new mystery series surrounds the theft of artifacts. In Anasazi Intrigue, it all begins with a devastating flood, which takes out several homes in a small town in southern Utah. Julia Evans, the town's newest reporter, is shocked by the news of a poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. Intrigued, she jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly though, Julia realizes the story and investigation are much bigger and more dangerous 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. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

The Evans are not the ordinary couple. Together they investigate and solve crimes. You laugh at the humor and sigh at the romance. Just sprinkle in three grown daughters, and you have quite a mixture. This novel has good values along with a little suspense and adventure. The John and Julia Evans mystery series includes Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, and Montezuma Intrigue.

“Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans,” a story of mystery and intrigue, disaster and hope. To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

Interview with Author Michele Ashman Bell

Michele Ashman Bell grew up in St. George, Utah. After marrying, she moved away from the warm winters of southern Utah to all that snow in northern Utah. As a young girl she was a devoted journal keeper. She said, “I would express my most personal thoughts and feelings in my journal in a way I could never express them verbally.” Michele is the mother of four children and the author of 20 novels.

Summer In Paris: Kenzie Williams feels like she has it all: wealth, friends, popularity. But when her father tells her that he has declared bankruptcy, her whole world in New York City turns upside down. Her parents' solution while they sort out their problems is to send Kenzie to live with her relatives in Paris . . . Idaho! Feeling like she's been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie arrives in Idaho feeling like a square peg in a round, horribly podunk, hole. Leaving everything she loves behind, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, etc. She feels like she's about to die until she meets handsome Adam White whose got a deep secret. He’s been accused of killing his best friend. She is determined to get to know him and find out his secret.

Hello, Michele. I’m so excited about this interview. I read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were parts, which were so humorous, that I laughed out loud. You were able to portray your characters so vividly. I would recommend this book for all ages. First, tell us about your new book.

Hi Linda. You're so nice to give me a chance to talk about my new book. Even though I have had other books published, this one is kind of special because 1) it is my first honest-to-goodness YA book, 2) it's my first national release, and 3) because I wrote it about 15 years ago and have wanted to see this story published for a long time. I feel like I've been pregnant forever and finally gave birth.

What a cute way of expressing the “birth” of a novel! Where did you get your ideas? Give us some examples.

I'm fascinated by this whole process of coming up with ideas and having them turn into books. The smallest thing can trigger a book idea. As you yourself know, authors tend to have their radar on constantly for new ideas. We eavesdrop, observe and ask "what if" about everything around us. I don't think a day goes by that I don't kick around a headline I've read, or a story someone's told me, or an issue that's a hot topic, and ask "what if." Sometimes nothing comes of it, other times my brain explodes with possibilities and I find myself scrambling for a notebook to jot down all the ideas. I have a file folder full of ideas. Some end up published. It is the coolest moment when I get excited about a new idea. Imagination is amazing. One word can trigger it and turn an idea into a story. My ideas usually come in one of three forms; from a setting or location, from a character idea, or from a premise or issue I want to write about. For instance, our family went on a vacation to Cancun, Mexico. It didn't take long to realize I had to write a book with Cancun as a setting. I am very inspired by places I visit. Most of my stories are a result of a character going through a challenge. A girl I met told me she had been abandoned at the altar on her wedding day. I had to explore the emotions associated with that and wrote a story about it.

Hey! I read your book that was set in Cancun. I loved it. Do you use an outline when you write or play it by ear?

I am an outline junkie. I have to have a general idea of where I want the book to go, yet I seem to always get derailed because my characters take control of the story and don't really care what my outlines says. I actually love when this happens, but I'm constantly revising my outline.

That proves how well you develop your characters. When we get to know them so well, we realize that the original outline just won’t work. One reviewer wrote, "Michele Ashman Bell has combined a series of winning elements: friendship, comedy, romance, mystery - and given us a heroine who truly lives up to that name. Kenzie is not perfect, and at the start of the book, she might not even be very likable. But every experience she has changes her and softens her.” So… in other words, Kenzie is a snob at first. Right? Tell me your thoughts about this review.

I totally appreciate and respect honest opinions so I felt this was a great review. Kenzie is a brat, yet she is a product of her environment and the way she's been raised. Once the reader understands why she's the way she is, she garners sympathy and understanding. I really love her character and the growth she goes through in this book. That is my goal in every story, to show a character grow and change. I'm confident that the reader will empathize with Kenzie even though they don't love her in the beginning, and by the end they will love the person she becomes.

Michele, I love the fact that she grows and changes and becomes likeable. Kenzie’s surroundings are what made her change. Writing is second nature to you and you wanted to be an author for years but it wasn’t easy. You never gave up after ten years of rejections. Tell us why you didn’t give up and give our future writers some suggestions … or even hope.

Yea, I'm the poster girl for persistence. I didn't have formal training as a writer and am pretty much a grammar idiot, so it took ten years for me to learn the skills and get the thick skin a person needs to be a writer. It was so frustrating at times, but I believed in myself and my dream and I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. Most of the published authors come about because of hard work, not talent. Anyone can do it if they want it badly enough and are willing to work hard enough. Those ten years were valuable to me and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I'm so glad I didn't give up!

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

I hated chocolate until I turned 40 and now I'm a chocoholic! I've collected every Doris Day movie ever made and am now working on Audrey Hepburn movies. I love to travel.

Thanks for the interview Linda. You are awesome!

Thanks. This was such a fun interview, Michele. Now we all know the real you, the person that hated chocolate for 40 years and a Doris Day fan. Hey, my family and children are Doris Day fans, too. They’re collecting them as well. In fact, my kids are amazed that their friends don’t even know who Doris Day is.

Interview with Author Anne Bradshaw

Anne Bradshaw was born in Caernarvon, Wales and grew up in Cheshire, England. After fifty-one years in England, she and her husband moved to the USA. They have four children and several grandchildren. She is an “avid reader and scribbler,” writes books, screenplays, youth short stories, and articles. Anne's motto on her blog says: “Not Entirely British!”

"Anne Bradshaw has collected a smorgasbord of FHE ideas to delight any and every family. From foil dinners to teaching scriptures and songs -- this book is full of ideas to make family time the best it can be. Ideas come from families worldwide, a sampling of ways to love those that love you the very most!" - Amy Freeze, Fox News Chicago.

I’m so excited about this interview. For those who may not know the term FHE, it means “Family Home Evening.” What is Family Home Evening? It’s special time you spend with your children, where you teach them good principles, play games, have fun, and sometimes argue. Hey, no family is perfect!

Anne, please tell us about your new book, “Famous Family Nights."

My main purpose in writing Famous Family Nights was to provide a uniquely entertaining and informative book that would help others gain fresh enthusiasm for holding family home evening.

It's all too easy to quit when things don’t go right, but after reading stories from parents whose children are now grown, and from children… now parents themselves, I'm all the more convinced that quitting is a sad choice. Learning how most of them struggled at times, and what happened as they persevered, was a revelation that had me punching the air and grinning. Some stories are so funny, while others are tender. Many include great ideas. Many share long-term results.

In addition to prominent names, I included many talented people who were less well known and struggling to make their way in their chosen profession. I love anything that is a win/win situation, and this book is just that - participants, readers, publisher, author - we all win. The entries are not only from entertainers and artists, but also from achievers in the world of sports, business, and service to the community.

At this time, we are all concerned about our children traveling the straight and narrow path, hoping they won’t go astray from our teachings. Where did you get your ideas for this very timely book?

The ideas in "Famous Family Nights" are written by LDS personalities from several countries, taken from real life experiences. Many of the stories are hilarious, many are serious, but all are anecdotal and help us realize how very human we all are, no matter what our position in life.

I love the fact that it's taken from real life experiences. Do you use an outline when you write or play it by ear?

When writing fiction, I use a rough outline, and then let the story unfold. Sometimes the outline changes, and that’s okay, as long as there is a riveting beginning, exciting middle, and a believable and satisfying ending.

George Dyer, an International Opera Singer, wrote about your book, "After reading the first few stories in this book I let out a sigh of relief and a chuckle as I realized my family really wasn't so dysfunctional when it came to family home evening experiences after all! It provides wonderful ideas, and also helps us realize how important family time is to our children - whether they know it or not." I love this quote. Tell me your thoughts about this review.

Yes, I also enjoyed reading this from George. I thought he hit the nail right on its proverbial head. Most of us tend to feel our family nights are the only ones in the whole world that aren’t as perfect as we would like. But we all have challenges with which to work (some more than others), and following the advice of Prophets by consistently providing this family experience—no matter how it turns out—will bring promised blessings in the end. One of the major blessings is the building of warm and loving feelings that last a lifetime.

What does your family think about your writing and are they supportive?

Our children have long since left the family nest, but yes, they are supportive. Some of them even read and critique my manuscripts. When our oldest grand-daughter’s picture appeared on the cover of a previous book, “Please, No Zits! & Other Short Stories for LDS Youth,” it was fun hearing her tell her friends about it. Many of them didn’t believe her at first when she said her grand-mother wrote the book. I had to write on her Facebook page as proof.

Now that's what I call real support: reading and critiquing your manuscript. Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

The real me loves collecting recipes, the majority of which sit in boxes, unused. Why? Because I’m a lousy cook. I invariably manage to do something wrong and the delicious looking dish ends up bland, burned, or looking disgusting. Thank goodness for crock-pots. Throw everything in, cook for hours, and dinner is edible . . . most of the time.

Now we all know the real you! Being a lousy cook is just fine as long as everyone is well fed and you have your reliable crock-pot. I love it! And besides, it’s a great way to inspire husbands to help out in the kitchen. Right?

The Importance of Promoting Your Book

When I became an author, I didn’t know one thing about promoting one’s book. I was oblivious to such a thing. I had pictured myself sitting at my desk and writing more stories. I was not prepared for all the hard work I was supposed to do. My publisher told me to get a website, write articles for the Internet and local newspapers, get reviews, get interviews, enter contests, etc. The list was long and I became discouraged.

Finally my sweet husband said, “You worry too much. I know you can do it. It’s just like eating an elephant.”

“An elephant?” I exclaimed.

“Yes. Just one bite at a time!”

That’s right! After your book is published, an author’s responsibilities are just beginning. Many people think that an author can now relax after the book has been written and begin their next book, but it’s not so. An author must promote his or her book by doing a few things that will enhance the book’s success.

First, when creating your website, make sure that it can be loaded easily. If it can’t be loaded within 10 seconds, visitors will give up. Make sure your images are optimized for web view. Don’t make the site too busy or visitors will feel overwhelmed and give up.

Second, send your book to professional reviewers. Pick only reviewers who review your genre, otherwise it’s a waste of time. Some reviewers only review established authors, so select carefully so you don’t send your book to someone who won’t review it.

Third, write articles for the Internet and local newspapers. You must publish articles so you will be recognized as an author and it will enhance your web presence. These articles are important for your book’s success, for the one reason that people are getting to know you. Articles help you and your book to stand out and be noticed. There are some excellent websites to write articles: American Chronicle, Article-hangout, Go Articles, Articles Base, Amazines, Search Warp, and Authors Den.

How do you begin writing for the web? The American Chronicle is a great one because it has twenty-one other chronicles where your articles will be published. First, you need to send an article to the Chronicle as evidence of your writing skills. The other article websites don’t ask for samples. All you have to do is just sign up and begin writing. You may visit my site at American Chronicle and see what kind of articles I write. Make sure you have a good byline that includes your name, your book, and contact information such as your website. With American Chronicle, you don’t need a byline because your bio is on your site.

Cheryl Malandrinos helps authors promote their books. She is a book reviewer, blogger, interviews authors and editors for The Book Connection, and is a virtual book tour coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion. She is a founding member of Musing Our Children—a group dedicated to encouraging a love of reading and writing in young people.

Cheryl, you work for an online book promotion agency. You show authors how to sell books without leaving the comfort of their home. What are the most important things an author should do to begin promoting his or her book?

Thanks for having me here today, Linda. I love talking book promotion. The most important thing an author must do is create an online presence before the book comes out. That means investing in a professional-looking website. This could be a potential reader’s first impression of you and your work. It could also be visited by fellow authors and others in the industry. You want them to know you take your career seriously and will deliver a professional product. With my first children’s book coming out later this year, I’m taking the plunge and having someone design a new website for my work. God did not bless me with that type of knowledge, and I want something that will be attractive and informative.

Creating an online presence also involves learning how to use social media. When Pump Up Your Book Promotion started, there was no Facebook or Twitter. Now, it’s hard to imagine they haven’t always been around. I’m constantly using these and other social networks to promote our clients.

Another important thing an author should do is create a media kit. Social Media Consultant Angela Wilson has several articles about media kits on her “Market My Novel” website. If you go to the archives section and look under media kits, you’ll easily find them. In her article, “What Makes a Good Online Media Kit” (September 2, 2009) you’ll learn what an online media kit should include, along with examples from author websites.

Networking is also vital to successful book promotion. I’ve been networking online for years. You need to foster relationships before your book comes out so people are willing to help you when the time comes. If you’re good to people and supportive of their endeavors, they will be happy to return the favor.

Very good advice, Cheryl. A website is important because people want to know who the author is and what kind of books he or she has written. Why is Internet marketing so important?

Let’s face it, we live in very different times now. My children can’t imagine a world without computers in every classroom, the Internet, cell phones, iPods, and e-books. When I tell my son that I lived—and still live—without texting, he falls over with laughter.

Technology has meant many great things for authors. Self-publishing and POD companies have opened doors that might have remained shut for some writers. E-books and e-readers give people access to books at a lower cost, and make them easily portable. As the publishing industry has evolved, so has the way in which authors are promoting their books.

With limited marketing budgets, authors need to find the most bang for their buck. The Internet provides that by allowing authors to reach a much larger audience than they could with in-store book signings and other local events. Now, I’m not saying authors shouldn’t plan book signings or other events around their book, just that they need to combine what they are doing locally with savvy Internet marketing to widen their reach.

Thank you, Cheryl. You have given us some valuable information. Remember, as an author, your duties don’t stop when the book is written. It’s just beginning. You need to get out into the public’s eye and be recognized so your book will be noticed.


(Interested in mystery novels? Read my press release: “Mystery and Adventure” is Theme of New Novel: Anasazi Intrigue.)

Interview with Young Adult Fiction Author Kathi Oram Peterson

Kathi Oram Peterson was born in the small town of Rigby, Idaho. After winning the Heart of the West (1994) and Golden Pen (1995) contests, she put her writing on hold to finish her English degree. After graduation, this small town author now devotes her time writing inspirational fiction for young adults.

Hello my Fellow Idahoan! As you know, I'm from Idaho, as well. What a wonderful state! I’m so happy to have this opportunity to interview you. In “The Forgotten Warrior,” your main character travels back in time to 66 AD. When Sydney finds herself among the ancient American Indians, what happens next? Give us a synopsis of your book and tell us how you came up with the idea of time travel.

Sydney Morgan is a sixteen-year-old girl, who has a black belt in karate. She's going through some hard times in her life and just when she thinks it can't get worse she's thrown back in time to Captain Helaman and the stripling warriors battling the Lamanites. There's a little romance, and of course, some fighting. In fact, Helaman eventually asks Syd to help train the stripling warriors to fight. The book is told in two points of view: Syd's and a stripling warrior named Tarik.

My son helped me come up with the idea. I had just finished writing another YA time-travel (The Stone Traveler, which will be released this August) and asked him what he thought I should write about. He told me, "No brainer...the stripling warriors."

Well, I wanted this novel to have a strong young woman in it. So this had me thinking, wouldn't it be interesting to have a young woman who could really fight and teach the stripling warriors. They were boys and yet they were men because they fought against a mighty foe. Since my son is a second-degree black belt, I knew I could use him to make Syd's karate ability believable. Plus, I wanted a little romance. For me, every story has to have a little romance. ;)

I love the description of your main character: “Sydney Morgan: Holder of a black-belt, this head-strong and quick-tempered sixteen-year-old inherited her mother's Shoshone Indian features and her father's Caucasian stubbornness.” I love strong women characters. When Sydney is thought to be a boy by the ancient Americans, why does she continue the disguise? Could you please elaborate for us? (In Shakespeare’s “The Twelfth Night,” Viola poses as a boy, as does Sydney. Do you have a little of “Twelfth Night” in your story?)

Good question. For the time period that Sydney goes back to, women did not go to battle. Their job was to take care of their family, do the cooking, gathering, raising children, etc. Because I gave Syd a black belt, I wanted her right in the thick of battle. I also wanted her with the stripling warriors as much as possible and for all this to happen they had to think she was a boy. Plus, the warriors would have had a hard time taking instructions on how to do combat from a woman. It was best to keep her in disguise. I haven't read Twelfth Night for a very long time. I'll have to check and see if my story is similar.

Where did you get your ideas? Do you get most of them from scriptural history? Give us some examples.

Ideas come from many places. For my YA books that travel back in time, the scriptures influenced me on what to write. My next book, The Stone Traveler, takes a sixteen-year-old boy back in time. I've always been fascinated with Christ visiting the Americas after his cruxificion and knew that I wanted this story to work around that glorious event.

I've also written another time-travel that takes a brother and sister back in time when Christ was born. However, they go to different places. The sister ends up in the belly of a Roman battleship and the brother goes to a shepherd's family. I'm still writing this book, but it's nearly finished. I have scenes at the nativity and also with the wisemen. Writing this book has been a wonderful journey.

Do you use an outline when you write or play it by ear?

I start with an idea, then people the idea with characters I love. I've used an outline, but if a better idea strikes, I'll follow it. Usually, before I sit down to write the actual book, I know how I want to begin and end the story. And as the book unfolds I build the tension with each chapter. I research as I write. I know that's odd, but it works for me.

Reviewers come by the dozens and they have their opinions, but when you receive a fan letter from a young adult who is the same age as your character, to me that is what proves the merit of your writing. You write for young adults and so they should be the reviewers! I loved the fan letter you received: “I am a 16 year old girl from Meridian, Idaho. I just wanted to thank you for writing the Forgotten Warrior. It has become one of my favorite books. I loved it so much that I read it in one day. I really hope the sequel comes out soon so I can find out what happens.” Would you like to share your feelings on this teenage review?

Every fan email is wonderful and especially those from the youth. I've made some wonderful friends. Sometimes they bring tears to my eyes. I received a letter from a youth that told me that my book has helped him read the scriptures. That just made my heart soar. I consider that one of my highest compliments. I also received a letter the other day from a gal whose mother is dying from colon cancer, so The Forgotten Warrior really touched her. Letters such as these make me ever grateful to be in the profession I've chosen. I love my readers!!!

Your answer really touched my heart. If you can only help one child, it’s worth it. But I know you’ve helped many. What does your family think about your writing? Are they supportive?

They are very supportive. My children grew up with their mother always at the computer, going to writing conferences and critique group. So to see this success, they are living it with me and are just as thrilled. Whenever I've felt like quitting, my husband would always say, "You only fail when you quit trying." How could I give up? He's my number one fan and supporter. I don't know what I'd do without him.

What a wonderful husband! You’re very blessed to have such support. Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Years ago I was going through some troubling times, and I couldn't seem to find the answer to my problem. One night I dreamed I was on an old ship. All at once there was some excitement on board. I learned that Jesus was on the same boat. I was so excited because I thought I could ask him about my problem. I remember walking up behind him, touching him on the shoulder, and as He turned around, I suddenly awakened. Talk about disappointing! I could not understand why I had awakened just when I was about to see His face.

And then I realized, I wasn't ready to meet Him. I needed to grow, learn, and become the person I was meant to become before meeting Him. I can't even remember what the problem was when I had that dream, but I think of it often. The dream has influenced my life in many ways.

Thanks for the interview, Linda!

Thank you, Kathi, for such a special interview. I was able to get to know the real you and it touched my heart beyond words. Thank you so much.

Interview with Historical Fiction Author Laurie C. Lewis

Laurie C. Lewis is from Maryland and describes herself as “a craft-challenged, fifty-something wife, mother, grandma, and novelist.” She is the mother of four children, the grandmother of four, and the author of four novels.

“They were the first generation of American-born citizens, charged to build a nation upon the framework of their Founding Fathers. When their Democracy was challenged once again, they picked up their muskets and went to war. They were farmers and mothers; entrepreneurs, visionaries and religionists; unprepared for the fight they faced. They were. . . FREE MEN and DREAMERS!”

For those who enjoy a good history lesson about how we received our freedom and being entertained by fictional characters, this is the book for you. There are three volumes of FREE MEN and DREAMERS: Dark Sky at Dawn, Twilight’s Last Gleaming, and Dawn’s Early Light. Laurie, tell us about these inspiring books.

The titles draw on the concept of increasing light, a theme that applies to both the spiritual and political situations occurring in America during this time. FREE MEN AND DREAMERS illustrates an amazing generation--the first American-born Americans. This is the generation that was also being prepared to receive the Restoration, and this tumultuous nation was about to become the cradle of that great work.

Volume one, "Dark Sky at Dawn," introduces our primary families through whose eyes we will witness the impact the War of 1812 had on the nation and its people. Three families are American, two are British and one is a slave family. We meet the young, wealthy societal outcast--Jed Pearson--and his free-thinking sister, Frannie. And we also meet Hannah Stansbury, a spiritually-inclined young woman whose family is plagued by a crazed mother. Jed and Hannah's friendship develops into love, which is complicated by the gentry's disapproval of Jed's scandal-ridden ancestor whose own mystery we untangle. As Jed labors to clear his family's name, war is declared and personal matters are delayed as Jed heads off to war. We get a historically-candid view of slave life as Jed, a slave owner himself, struggles over this issue.

Volume two . . . in "Twilight's Last Gleaming," two of our characters are drawn to the Upper Connecticut Valley as they attempt to free a family member who is now a British prisoner. The typhoid epidemic is raging in that area, and our characters are caught up in that calamity. Further south, along the Chesapeake, British raids devastate families and leave the region in ruin. One of our characters is caught up in a little-known military tragedy that is nearly lost from our history books. It is one of the darkest and least-discussed events in American history and this military horror will forever change the life of one of our characters.

In "Dawn's Early Light," all our characters prepare for the British offensive against Washington DC. President Madison is receiving conflicting advice from the Cabinet, and as a result, Washington City is virtually unprepared for the coming attack. We experience the week Washington burned and the impact the loss had on the nation and its citizens--including the soldiers and their families. Our characters are involved in every aspect, so we live the historically recreated events along with them.

Book four will cover the Battle of Baltimore, the real Star Spangled Banner story, and the end of the war. It will effectively wind up this portion of the series. If reader demands warrant it, we're prepared to do two more books that will carry our characters through the next generation.

American history is coming to life within these pages. Leon Garfield said, "The historian, if honest, gives us a photograph; the storyteller gives us a painting." You are painting us a story, Laurie. Where did you get your ideas? I suppose you got most of them from U.S. history. Give us some examples.

I weave fictional characters through historically accurate events and have them mingle with historical figures. So most of my ideas spring from history, and then I create a fictional storyline that parallels and connects with that. Sometimes my reading leads me to a place or an expert. Sometimes an expert leads me to a book or a place. This has been a very long and hands-on adventure that has led me to many fascinating historical sites, introduced me to some tireless experts, and filled my library with interesting volumes.

My biggest help on "Dark Sky at Dawn" came from a historian in charge of exhibits in Philadelphia. We corresponded for over a year. Not only did he answer my questions in great detail, he was invaluable in feeding me fascinating tidbits the average citizen will likely never hear, and he led me to invaluable sites where I could study from original documents and images. I visited the historical sections of Philadelphia and sought out Christ's Church and Independence Hall, but I also sought out the sacred soil, mass graves into which tens of thousands of Revolutionary dead were tossed when they died in prison during the British occupation of Philadelphia. In "Dark Sky at Dawn" there is a mention of these mass graves, including a heart-wrenching quote from John Adams.

After reading a mention of atrocities committed in Hampton, Virginia, my husband and I hit the road. After scouring through books and speaking with docents at the local Visitor's Center, we were able to locate the spot where the British landed their troops before that dreadful attack. Standing on the spot was chilling. I'll never forget it, and I think my reaction to that place made that scene in "Twilight's Last Gleaming" so powerful.

I would love to visit all the historical sites and feel the special spirit of what happened as the patriots fought for their freedom. Since you’re writing about history, do you use an outline when you write?

This series is so detailed that I have used several outlines, time lines and characters bibles to keep the fiction neatly woven into detailed and accurate history. I let inspiration sweep me away, but after the inspiration comes the painstaking labor to put the idea into a proper historical context.

A reviewer, wrote, “The great intricacies in the story are interwoven so smoothly that the book is a great read. There is plenty of adventure, intrigue, and romance to satisfy everyone.” Tell us about the adventure, intrigue, and romance in your books?

One of the themes of the series is the dilemma of balancing one's civic duty against one's personal responsibilities. I illustrate this conundrum by having the series open with a mystery and a mission that plagues Jed and prevents a future with Hannah. All he wants to do is clear his family's name, but when war breaks out he is forced to set aside his personal wants and needs to answer the call to serve. He is also plagued by the moral dilemma of slavery. As he heads off to fight for liberty, he realizes the hypocrisy of his situation. Meanwhile, (there always has to be a "meanwhile"), Hannah's life is controlled by her mother, a mad woman. Her sisters meddle and create a new bit of intrigue. There's a love triangle, the quest for honor, a kidnapping attempt, a daring rescue, a riot, a fire, a great story of friendship, a story about freedom that raises questions about the worth of a man. And this is all just in volume one.

Your book sounds quite intriguing. What does your family think about your writing? Are they supportive?

My husband is my biggest fan and research buddy. My children were already out of the house when I began this series so they were pretty amazed and proud of me when they saw the books. I've been blessed with great support.

I’m impressed that your husband helps with the research. That makes it fun. Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Wow . . . great question . . . hmmm. . . well, I always thought I'd be a singer. I had a brief stint in a rock band during high school and I joined every single singing ensemble the school had to offer. The goal I placed in my senior yearbook was, "To attend BYU and fill the world with song." After I was married I sang in an amateur review for ten years and I cut a demo once, so I gave it a good try. Now here's the funny thing. When I write, I write in meter . . . as if it were a song. I read and re-read each section to see if it flows well, so in some way, I guess I'm still singing through my books.

Thanks for the interview and for showcasing FREE MEN AND DREAMERS.

Thank you for such a fun interview. Now we all know the real you, that you were a “rock singer” before you became an author. Who would ever have guessed! Everyone, Laurie has allowed you to pick which book you prefer having for your gift.

Interview with Medieval Author Joyce DiPastena

Joyce DiPastena lives in Arizona and is a “died-in-the-fur Desert Rat” with degrees as high as 117. She first fell in love with the Middle Ages when she read Thomas B. Costain's The Conquering Family in high school. She attended the University of Arizona, where she graduated with a degree specializing in medieval history. The highlight of her year is attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which she has not missed once in its twenty-three years of existence. She is the author of “Illuminations of the Heart.”

What is illumination? To make something clear or easier to understand and appreciate. To add colored letters and designs to a manuscript or the borders of a page. In the case of this novel: the main character “illuminates many a priceless book with pen and paint.”

Welcome, Joyce! I’m so excited to interview you and talk about your new book. Your books are known as “Mystery, adventure, and sweet romance in the Middle Ages.” Tell us about your new book, “Illuminations of the Heart.”

Trained in the art of illumination in the far-off city of Venice, Siriol de Calendri is directed by her late brother’s will to the county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Sir Triston de Brielle. Once in Poitou, Siri hopes to find employment in an illuminator’s shop—until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guilt he carries for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife’s shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri’s face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston’s past returns to threaten them both. Will his tragic life with Clothilde be repeated with Siri? Trapped between the rivalry of the king’s sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. But how can he bear to lose her again?

Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman’s shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint. But can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston’s soul and make his heart beat for her alone? You’ll have to read Illuminations of the Heart to find out!

Where did you get your ideas? Do you get most of them from history? Give us some examples.

Ideas come at me from all kinds of places. The first book I ever wrote (still unpublished) was inspired in part by a Gilbert and Sullivan song about a wandering minstrel. A minstrel sounded so romantic, though I placed mine in medieval England instead of in China. For the same book, a song called “Anywhere I Wander” from the Hans Christian Anderson movie inspired a scene towards the end where my romantic couple was ripped apart by cruel circumstance (and a cruel villain).

Loyalty’s Web was inspired by my mother, who said, after I’d received several rejections for my lack of sex scenes, “You’ll just have to write a book that’s so exciting, no one will notice they’re not in there.” LOL! So I set out to write the most exciting book I could think of…but the national market still noticed I didn’t have any sex scenes. One agent asked me to put some in, but I said “No”. Fortunately for me, I finally found a publisher who welcomed my non-sexy romance/mystery/adventure novel.

Sometimes there are bits and pieces of medieval history I think would be fun to explore as part of my story. In Illuminations of the Heart, it was the art of medieval illumination — the decorative painting of books with little miniature pictures leafed in gold that reflected or “illuminated” the light. For my current work in progress, I’m exploring the world of medieval troubadours. Sort of. Well, at least a little corner of that world. The characters and their lives are always more important to me than giving a history lesson on any aspect of my research.

I remember Gilbert and Sullivan’s wandering minstrel in the Mikado. I love that operetta. Do you use an outline when you write or play it by ear?

I’ve tried to write to an outline, but I can never stick to it. I started off with an outline for Illuminations of the Heart, but somewhere along the way (within the first couple of chapters), my characters took off on their own and I forgot all about my outline. After Illuminations of the Heart was published, I stumbled across my old outline and laughed my head off at what I originally thought the story was going to be. Characters that I’d planned to be villains had turned into heroes, a murder mystery angle I’d plotted out never took place, and characters from my first book (Loyalty’s Web) who were going to make guest appearances never showed up. In the end, the only real purpose the outline had ended up serving was to help me choose the names of my characters before I started writing. From this experience I’ve learned that outlines and I just don’t mesh. My characters prefer to reveal themselves to me as I write them, telling me secrets about their lives I could never have dreamed up in advance. It’s just the way writing works for me. Sometimes it makes getting a new book off the ground slow and messy, but somehow I think my writing is richer for the trust I place in my characters to know their own hearts and not have my will imposed upon them.

What a wonderful answer! One reviewer said about your book, "This book is one meaty, intelligent, well-researched and exciting read for lovers of historical fiction. The romance? It's smartly written and delicious.” Tell me your thoughts about this.

Well, needless to say, I was extremely flattered by that review! I love trying to create an authentic-feeling world. And I love to include lots of plot alongside the romance. And I love characters and I love dialogue. And I love mixing it all together and seeing what comes up.

You wrote so eloquently, “He spoke the name on a breath like a prayer. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.” This took my breath away. Are all your books clean, sweet romance? Explain or describe your thoughts about romance.

Yes, all my romances are clean, sweet romances. I originally started writing because I couldn’t find any clean, sweet medieval romances to read. Back then (I’m not saying quite how far back), almost the only clean romances you could find were Regencies (sadly, even many of those aren’t safe anymore) and very few contemporaries. But I was wild about the Middle Ages and terribly frustrated that I couldn’t find a clean, medieval romantic read. So I finally sat down and wrote one for myself. I’d hoped that there might be other readers out there who were searching for clean, sweet historical romances, as well, and I must say, I have been very gratified by the warm, supportive response that my books have received. If my name was a brand, I would want it to mean: “Trust me.” When you pick up a Joyce DiPastena book, you don’t have to be afraid. I will promise you a clean, sweet, safe romance every time. I never want to betray that trust with my readers.

I understand completely. What does your family think about your writing? Are they supportive?

My mother was very supportive when she was alive. My father was less so, and sometimes that was very challenging. Now there is just my sister and brother and me. Both of them are extremely supportive of my writing. My sister even keeps copies of my books in her office for people to “accidentally see” when they drop by to talk to her. She says a lot of people get excited when they see my books, ask her questions about them, then go out and buy a copy. I call that supportive!

Yes, that’s definitely supportive! Tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Golly gee, I’m really not that exciting! Let me think… I’m telephone-phobic. So email me to your heart’s content, but whatever you do, don’t call me! (Just kidding. You can call me. Just don’t ask me to call you!)

Okay, I’ll e-mail you to my heart’s content! Thank you so much, Joyce. This has been such a pleasure getting to know the real you. I hope you enjoyed this interview, everyone.

Artifact Theft and a Devastating Flood is Theme of Anasazi Intrigue

Stolen artifacts, the Santa Clara/Virgin River flood, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold with Anasazi Intrigue.

When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. The people don’t know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly Julia realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. As information unfolds, 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. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

In Anasazi Intrigue, Clarke creates a story based upon an independent, educated, and strong woman character. Suko’s Notebook Reviews said of Clarke’s writing: “Linda Weaver Clarke is outstanding at presenting the characters' thoughts.”

There are two subjects discussed in this novel: The Santa Clara/Virgin River Flood and stolen artifacts. The mystery of the Anasazi Indians boggles the minds of many archaeologists. Ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and pottery found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are fantastic and part of Anasazi history. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to take it apart. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year.

The second subject brings out what really happened during the flooding in southern Utah. Lost homes can be replaced, but it’s impossible to replace precious treasures that had no value to anyone but the owner, such as photos and memories of the past. The stories of hope, charity, and little miracles seem to uplift others and have a wonderful effect on people during a crisis such as this. Clarke’s novel brings out what really happened in St George, Utah but the mystery is just beginning.

Disaster, Hope, and Charity: The Santa Clara/Virgin River Flood

A thunderous crash could be heard in the distance as a home collapsed and crumbled into the rushing waters below. Several people were standing at the edge of a hilltop in Santa Clara, Utah, watching their valley being destroyed before their very eyes. The torrent had eaten away the dirt of the riverbank and the foundation of the house. With no support, the home fell into the rapidly flowing river and was swept away downstream.

The Santa Clara/Virgin River flood in St. George, Utah, in 2005 was a complete disaster. Standing on the hill and watching the destruction below was an emotional experience for everyone. The trees and shrubs that once lined the small five-foot-wide river were now gone, uprooted and swept away by the violent and turbulent flow of water. What took years for nature to create, nature was able to destroy within seconds. Who would ever have guessed that the creek would swell to such width, viciously cutting away at the landscape?

The once tranquil stream, which could easily be crossed on foot or in a car, was now as wide as the length of a football field, and it was taking everything within its path. The speed of the river had once been five cubic feet per second, and now it was more than 6,500 cubic feet per second. In three days time, it had dug into the earth’s surface, carving away at the banks and creating ridges as high as thirty to forty feet. The torrent was digging at the earth at ten feet per hour like a plow and sweeping the red dirt and trees down the river into Arizona and Nevada. In fact, a man found his car thirty miles downstream from his home. It had crossed the border into Nevada.

Men worked feverishly to help the residents remove what they could from the homes that were threatened by the river, but there were those who escaped with only the clothes on their backs. About two hundred homes were damaged and twenty-five were completely destroyed. The experience of charity and compassion by the people was incredible. There was no prejudice of religion, race, culture, or status, just unconditional love and concern for everyone. Homes, clothes, and food were instantly found for the homeless.

Why was the flooding so bad that year? Six weeks of rain following a seven-year drought was the main reason. Built-up debris blocked the river channel and the only direction to go was outward, toward farmland and homes. Not only that, the heavy snow in the mountains seemed to be a blessing to this desert land, but the unusually warm January melted the snow too fast. With the constant rain during that month, the saturated ground couldn’t hold any more. The estimated damage was nearly two hundred million dollars.

Lost homes can be replaced, but the sad thing about this flood was the loss of irreplaceable and precious treasures that had no value to anyone but the owner, such as photos and memories of the past. Do you believe in miracles? Stories of hope always touch people, including me.

An elderly widow grabbed what she could with the help of her neighbors but wasn’t able to get everything. She lost her husband’s and her own Book of Remembrance, which had pictures of their family, their ancestors, and their biographies. All those memories were swept away in the flood. The following day after her home was gone, a knock came at the door where she was staying. A man was standing before her with the book in his hand. He said that he found it washed up on a tree stump near his home. Needless to say, she wept for joy. But that’s not all. The following day, her husband’s book was found, also.

The kindness of others was overwhelming for this little valley. Fundraisers were put together and schools collected money for the homeless. To me, this was a story of hope and love, a story of charity. As I included all this information in my novel, Anasazi Intrigue, I relived this disaster once again. You see… I’m from Washington County, St. George, Utah. This was my valley. This was my home. These were my people!

To read an excerpt from my new novel,visit Make Believe.

The Mystery of the Anasazi

The mystery of the Anasazi Indians boggles the minds of many archaeologists. Who were they? What were their beliefs? How did they live? Indian art painted or engraved in rock gives us an idea who the Anasazi were, their beliefs and lifestyle. Carved into the desert varnish, the Indians left behind their heritage, their legacy.

Many people wonder why the Anasazi Indians disappeared, leaving behind their belongings and valuables. Where did they go and why? No one has the answer. There is much speculation about what might have happened to them. In “Anasazi Diaspora,” from Navajo Visions and Voices Across the Mesa, Shonto Begay said that because the “Ancient Ones” were not obeying the rules of the clan, such as showing reverence and respect to God and attending religious ceremonies, the people “lost favor” in God’s eyes and were “swept away.”

Some archaeologists believe that discord, tribal violence, and abuse among tribes caused abandonment of the villages. Wickedness, conflict, and warring among tribes forced some clans to leave the area and move to a new place, simply to get away from the contention. In one tribe located in southern Mexico, there were cases of homicide, “nearly all of which involved clan feuds or quarrels over women.” (The Last Lords of Palenque: The Lacandon Mayas of the Mexican Rain Forest by Victor Perera and Robert D. Bruce)

Ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and pottery found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are fantastic and part of Anasazi history. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to find out about it. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year. At the Gettysburg National Military Park a few years ago, a man was searched and they found a metal detector hidden in his pants. He was scouring the park with it protruding from his pant leg. He was looking for Civil War relics. Utah’s vandalism is the worst in the country. Theft at the Four Corners area of Utah is still a big problem. The damage to these sites is estimated at almost $42,000 in two year’s time.

In 1906, the U.S. Congress passed the Antiquities Act because the collecting of artifacts was getting out of control. It protects archaeological sites, allows research, and imposes fines and sometimes imprisonment for the vandalism of historic sites. It was created in order to protect the archaeological sites in the Four Corners region between Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

Unfortunately there is no law to prevent digging on private property. In fact, archaeological theft has gone corporate. They even pay rent on private property in order to dig without being caught. Sometimes entire pueblos have been removed. An ancient funeral pit can be sold for as high as sixty thousand dollars on the black market, not to mention pottery, baskets, and pendants found by looters.

I read an article in the Las Vegas Newspaper about a couple men who were loading some artifacts in the trunk of their car. A ranger saw what they were doing and questioned them, not realizing he had accidentally stumbled upon the largest operation around. The article said they recovered more than eleven thousand one hundred relics.

Did you know that people are actually selling shards and arrowheads on websites? The Anasazi culture is being sold to the highest bidder. Is there anything that can be done to protect America’s past?

The Antiquities Act of 1906 gives the government the right to protect and preserve all archaeological sites. It allows for scientific research but will impose fines and imprisonment for vandalism on historical sites.

Christmas Season—A Time for Giving

Christmas is a season of giving, a time when we show our love to others. During this season, how many times have we thought about giving of ourselves? The importance of serving others can never be over-emphasized. The measure of our love shows in what we do for one another. Just being there and being supportive can bring so much joy to others. There are many opportunities to help those who are feeling down, depressed, or alone, and need our support. It is not where we serve, but how we serve, and we must serve with love. We have our rewards when we serve, rewards that will bring us great joy.

In 1945, a young soldier sat in the trenches, trying to keep warm. Every night the enemy would attack precisely at midnight. He would hear their footsteps just before battle and knew what was about to happen. There were many wounded from the last battle and now it was Christmas Eve. His comrades were blue and depressed. Everyone was thinking of home and their loved ones, just wishing the war would end. The young soldier could feel their needs and his heart went out to them. The only gift he could think of to give his comrades was to sing, hoping to uplift their spirits and give them hope.

The young soldier began singing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” with feeling and fervor. Every note he sang was clear and beautiful. The soldiers stopped what they were doing and listened. Next he sang “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “The First Noel.” He continued singing one Christmas song after another. Every one listened, including the enemy not far off. Many hearts were touched, silent prayers were said, and there was no battle that night but complete silence…for the exception of one lone voice singing Christmas songs.

Christmas is a season of giving, so I would like to show my thankfulness to all my friends by giving a few books away for Christmas. "Melinda and the Wild West" and "Edith and the Mysterious Stranger" are the first two books in this series: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho. To find out what each book is about, visit my website and read the synopsis and a sample chapter at Make Believe. I will e-mail the winners on December 16th. Watch for more Give-Aways during the following year.

Hope and a Christmas Miracle

We hope for things not seen but it must accompany faith. They go hand in hand. Hope helps us to bear our afflictions. Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us.”

I would like to relate a true story of great faith and hope about a twelve-year-old boy and the answer to a mother’s prayer, written by Opal Clarke.

“Please, Don’t Let Him Die”

I first became aware of my twelve year old son’s illness when the choppy rendition at the piano of “Hark! The Herald Angels sing” had stopped. Glancing at him, his head resting on the piano, I asked, “What’s wrong?’

He replied, “I don’t feel good.”

As he looked up I saw his cheeks were flushed; on closer inspection it proved to be a fine rash. He had a temperature. I called our family doctor and described the symptoms. He said it sounded like the measles that were going around and he prescribed a well-known drug.

The next day, George complained of his eyes hurting. Blisters began to appear on his ears and lips, and his temperature rose. After sitting by his side for several hours, I had to leave the room momentarily. As I returned, the sight was so shocking. I rushed from the room, dropped to the floor and cried. George had rubbed all the skin from his blistered lips. His ears, neck and face were a mass of blisters, with one large blister hanging like a sac on one side of his face. George did not sleep. He kept asking us to please turn out the lights. It was frightening to hear him ask this; there was only a small night-light burning and I had a small folded towel over his eyes.

Upon our arrival at the hospital, we were taken to an isolation room. As the ambulance attendant lifted my son onto the bed, the large blister on his face, a hanging sac of sloshing fluid broke.

Now, lying naked on the sterile sheets, coughing and choking, his body a mass of blisters and skinless places, he looked like someone wearing an ugly mask. I wanted to cry out, “No! No!” But I prayed that for my son’s sake my voice would be calm.

Nothing could have torn me away from my son at this time; so I was given a hospital gown and a mask. The next few days were crucial ones. Large areas of skin that had gone dark and looked as if they were scalded, pushed off from George’s back and he stuck to the sheets. The skin, pushed up on his upper arm, looked like a wrinkled nylon stocking. George’s mouth and throat were blistered, as well as the bronchial tubes, and he was coughing constantly. I covered my face, put my head on the windowsill and fought the tears.

The eye doctor said his eyes were blistered, even on the cornea, and added, “If he comes along—we may not be able to save his eyes.” It came to me that my son might be blind!

A new nurse coming in to put drops in George’s eyes, leaned over him and said, “George, I have something to put in your eyes. Can you turn your head this way?”

She leaned over, and as he turned his face with it’s black rimmed hole for a mouth, one side of his face practically skinless, and skinless ears—all this was too much for this nurse. She became nauseous, gagged and hurriedly left the room.

One night, two couples were standing in the hall. One of the men looked in at George and gasped. When his wife stepped over to where he was standing, he led her away, remarking, “You do not want to see that.”

Each time the doctor entered the room, he would greet my son with, “How are you, George?”

George would answer, “Pretty good.” Always pretty good.

At one time the doctor looked at him and said with tears in his eyes, “You are a game little guy!”

My son asked me if I was praying. I assured him I was. One evening, the young doctor gravely told me things were not going well and that he had done all that he could. At that moment I felt desperately alone. What could I do except go to God for help? I returned to the room and knelt beside my son’s bed and pleaded with God to let him live.

The next day, George asked, “Is everyone still praying for me?”

I said, “Oh, yes. We surely are, son.”

Then he asked me if I’d hold his hand. He said, “If you don’t mind holding a scratchy one.”

All day I held his hand. By evening I sensed a calmness come over him. I said, “Doctor, I think he is better!”

The doctor examined him, turned to me and with a look of almost disbelief and surprise said, “I think he is!”

The crisis had passed. The miraculous powers of the body to heal took over. New skin began to grow and the old skin sloughed off. All twenty of his fingernails and toenails came off.

Suddenly we were aware that it was Christmas Eve. Kind nurses and Santa himself came to where a brave young boy with a blotched and burned looking body sat in the bed. By tipping his head back, he saw through slits of eyes a Christmas bouquet and said, “I can see! I can see!” At that moment I was humbled beyond words.

The young doctor came into the room and said, “George, you have made medical history.” Then he asked if we minded the case being written for the medical journals under Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. I tried to thank our tall young doctor.

He said humbly, “I just stood by.” But I knew he had worked valiantly to save my son.

Our family doctor came into the room and said, “George, you are a walking miracle.”

The nurses, who came to say good-bye to us, said that no one in the hospital expected to see our son go out of the hospital alive.

The eye doctor said, “I feel so humble about this boy. It certainly has made me a believer.”

At this unforgettable Christmas time I realized that, to me, Christmas would forever be a time of rejoicing; rejoicing for the gift of a son.” (Opal H. Clarke, “Don’t Let Him Die”)

This young man grew to adulthood but his body wasn’t the same. His eyes are constantly red because his tear ducts were destroyed. He coughs frequently and has a raspy sound when he breathes because he has Chronic Bronchitis as a result of the illness. But this faithful man, George Amos Clarke, my husband and sweetheart, was grateful for a miracle.