Novel PASTimes

This Week's Winner

2012-01-27T09:28:00.001-05:00

of Bruce Judisch's Katia is windycindy! Congrats! Cindi, I have already sent along your address.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Cindy
http://celticvoices.blogspot.com

Review: Warring Spirits

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Warring Spirits

By April W. Gardner

Vinspire Publishing, November 2011

About the Book

Three cultures, one battle. A thousand warring spirits.

In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond theAmerican border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds,Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the placeGeorgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convincesMilly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.

Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return therunaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the samewho etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.But inside a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him orconcede her to the enemy she loves. Follow orders or follow his heart.

My Review

Warring Spirits is just as enthralling—if not more so—thanthe first book in the series, WoundedSpirits. I read it straight through. Gardner knows how to write withconviction so readers can’t miss the compassion she has for the people andtheir struggles in this story. There is heart-felt love and tension written onevery page. No opportunity to show God’s heart for mankind was wasted. Andunlike some stories where the conflict feels almost forced, in this series it’sa natural result of the pain and struggles that the characters face. Gardnerspares none of her characters from suffering, and as a reader, you really feelthat.

Reading this book was like watching a movie in my head.Several times I forgot that I was reading. I could picture each characterbecause they were fleshed out so thoroughly. I felt their anguish. Gardner’swriting and plotting was so well done it left me a bit breathless, but alsorewarded for sticking with the story to the perfectly orchestrated ending.

Those joyous reunions that her persecuted charactersexperienced were sigh-worthy and melted my heart. I sensed the relief, thepassion, and the overwhelming gratitude the characters experienced when theirprayers were answered—though not usually in a way they expected. That made thestory even more delightful because it wasn’t predictable.

Yes, there was death, carnage, abuse, and enough details togive the reader a true sense of the hardships faced, but at the same time therewas such a beautiful portrayal of sacrifice. I loved how the story emphasizedin a natural way the importance of not only listening to God’s voice, butobeying it. It’s impossible not to feel the joy gleaned in the midst of thedevastation, and to see God’s hand moving in spite of everything. WarringSpirits is a wonderful, passionate novel, and one I won’t forget anytimesoon.

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts . . . fiction making an impact on real lives. . .

Author of over a dozen novels. Available in 2011: First Response (June 2011), TheirSeparate Ways (July2011), Letting Go (August2011), In Sheep’s Clothing(Sept 2011), and When Love Collides (Dec2011).

Interview with Author Bruce Judisch Day Two

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to DayTwo of the interview with author Bruce Judisch.

Once we becomewriters, we read with a critical eye. For some grammatical errors in a book arelike fingernails on a chalkboard. For others weak plots cause them to lay abook aside without finishing it. What, if anything, annoys you about somehistorical fiction? (Without naming names!)

Weak/spotty plots, unrealistic dialog, unlikablecharacters and anachronisms are the only nails a historical—or any genre—novelneeds to seal its coffin. Typos and formatting errors grate on me, too, but Iblame the publishing process as much (sometimes more) as I do the author,because errors like these are often created in converting the manuscript fromone electronic format to another after much of the editing has been done. Thisis particularly true of e-books (e.g., Kindle) where formatting errors arerampant. I’ve also set aside a novel with a promising storyline written by anaccomplished author because of the rendering of the voice. The story waswritten in first-person POV (which I love), but it just wasn’t working.

Historical fictionrequires a lot of research. How did you go about researching your work?

Oh my! I love research, and I’m something of astickler for detail. “A Prophet’s Tale” takes place in 8th-century BC, so allthe elements required extensive research; e.g., reading translations of dozensof cuneiform tablets from ancient Mesopotamia and delving into Middle Easternmythology. Integrity in rendering history is key. If I can reasonably verifythat something did not happen during a given time period in a given place, Ican’t pretend that it did. Case in point: I r-e-a-l-l-y wanted a solar eclipsefor The Word Fulfilled. I went toNASA’s Web site and extracted a formula for ephemeris calculations and pluggedit into a spreadsheet program. Then I traced back through time to my era,entered the coordinates for Kalhu (ancient Nimrud) and determined that no solareclipse occurred that would’ve been visible from there (the nearest eclipsehappened about 30 years after my story). So, I couldn’t write one in. The happyending is that there was a penumbral lunar eclipse that fit the bill, so Iadapted it into my story.

For Katia,I witnessed many of the events I related in the story (Berlin, Germany, 1989),so I only needed to research other literary and historical tidbits from the1930s-1060s that I used. The research for the sequel For Maria was much more intensive and emotionally exhausting, as ittouches on the Kindertransport in1930s-1940s Europe in which thousands of displaced and orphaned Jewish andother ‘undesirable’ children were spirited away from the Nazis’ grasp and sentto safe havens overseas, many to await reunions with loved ones that wouldnever come to pass. I interviewed—but much more to my delight, befriended—someof the people who actually lived through the events I portrayed. How exciting isthat?

What would you likereaders to gain from reading your book(s)?

Of course, I want my work to be entertaining; that’sparamount for a novel. I’ve already touched on the educational aspect. I wantmy readers to learn something of value. I feel a particularly strong attachmentto For Maria, in that I believe I oweto the alumni of the Kindertransport acompelling story through which the reader can understand what trials thesepeople went through as children.

Any advice foraspiring novelists?

Interestingly, “Write what you know” can beboth the best and the worst advice. True, writing what you know gives you theadvantage of personal insight into your topic. But what if what you know isreally boring? I’d counter with, “Write what you’d want to read, and write itthe way you’d want to read it.” If you don’t know it, learn it.

Any final words?

Writing is a powerful medium, a form ofteaching—especially if you write your passion. James 3:1 cautions us, “Not manyof you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that wewho teach will be judged more strictly.” (NIV) Apply that to bestsellingChristian authors who have hundreds of thousands of books on the street.They’ve just impacted hundreds of thousands of lives. That’s some classroom.Teach well.

Reminder - Author Question for Book Drawing:

There’s a photo gallery at the bottom of the Katia page on my Web site (go to www.brucejudisch.com and click on thecover image of Katia). Find the photoof me standing in front of the Berlin Wall (click the photo to enlarge). On theWall is the name of a famous past world leader. What was that leader’s home countryand most notable political office? For a bonus, why is this leader associatedwith the city and the date painted on the Wall?

Thanks for joining us on PASTimes, Bruce.

Leave a comment with your answer to Bruce’s question along with youremail address: name at domain name dot com to be entered to win a copy of Katia.Leave your comment by this Friday at 8:30AM EST to be entered and don’t forgetthat you must answer the question.

Interview with Author Bruce Judisch

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Bruce Judisch is a senior analyst oncontract to the Department of Defense and has been writing for many years. Inaddition to his published works, he has written more than 18 in-depth Bible book study booklets, as well as topical studies on the Seven Churches of Revelation,the Resurrection, and Discerning God’s Will.

His publishing creditsinclude a historical/Biblical-fiction series on the minor prophet Jonah benAmittai: “A Prophet’s Tale” — The JourneyBegun (2009, OakTara) and The WordFulfilled (2010, OakTara); and a contemporary/20th-century historical novelKatia (2010, OakTara).

Other writing credentialsinclude serving as a copy editor for the professional journal of the Departmentof Defense’s Information Operations community, the IO Sphere.

His formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree inRussian, a Master’s degree in Business Management, and a Master’s degree inComputers and Information Systems Management.

He lives with his wife Jeannie in San Antonio, Texas,where they keep in close contact with their three children and fourteen grandchildren.

Tell us a littleabout your road to publication.

I approached the publishing industryprematurely, even naïvely, making just about every mistake in the book—perhapseven inventing a few new ones of my own. I paid an exorbitant amount to have myfirst work published, a novella introducing a two-part series based upon theminor prophet Jonah. It was my first attempt at fiction and, oh my goodness, itsure reads like it. It reminds me of how a wonderful friend and accomplishedauthor, Cecil Murphey, began a writing seminar I once attended. He said,“There’s a lot of bad writing out there. You don’t need to add to it.” Well, Iadded to it and paid a lot of money to foist it upon unsuspecting readers.Happily, I learned a few things along the way about the craft of writing andthe industry that facilitates it, and the ensuing series, “A Prophet’s Tale,”turned out much better. Honest.

When you firstentered the publishing world, what surprised you the most? Was there any aspectof the business that caught you off guard?

Being of limited experience, I suspect there arestill aspects of the industry waiting in ambush. The amount of marketing anauthor must undertake was an unexpected twist—and a laborious one, at least forme. In the craft, learning how to handle suggestions and recommendations fromcritique groups and partners was a biggie. In my insecurity, I figured everyoneelse was right. I was wrong. That knowledge made me a better critique partnerand a happier author.

Why historicalfiction?

I’ve always harbored a love for history (a minor in mybachelor’s degree). It’s both challenging and fascinating to set a fictionalstory into an actual historical setting. I particularly like the dual-settingof a contemporary storyline juxtaposed against a historical plot, ala Sarah’s Key. Both Katia and the sequel ForMaria employ this technique.

What are you workingon now that you’d like us to know about?

I’ve just completed a sequel to my mostrecent novel, Katia. The workingtitle is For Maria. Here’s a shortsynopsis:

December, 1939: The Gestapo haul Izaak and MariaSzpilmann away to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, leaving their twin infantdaughters behind to die. But the twins do not die.

Today: Maria has survived Ravensbrück, Auschwitz,and Bergen-Belsen, and is grandmother to Madeline Sommers, a young journalistwho, despite overwhelming odds, passionately clings to the belief that thetwins are still alive. She makes it her mission to reunite her failinggrandmother with her long-lost daughters before it’s too late.

Do you have afavorite historical novel?

Oh my, that’s like choosing a favorite child. If Ihad to name one, I should probably give the nod to the series that first sparkedmy interest in historical fiction: Francine Rivers’ “Mark of the Lion” series.Other great authors like Allison Pittman, T. Davis Bunn and the Thoenes haveadded their flavor to the mix of favorites.

Is there anything oranyone that inspires your writing?

My wife inspired me to first undertake fiction writing.She’s still my best sounding board, idea source and beta reader. What sustainsmy interest in writing, though, is the feedback I receive fromreaders—especially unexpected feedback from previously unknown readers—thatsomething I’ve written has been meaningful to them in some way.

What do you enjoymost about reading historical fiction?

A close friend once told me, “When I read a novel, Iwant to learn something.” I agree wholeheartedly with her. I further believethat historical fiction has the potential to edify through education perhapsmore than any other fiction genre. From an entertainment perspective, I’vealways loved time-travel movies where the contemporary viewer relives history alongwith contemporary characters. As a writer of historical fiction, I strive tomake the reader’s experience as vivid as that of the moviegoer’s.

Author Question:

Beginning in 2012 weare asking authors to include a question that readers have to answer in orderto be eligible for the book drawing. What you ask is up to you. It could aboutyour books, your time setting, a trivia question related to what you writeabout. Whatever you’d like.

What is the yourquestion for the blog readers?

There’s a photo gallery at the bottom of the Katia page on my Web site (go to www.brucejudisch.com and click on thecover image of Katia). Find the photoof me standing in front of the Berlin Wall (click the photo to enlarge). On theWall is the name of a famous past world leader. What was that leader’s home countryand most notable political office? (Answer this question to be entered in the drawing.)

Come back tomorrow for the answerand Part Two of the interview with author Bruce Judisch. Leave a comment withyour answer to Bruce’s question along with your email address: name at domainname dot com to be entered to win a copy of Katia. Leave your comment bythis Friday at 8:30AM EST to be entered and don’t forget that you must answerthe question.

This Week's Winner

2012-01-20T08:33:00.000-05:00

...of Deb Kinnard's Seasons in the Mist from Sheaf House is Michelle! Congrats!

I hope you all enjoyed the interview with Joan and check out all the books from this small indie press.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cindy
www.cindyswriting.com

Review: The Unlikely Wife

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

TheUnlikely Wife

By DebraUllrick

LoveInspired, January 2012

Aboutthe Book

Thearrival of Michael Bowen’s bride, married sight unseen by proxy, sends therancher reeling. With her trousers, cowboy hat, and rifle, she looks like afemale outlaw—not the genteel lady he corresponded with for months. He’s beenhoodwinked into marriage with the wrong woman!

SelinaFarleigh Bowen loved Michael’s letters, even if she couldn’t read them herself.A friend read them to her, and wrote her replies—but apparently that “friend”left things out, like Michael’s dream of a wife who was nothing like her.Selina won’t change who she is, not even for the man she loves. Yet time mightshow Michael the true value of his unlikely wife.

My Review

Well, I’vefound my first favorite book for 2012! This story was fantastic! It warmed myheart and thrilled that emotional part of me that enjoys a smoking romance. Ilove mail-order-bride types of stories anyway, but this one was better thanmost. There were so many heart-warming moments that I lost count. There werealso great references to the Scriptures and to what marriage should be like. Ifelt inspiration for my own marriage, and that doesn’t happen with LoveInspired novels (sorry, but it’s true). I tend to love historical fiction, butnot LI fiction, yet this story made me want to read more in this genre. Infact, I think this is my favorite LI novel ever. The plot and pacing wereexcellent, the story was full of great tension and believable emotion, and thehero and heroine shared the yummiest kisses I’ve ever read in an LI book. Myheart melted every time they kissed. I felt the love and was inspired by it.Seriously!

Bottomline, Debra Ullrick outdid herself on this one. And I loved the fact that Ialso got to see Rainee and Haydon again from the first book, The Unexpected Bride. I enjoyed thatstory, too, but I absolutely adored this one. Selena was the most unique andlovable heroine that I’ve read in a long time. I fell in love with Michael ashe fell in love with Selena. I really can’t believe how good this book was . .. but then again, I can. Debra is a talented writer, and this story should beon everyone’s must-read list for 2012. If you love heart-warming historicalromances that contain strong spiritual threads and great romantic tension (andif you don’t mind shedding a tear or two, or three or four) then you’ll lovethis book. I guarantee it!

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts . . . fiction making an impact on real lives. . .

Sheaf House - Part II

2012-01-18T05:30:00.005-05:00

Let's welcome our own
Joan M. Hochstetler as she
shares about her venture into
publishing with Sheaf House Publishers.

Has it been rewarding to be able to publish some of your own books, such as the historical “American Patriot Series” and the contemporary One Holy Night through Sheaf House?

That’s been very rewarding. It’s a real adrenaline rush to have total control of your projects! Of course, there are pitfalls associated with that as well, and I try to keep that in mind. The best part has been being involved with and having the final say on cover design and not being restricted as much on word count and content. Naturally I have to keep the budget in mind as well as reader preferences, but it’s wonderful to be able to make those decisions myself!

What do you see is the impact of Sheaf House in the Christian market?

Sheaf House by itself probably won’t have much of an impact, but a number of independent publishers together are changing the face of the industry. A lot of small presses have sprung up over the past few years to fill niches the large publishing houses can’t fill. And that’s a very positive thing. It allows more authors to get their projects into the hands of readers and serves segments of the markets that haven’t traditionally been served. I think that’s where we’re having an impact.

What is your inspiration for continuing in this business every day?

It’s very much a ministry for me, and I consider it to be God’s calling for my life. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t invest the time and effort to do it. My deepest desire is to do whatever God calls me to do, not run off in some other direction.

What’s a typical working day like for you?

Since I’m also an author, on most days I try to spend a good part of the morning working on my own writing projects. I can’t always do that because sometimes business issues arise that need to be addressed right away. But generally I strive to devote the afternoon and part of the evening to Sheaf House business, handling correspondence and financial issues, putting out “fires,” conferring with my marketing director, working with our interns, and so on. I also acquire projects and manage book production, which includes editing, working with contract designers to produce the cover, flowing the copy into our pagemaking software, getting print quotes, and working with the printer to produce the physical book. There’s a lot to do, but I love the process.

What trends or changes do you see on the horizon in Christian publishing and how do you think they’ll impact the future of Sheaf House?

I think ebooks are going to continue to grow in the Christian market and will eventually dominate sales. I have to say that I love my Kindle Fire much more than I thought I would! Some knowledgeable leaders in the industry are saying now that readers are increasingly going to demand a wide range of interactive components in ebooks. I suspect they may be right since the sales of hand-held devices that do virtually everything have just exploded. That’s definitely going to impact our ebooks, which means I’ll need to research and keep an eye on that trend.

Thank you, Joan, for being an example of trust
in God and faithfulness to His calling and also taking
the time out of your busy schedule to share your
wisdom on publishing with us.

Thank you so much for having me! I really enjoyed our dialog.

Please answer the following question to enter our weekly drawing
for a copy of Deb Kinnard's Seasons in the Mist:

What have you learned from Joan's answers that surprises you about publishing?

Don't forget to include your email addy in the form of name[at]domain[dot]com to qualify.

Sheaf House - Part I

2012-01-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Let's welcome our own J.M. Hochstetler
as she shares about her venture into publishing with Sheaf House Publishers.

Joan, what made you decide to take on the monumental task of starting a publishing house?

Honestly, it wasn’t my idea. In fact, it was the last thing I thought I’d ever do. What happened was that in the fall of 2006 I was pretty depressed because after the first two books of my American Patriot Series published I couldn’t get another publishing contract. So I kept fussing at the Lord about it.

One day I was particularly frustrated and discouraged. While I was stomping around the house, I said in a very flippant way, “Maybe I just ought to start my own publishing house.” Now, I’d said that a few times before and laughed about it, but that day I instantly heard a very distinct voice saying to me, “Well . . . why don’t you?” And I knew it was the Lord, and that if I didn’t immediately respond in obedience, I’d end up not doing it. The thought was terrifying! So without allowing myself to think, I quickly told the Lord that if that was His will for me and His hand was in it, I’d do it. I just wanted it to be exactly what He wanted it to be, whether big or small, not what I wanted.

So I began researching and putting the business together. By the summer of 2007 I had a distributor, and in the spring of 2008 we published our first title, my own book One Holy Night. That fall we published titles by Alice Arenz and Michelle Sutton. And we’ve gone on from there. With this economy it’s been a real struggle to stay in business, but so far by God’s grace we’re hanging in there.

What do you feel is the most important thing being accomplished through small Christian publishing houses like yours?

I think the most important thing small Christian presses offer is to provide the opportunity for authors to reach readers with the message God has given them, even when they don’t have the national or international platform the big traditional publishers need to invest money in a book. Because small publishers aren’t burdened with the high overhead and corporate culture large houses have, they can be more innovative and can publish books that aren’t destined to be mega sellers. And that offers more choice to readers who aren’t finding the kinds of reading material they’re looking for or aren’t finding enough of it.

Why did you name your company Sheaf House?

My husband’s family is of German descent, and their last name, Shoup, is the anglicized version of the German word Schaub, which means sheaf. So when I was trying to find a name for my publishing house, I remembered the psalm that talks about bringing in our sheaves with joy, and Sheaf House seemed to be pretty appropriate for this endeavor.

What is your role at Sheaf House?

I’m the publisher (which is the publishing version of a CEO) and editorial director. I handle administrative issues and also acquire and edit many of our books, though we do use freelance editors for some projects.

Has it been rewarding to be able to publish some of your own books, such as the historical “American Patriot Series” and the contemporary One Holy Night through Sheaf House?

Tomorrow we'll learn more about J.M. Hochstetler's publishing endeavors.

Please answer the following question to enter our weekly drawing:

What have you learned from Joan's answers so far that surprises you about publishing?

Don't forget to include your email addy in the form of name[at]domain[dot]com to qualify.

Research Resources - January 2012

2012-01-16T06:43:00.000-05:00

Cyber-Monday Greetings!

It's a new year, and as always there are heralds of 2012 being a year for big changes, or big opportunities. As an author always on the lookout for great stories or the next contract, I'm hoping those chances keep coming.

I just finished my 11th novel and turned it into my editor (deadline Jan. 16th; today!), and now it's time to take a little break before jumping into book #12. That time is sometimes used compiling resources I'll be using for the next book, or it's spent completely avoiding the novel writing in favor of catching up with real life or taking a break to energize and revitalize my inspiration. Of course, with 2 little ones under the age of 3, my time is often not my own, so when a deadline isn't staring me in the face, and I have time to spread out my writing periods, I can have fun with my children and my family.

But, then it's back to hitting the "books" as the saying goes. And that means checking out those all-important resources that bring the depth of reality to our writing or unearth some fascinating tidbits to store for future use. Or if you're ever a contestant on Jeopardy. :)

So, I'm here with these top 5 resources this month. Grab your cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or hot tea, and delve into the ones this month. Thanks to friends from the 19th Century Writers group and a variety of other sources for these:

10 Charming Words for Nasty People - Ever wanted to call someone something cruel but you didn't want to completely insult them? Try these words on for size. Also great for spicing up a character description in a book.

DMarie Time Capsule - You can enter a date, and it will tell you events happening and sometimes current prices of things like bread. It doesn't have a lot of info, but sometimes a little is all we need.

HouseMouse - You can click on year/location of the house and see what the exterior looks like as well as the interior floor plans. Great for envisioning historical homes! Have fun exploring.

Reviews of Old News - If you love reading about history, this site is just for you.

Writer's Forensics - A website for D.P. Lyle, MD. He does a lot of medical situations in the 19th century. You can also go to his website and ask medical questions if you don't find what you need. I hope you find this useful.

* * * * *

That's it for this month. As always, feel free to share your own fabulous research sites or resources in the comments. If they're important to you, they're important to us too! We'd love to hear about them. :)

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood. Today, she is an author, speaker, online marketing specialist and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have one girl and one boy, and a Flat-Coat Retriever/Australian Shepherd mix named Roxie. She has sold eleven books and one novella to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.

This Week's Winner!

2012-01-13T11:57:00.000-05:00

of Lynn Coleman's 19th Century Carriages & Wagons: A Writer’s Resource is Rachel! Congrats! What a cool resource!

Have a great weekend and we'll see you here on Monday!

PS: A plug: if any of you are fans of ancient Irish history, like I am, St. Brigid's Day is coming up Feb. 1 and I'm giving away a wee package of items related to her and her special cross. The details are in my newsletter, which you can sign up for at www.cindyswriting.com, but basically all you have to do to be entered is visit any of my blog posts (http://celticvoices.blogspot.com) and state that you are interested in this contest. Time is running out. Leave your comment (and email) by Jan. 31.

Cindy
http://celticvoices.blogspot.com

Review: Wounded Spirits

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Wounded Spirits

By April W. Gardner

Vinspire Publishing, November 2011

About the Book

On the frontier, Adela McGirth’s life is simple, rugged, and exactly toher liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement’s mosteligible young officer. When a distant war among the natives spills over into anearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela mustchoose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born. Will shebe strong enough to wait on God’s provision?

A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align withthe extremist Red Stick, whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creeksoil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expectedto hate—and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful facewith a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.

Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is aman on a mission—he’ll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can’tsee his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him. . . or has He?

Their lives molded by the course of history, can these WoundedSpirits learn to rely on God’s grace during one of the bloodiest conflictsin the South?

My Review

What a heart-pounding historical romance! This is myfavorite kind of novel. It has emotional impact, spiritual impact, and waswell-written. The plot was full of rich, historical detail and honest innerdialog. In short, this book had me near tears a few times because of itspowerful message. The pacing was fantastic and it was truly hard to put down.

I loved how the author showed both sides of the horrible warthrough contrasting perspectives. At the same time this showed how the nativesand the whites both received heavy losses because they were unable to deal withthings diplomatically and reacted out of pain and the need for revenge untilthey ultimately decimated each other. This was very well done. The horror ofthe attack on Fort Mims was powerful. At the same time Zechariah’s backgroundin caring for an orphan years prior ended up helping him and his family in wayshe never imagined.

I absolutely loved Adela’s character and how her heartexemplified Christ’s love. Her character was in essence everything love is, andher sister exemplified everything love is not. Adela was a strong woman becauseof Jesus permeating her life with His spirit. People noticed this about her. Igot tears in my eyes when she said regarding the invisible God, “Don’t you seeJesus in me?” That’s how we should all be, right? At the same time my heartbroke for her because while she was obeying the Lord regarding not beingunequally yoked, it obviously pained her to do the right thing. Yet in the endI couldn’t help agreeing that what she did was the better choice as it causedher beloved to seek the one true God. True love does what is in the otherperson’s best interest. What a convicting message. Tears filled my eyes as thebook came to an end. Now I feel sad that I can’t be part of the character’slives anymore.

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts . . . fiction making an impact on real lives. . .

Author Lynn Coleman, Day 2

2012-01-11T07:58:00.004-05:00

Welcome back for our second day with author Lynn A. Coleman. Lynn is an award-winning and best-selling author, along with being the founder of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Lynn has spoken at writers groups, women's groups, home-schooling organizations, church groups, conferences, workshops and retreats. She makes her home in Keystone Heights, Florida, where her husband of 37 years serves as pastor of Friendship Bible Church. Together they are blessed with three children (2 living and 1 in glory) and 8 grandchildren.

Lynn, what do you find so compelling about the 19^th century?

A lot happened in the 19th Century. Industry was huge. It changed how we did things in the 20th Century. It made the world a smaller place and people began to see beyond themselves and their own community. And yet, we in our time frame look back and see it as a simpler time. Don’t get me wrong, I would not like to live back then, I simply like to write about it. I love technology and all it has to offer, but I find it intriguing to read about those who came before us and accomplished so much. The development of Carriage & Wagon manufacturing in the United States helped our country to surpass the Europeans in this area in the last quarter of the 19^th Century.

The 19^th century saw incredible societal changes during the century. What are some of the most important?

The end of slavery in our country was huge. It ripped our country apart, and some of those effects are still in the underlying differences of people in this country today. However, of other great importance was the issue of women’s rights. That was not resolved until the 20th century, but its roots began in the 19th.

What were some of the developments people might not know about?

Rubber pants. I never really thought about it before I stumbled on an 1871 advertisement in a newspaper. Thankfully there was a picture of them as well. Here’s the link to that tidbit. http://historicaltidbits.blogspot.com/2011/06/rubber-pants.html

Also, did you know not all wagons had brakes? It’s true. Some didn’t need any because they were being controlled by the horse. But the larger wagons pulled by teams had brakes to keep the wagon from sliding into the horses when going down hills or mountains.

You and I (Cindy) share the hobby of genealogy. Anyone who has the genealogy bug understands, but for those who don’t, why do you think it’s important to explore our past and the legacies of our forefathers?

I find genealogy fascinating because it gives me a greater sense of what my ancestors did to help create the world I live in now. To know their pains and their joys, a bit about who they were, excites me. Here’s an example: I came across a written description of one of my ancestors. She was so respected in the community they actually wrote a physical description of her. This was rarely done even for the men of society, but to have it written about a woman was even more spectacular. She’s described also by her character and how strong willed and determined she was. I called my cousin, read the description and we both laughed out loud. She was so much like my cousin and I are now. Genetics, you can’t run away from them.

Historical research is of course critical to writing a good historical novel. Do you have any tips to share or insights on “getting it right?”

What was drummed into me and I drum into my students is get three sources. One won’t do. It is especially important today when using the Internet. I also found that copyright was not the same during the 19th century as today. I’ve found entire books reprinted with a new author, but the work was done before by another author and “stolen” and reprinted as an original. So if I find the wording exact as a previous manuscript I don’t accept it as a second source. Obviously, if the author was merely copying another’s work, that author was not checking for accuracy. There are times when you can’t find three sources but you still have to be true to the time period you are writing in and make it plausible. It still is fiction, but there are people out there who know their history. In fact, they tend to be the ones who enjoy historical novels. So for their sakes, get it right and you may find a fan who will buy your next book.

Visitors to your website will see a photograph of you and your husband morph from contemporary to nineteenth century dress. What’s the inside story on that?

The original picture was taken on a family vacation at Canopy Lake Park. We were camping and that was our one financial outing for the week. We also have our three children all dressed in antique cloths as well. Our son, Tim, the youngest, had a wet bathing suit on so they wouldn’t allow him to wear the pants. They blackened out his legs and you never would have known he wasn’t wearing pants. As for Paul and I, I always loved the picture, and when I started writing historical novels it just seemed to fit to have us morphing. I write contemporary and historical, thus the reason for the old and new pictures.

All good writers are also readers. What have you read and liked lately?

Unfortunately I haven’t read a book this past month. It’s hard to believe but true. We’ve been extremely busy and I just haven’t had the time. My to-be read pile is now two feet high. Thankfully after my 19th Century Carriages & Wagons A Writer’s Resource book is released I’ll be able to enjoy that stack. I’m hoping to get them all read in Feb. The last book I read was Mary Connealy’s book The Husband Tree. Excellent book, I highly recommend it.

What should we expect to see from Lynn Coleman in the future?

I’m working on some proposals I hope a publisher will pick up in the next year and I’ll be working on the addendum to the 19th Century Carriages & Wagons A Writer’s Resource book, which those who purchase the first book will receive a discount coupon for the addendum as well.

Thank you, Cindy, for this opportunity to share a bit about myself and my writing. It’s been a pleasure being your guest.

Visitors, we hope you’ll leave a comment with an answer to the following question Lynn has for you, if you didn’t yesterday. Be sure to also leave your email (name at domain name dot come) in your comment to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Lynn Coleman’s book on DVD, 19^th Century Carriages & Wagons: A Writer’s Resource. Leave your comment by this Friday at 8:30AM EST.

QUESTION: Do you think Lynn is a 21^st Century gal or a 19^th Century gal? Explain why.

An Interview with Lynn Coleman

2012-01-10T09:47:00.005-05:00

Our special guest this week is Lynn A. Coleman, an award winning and best-selling author of Key West and other books. She began her writing and speaking career with How to Utilize the Internet. Since October 1998, when her first novel sold, she's sold 30 books and novellas. Lynn is also the founder of American Christian Fiction Writers Inc., and served as the group's first president for two years and two years on the Advisory Board. One of her primary reasons for starting ACFW was to help writers to develop their writing skills and to encourage others to go deeper in their relationship with God. “God has given me a gift, but it is my responsibility to develop that gift.”

Lynn, thanks for joining us! You obviously have a heart for helping Christian authors hone their craft. Tell us a bit about the origin of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and what drives you to teach other writers.

ACFW started years ago with its roots in AOL’s chat rooms. On AOL we found these areas where we could chat with other folks of like interests. I found the Writer’s Den and began chatting with other writers. I knew the Lord was calling me to write Christian Fiction but I was the only person I knew with such a desire. On AOL, I met Tracie Peterson and then other Christian authors. A friend and I organized a writer’s chat with the subject of the chats on Inspirational Romance. Eventually I brought the group out of AOL into a region for any user to join us in our online chats. Through a lot of prayer I felt the Lord leading me to begin a group specifically for others geared to writing Inspirational Romance. However, I wanted the group to be different than other writer’s groups. I wanted to see a place where the new writers would learn from the more seasoned writers, but I wanted people to be encouraged to grow in their spiritual life as well as their writing life. I believe in order to be successful for God you need to hone your skills as a writer but you also need to remain connected and grow deeper in your relationship with the ultimate Creator. After all, He is the one who gives us our creativity. It is this two pronged approach that I believe sets ACFW apart from other writer organizations, coupled with the fact that we concentrate strictly on fiction.

Besides writing so many novels, you’ve recently completed a book for historical novelists. Tell us what led you to write it and why you’ve made it available only on DVD.

LOL. Well, I love research — probably love it a bit too much — and keep tons of notes from all my research on my computer. I was working on a scene and discovered that I only thought of three types of wagons, the old farm wagon or cart, the Wells Fargo stagecoach and a buckboard that I recalled seeing when watching the Rifleman as a kid. So, I set out on a quest to find a wagon appropriate for my character. The research was an arduous task. Don’t get me wrong, the information was out there, but it was scattered with tiny tidbits gleaned from reading long articles. So I said to myself, “wouldn’t it be nice to have these tiny bits of information all in one place?” It started as a way to organize my research for myself then developed into something other writers could make use of. I’ve put it in html format so I can interlink pages of information and pictures and make it quick for the reader to use. While the first edition of the book will be released Jan. 2012, I know there will be additional information, additional carriages, etc., coming in the future. In fact, I’ve started to gather information about sleighs for an addendum to the book.

The reason I decided to put it on DVD is because of the huge volume of photographs and pictures. The html format makes this easily & quickly accessible to the reader. A print copy of the book would be hundreds of dollars. I will be making the book available for download. However, I like back-up copies and thought other writer’s would like that as well. The customer can put the entire book on their hard drive or run it off the DVD. It’s the customer’s choice. Here’s a link to a sample of the book. http://www.lynncoleman.com/carriages/tabcon.htm From there you’ll find the list of contents. You can select the Individual Index of Carriage & Wagon to see the list of various carriages & wagons, and you can select the Boston Chaise for a sample of how the individual wagon pages are laid out. At the bottom of the page there will be, if it isn’t already there, a link to order 19^th Century Carriages & Wagons: A Writer’s Resource.

You also have a blog where you share tidbits you’ve gleaned in your research. Introduce us to your blog and what we’ll find there.

Wow, it’s hard to encapsulate what you will find there. As I mentioned above about how I gather research information, I found that a blog can help the author gain quick information to facts as well as interesting tidbits about the lives of people. On my 19th Century Historical Tidbits Blog you’ll find that kind of information and so much more. I have recipes, news, weather, historical events, industry, inventions, manners, etc., all arranged by the year and subject matter of each post. The address to my blog is http://historicaltidbits.blogspot.com

Tomorrow Lynn will share why she’s so drawn to the 19^th century and will tell us about some interesting things that happened or that were first introduced during that time. We hope you’ll come back for that, and will visit Lynn’s wonderful blog full of tidbits. We also hope you’ll leave a comment with an answer to the following question Lynn has for you. Be sure to also leave your email (name at domain name dot come) in your comment to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Lynn Coleman’s new book on DVD, 19th Century Carriages and Wagons: A Writer's Resource. Leave your comment by this Friday at 8:30AM EST.

QUESTION: Do you think Lynn is a 21^st Century gal or a 19^th Century gal? Explain why.

This Date in History - January 9

2012-01-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

In the events of today, I am pleased to present the following:

1493 - Sailing near the DominicanRepublic, ChristopherColumbus sees three "mermaids," and notes, "They are nothalf as beautiful as they are painted." So, what, then, guys – ditch thespike heels and corsets, and go for the make up?

1570 - Ivan“The Terrible,” self-proclaimed first Tsar (from the Latin Kaiser, or emperor),kills 1-2000 residents of Novgorod for supposedly plotting to go over to theside of Poland. He was nuts. I can still hear my Russian professor saying his name in class - sounds like Evon Trechikoff

1610 - GalileoGalilei uses his new telescope to observe craters and mountains onthe moon, sunspots, four moons revolving around Jupiter, the phases of Venus,and uncountable stars in the Milky Way. Blink, man!

1768 - First moderncircus is staged

1776 - American Revolution Thomas Painepublishes Common Sense

1788 - Connecticut joins the Union as the 5th state. It isnamed for the long tidal river, Quinnehtukqut. Among others, the capital hasthe oldest newspaper, the HartfordCourant, which has been publishing since 1764 (http://www.courant.com/ Q: what would theythink of e-courant?).

1799 - Income Tax was introduced in England…asort of reverse irony, eh?, to beat up on Napoleon.

1839 - South African ThomasHenderson first measures the distance to a star called Alpha Centauri

1854 - Astor Library opens in New YorkCity; a progenitor of the New York Public Library. The books of the AstorLibrary were few and not for public circulation, but were used for research.

1861- The steamship, Star of the West, which supplied troops and goods to Fort Sumter inCharleston Harbor, was fired on by cadets from the Citadel. The hostilitiesbetween the states ramped up to war.

1880 - Seattle was snowed under by sixfeet of snow which fell in 5 days

1887 and 1888 - Dreadful blizzardsdecimated cattle herds and killed many in the Old West

The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin is only one storyout of these lethal winters. I read it in a book club a few years ago andincidents from it still come back to bite me once in awhile

1903 - WindCave National Park, SD established
Very cool site.

1903 - Frank Farrell and Bill Deverypurchased the American League Baltimore Oriels franchise for $18,000 whicheventually became the New York Yankees in 1913, after being the Highlanders.

1905 - Bloody Sunday in Russian--demonstratorswho approached Czar Nicholas II for decent working conditions and hours, aswell as an end to the Sino-Russian War, were fired on by tsarist troops. Nufsaid.

1908 - MuirWoods National Monument, California established

Who else has visited? I loved it!

1936 - The United States Armyadopted the M1 semiautomatic rifle

1951 - The United Nationsheadquarters officially opened in New York City

1956 - Abigail Van Buren's "DearAbby" column first appears in newspapers

1960 - Building of Aswan dam in Egyptbegins

Thanks to Kristin Plater for this picture in Egypt

1962 - U.S. performs nuclear test atNevada Test Site

Many believe we were covering up a certain 1947 incident.

1963 - Mao Tse-tung writes his poem"Reply to Comrade Kuo Mo-jo"

On this tiny globe
A few flies dash themselves against the wall,
Humming without cease,
Sometimes shrilling,
Sometimes moaning.
Ants on the locust tree assume a great-nation swagger
And mayflies lightly plot to topple the giant tree.
The west wind scatters leaves over Changan,
And the arrows are flying, twanging.
So many deeds cry out to be done,
And always urgently;
The world rolls on,
Time presses.
Ten thousand years are too long,
Seize the day, seize the hour!
The Four Seas are rising, clouds and waters raging,
The Five Continents are rocking, wind and thunder roaring.
Our force is irresistible,
Away with all pests!

Who says communist dictators got no rhythm?

1968 - Surveyor 7 lands on the Moonand returns pictures of the surface, confirming Galileo’s earlier obversations.

1977 - Super Bowl Tickets: $20.00.

1984 - “WHERE’S THE BEEF?” ClaraPeller was the star of a successful commercial touting what restaurant?

1986 - Kodak got out of the instantcamera business. I had gotten one of these nifty cameras as a gift for my highschool year graduation (cough) years earlier. It was pretty cool watching thepicture develop, but not as cool as checking a pic on the screen.

-Hope you find some good stories in here!

This Week's Winner!

2012-01-06T10:36:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Caroline, the winner of Claire Nolan's THE STONE. Thanks for all the comments this week.

Next week if you are a 19th century enthusiast, be sure to drop by! :)

Have a good weekend.
Cindy
www.cindyswriting.com

Review: Rose's Pledge

2012-01-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

Rose’s Pledge

By Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford

Barbour, January 2012

About the Book

Step back into the early days of America, where Rose Harwood and her sisters become indentured to the highest bidders. When Rose’s new owner takes her deep into Indian Territory, a young frontiersman named Nate Kinyon tags along, hoping to save Rose from the machinations of a grubby trader and the appraising looks of young braves. How much is he willing to pay—in dollars and sense—to redeem the woman he loves? And how much is Rose willing to sacrifice for his protection?

My Review

I have always enjoyed reading historical novels set in Colonial America. Plots where women had to rough it to survive on the frontier make those types of stories even more intriguing to me. Toss in the fact that the heroine was orignally from England and sold herself as an indentured servant along with her sisters to help keep her father out of debtor’s prison, thus causing them all to be shipped off to the Americas. Well, I’ll just say that makes for a intriguing plot with major potential.

The authors pulled this concept off well, and I learned quite a bit about the French and the Indian raids on traders’ posts during that perilous period in time. The setting was so well done I was freezing right along with them while they were on the run. The authors’ writing and voice were seamless, as if written by one person rather than two.

Rose’s Pledge was an enthralling novel with excellent pacing. It held my attention so well I wanted to do little else but read. The hero was charming, and the spiritual thread in the story was gripping and believable. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and can’t help wondering whose story will be next. I’m thinking it will be Mariah’s story. I can’t wait to read that one because I’m already intrigued with the setting she is in and her delusions of romance and grandeur.

I appreciated how the authors used Rose’s story to show how sometimes God uses the most unlikely circumstances to bring about our greatest joy in life. The authors also showed that sometimes God strips everything from us so that we’ll depend on Him for everything and learn to see Him working in every situation in our lives. Peril will cause even the most unlikely people to seek God’s protection and help, and sometimes they will even turn their hearts toward Him.

Well-written, Rose’s Pledge has a solid plot with great pacing, believable characters, and an intriguing setting. But most of all, it is a story of deep and abiding faith. I loved it!

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts—fiction making an impact on real lives . . .

Author of over a dozen novels. Available in 2011: First Response (June 2011), Their Separate Ways (July 2011), Letting Go (August 2011), In Sheep’s Clothing (September 2011), and When Love Collides (December 2011).

Day Two of the Interview with Irish Author Claire Nolan

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back. Today is the conclusion of the interview with author Claire Nolan.

Claire Nolan is a 38year old woman who is originally from Kilkenny. She has always written, but only recently considered publication, and the history of her beautiful home town is an excellent place to start. Having learnt of the story of Alice Kyteler as a child, she decided in 2005 to write her own version of the story. The Stone is the result.

She lives and works in Dublin and is currently working on her second novel which will be about the Ladies Marathon, which takes place in Dublin in June of each year.

If you would like to contact Claire you can reach her at: the stone novel @ gmail.com.

Tell us the story of the amazing painting that resides at Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny.

Well, a gentleman by the name of Paddy Shaw, who works in New York, came across a reference to Alice in some records late at night in the Public Library. In 2003 he painted a picture of Alice Kyteler, and this was later exhibited in New York, as well as Japan. Eventually, he donated the painting to Kyteler’s Inn, in Kilkenny.

I started writing my novel in 2004, and it was published in 2008. When the painting arrived in Kyteler’s, it made quite a fuss, as there was a feeling that the Alice depicted in the painting looked very much like me. The subject in the painting has pale skin and long red hair, and this would be a fair description of me. She also wears a long black velvet dress and I would in fact have done my readings in just such a dress. However, the Alice in the painting is very fierce looking, and I’m pleased to say that I don’t normally look like that!

Historical fiction requires a lot of research. How did you go about researching your work?

Well, I am lucky in that the city of Kilkenny has a great deal of historical sources about Alice. I’m also fortunate in that I work in University College Dublin, and have access to an academic library. The biggest work was to figure out what would add to the story, and what would slow it down. There are a lot of details merely referred to, and then the plot continues on.

What are you working on now that you’d like us to know about?

At the moment, I’ve three projects on the go. One is a novel entitled The Lady’s Marathon. It is focused on a woman training for her first athletic event, and the struggles she goes through to get prepared. Secondly, I’m working on a Masters in English, which will see me submit my final dissertation January 2012. Finally, I’m actually four months pregnant, and my husband and I will be expecting our baby in March 2012 – life really is very busy!

That is exciting! Congratulations!
Do you have a favorite historical novel?

I’ve a huge respect for James Clavell’s Shogun, because it is a masterpiece of historical detail and brilliant plot.

Is there anything or anyone that inspires your writing?

There is a sheer indulgence in putting forward one’s point of view – I hope I get to keep doing it for the foreseeable future.

What do you enjoy most about reading historical fiction?

The opportunity to have those men and women lost to us by the passage of time, made flesh and blood to us once again. The past is foreign, but we, for a little while, are allowed understand it again.

What would you like readers to gain from reading your book(s)?

To realise that society has had many different ways of organising itself, and that, therefore, there are no absolutes!

Any advice for aspiring novelists?

Write a lot, write often, and don’t take no for an answer. Many publishing firms can’t accept work solely due to economic realities - you may very well be of a standard to publish somewhere else.

Any final words?

I love feedback, even on the slightest whim; please email me at: the stone novel @ gmail.com

Thanks for joining us on Novel PASTimes, Claire. If you'd like to be entered in the drawing to win a copy of The Stone, please answer Claire's question in your comment (below) and include your email in your comment (name at domain name dot com). Leave your comment by this Friday at 8:30AM EST.
Claire's Question: In what year was Alice Kyteler tried as a witch?

Interview with Irish Author Claire Nolan

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with author Claire Nolan. Beginning with this interview, we are asking you to answer a question from the author in your comments in order to entered in the drawing. The question is at the end of today's interview.

Claire Nolan is a 38year old woman who is originally from Kilkenny. She has always written, but only recently considered publication, and the history of her beautiful home town is an excellent place to start. Having learnt of the story of Alice Kyteler as a child, she decided in 2005 to write her own version of the story. The Stone is the result.

She lives and works in Dublin and is currently working on her second novel which will be about the Ladies Marathon, which takes place in Dublin in June of each year.

If you would like to contact Claire you can reach her at: the stone novel @ gmail.com.

First, a little about her novel:
The Stone is set in Kilkenny, Ireland in mediaeval times. It deals with the life of Alice Kyteler, a wealthy businesswoman and her son William Outlaw. She was a hugely rich woman who was a moneylender to nobility. She also managed to have four husbands throughout her life.

In 1324, Alice and her circle were accused of witchcraft by Bishop Richard Le Drede, a Franciscan appointed by the Pope in Avignon, France. He accused her of asssociating with demons, and of increasing her wealth and power by being the Devil’s consort. The Stone imagines the terrible and dramatic events of those times and the point of view of all the protagonists involved.

Welcome, Claire. Tell us a little about your road to publication.

I was (and still am) a member of the www.youwriteon.com forum. They are sponsored by the British Arts Council and attract a great deal of attention from literary agents and publishers. I was approached by them and offered a publication deal in 2008.

When you first entered the publishing world, what surprised you the most? Was there any aspect of the business that caught you off guard?

It was more an underestimation of how difficult it was to make an impact in terms of marketing the book; there are very many titles out there and not many ways to make an impact. Even when you do make an impact, there is a necessity to be tireless about it, to never let the momentum stop, that can be difficult to keep up.

You’ve written about a specific woman in history. Tell us why you decided to write her fictional story.

It was more the entire story that surrounded Alice; she had been the center of a storm that had seen Church and State, as well as two different governments, clash. I wanted to write about her and her trial in an unromantic way, with clear, realistic character studies that we would recognise today. What would it be like to be married four times? What would it be like to be so very, very rich? And did she see the threat the Church was to her, or was she complacent?

Most of us are familiar with the Salem Witch trials and those in England. In truth, witch-hunts took place in many countries during the late medieval period. What was it like in Ireland?

The perception of the Dark Arts varied quite a bit from country to country. In Ireland and England, there was no real belief in the black and white view of witches = bad, Church = good, at least not for some time. The Church had originally persecuted witches because it was felt they were frauds rather evil doers. When the charges were brought against Alice Kyteler, the Bishop in question had a job to have anyone take them seriously, as he had not followed the Common Law set down in Ireland, which enraged him. His eventual success was due to the money and power of the Church. Subsequent generations developed simpler beliefs in the Dark Arts, but initially, it was not really held up as a cultural belief.

I hope that intrigued you all. Tomorrow Claire will tell us the story of the amazing painting that resides at Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny. You won't want to miss it.

In the meantime, leave a comment with the answer to the following question Claire has for you. Be sure to also leave your email (name at domain name dot come) in your comment to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Claire Nolan's The Stone. Leave your comment by this Friday at 8:30AM EST.

QUESTION: In what year was Alice Kyteler tried as a witch?

Start 2012 With a Great Book!

2012-01-02T10:22:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year, NovelPastimes friends!

Did you know … that statistics show gift cards are the #1 item on Americans’ wish lists for holiday season? If you found some gift cards in your Christmas goodies and are lucky enough to have some you can spend on books, we have some great new releases to recommend. These are the latest January titles from members of American Christian Fiction Writers, and you’ll probably find something you’d like, no matter your taste.

Happy reading, and we’d love to hear back from you if you pick any of these up and enjoy them!

Halflings by Heather Burch — One girl. Three half-angel guys. And the fate of the world. (Young Adult from Zonder van).

Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot — Stagecoach robberies and a certain lieutenant make Abigail Harding’s summer at Wyoming’s Fort Laramie unforgettable. (Historical Romance from Revell).

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden — Libby Sawyer’s quiet, respectable life in Colden, Massachusetts is shattered when a bold stranger from Romania invades her world. Fascinated by this enigmatic man, Libby uncovers layers of mystery surrounding Micahel Dobrescu’s amazing past…and his plans for the future in which she plays a startling role. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Injustice for All by Robin Caroll — Who can you turn to when everything you believe in is shattered? (Romantic Suspense from B&H Publish ing).

A Life of Joy by Amy Clipston — Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you’ll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman’s story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams … and secrets. (Romance from Zondervan).

An Amish Family Reunion by Mary Ellis, — As Phoebe embarks on a new romance and an unlikely career choice for someone Amish, the Miller family tries to put aside differences long enough to attend a joyous family reunion. (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House).

The Keeper by S uzanne Woods Fisher — Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding–again–she knows who is to blame. (Contemporary Romance from Revell).

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter — Two high-school sweethearts, a wedding reenactment, and one absent-minded preacher. Is it a recipe for disaster or a chance for a new beginning? (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nel son ).

All Roads Lead Home by Christine Johnson — An orphanage agent must drive her car across the United States to save a boy from a disastrous placement with the man who claims to be his father, but she needs the assistance of a mechanic, and the only one willing to help is the man she jilted two years ago. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Firethorn by R onie Kendig — Explosive Conclusion to Ronie Kendig’s Discarded Heroes series. Blown and dismantled, Nightshade is ready to repay the favor. (Romantic Suspense from Barbour Publishin g).

Tomorrow’s Sun by Becky Melby– Faith reaches across the centuries when Emily Foster finds old letters in the 160-year-old house she’s remodeling, but Jake Braden, the contractor she’s just hired, doesn’t share her vision. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing).

Cherry Blossom Capers by Cara Putman, Lynette Sowell, Gina Conroy, and Frances Devine — The lives of four neighbors are irrevocably changed amid mystery and romance. Assistant chef Tara Whitley is seeking a state dinner saboteur. Attorney Ciara Turner is tracking down a murderer. Budding archeologist Samantha Steele encounters a forger. Shop owner Susan Holland is someone’s target. Will God protect them in life and love? (Romance/Mystery from Barbour Publishing).

The Secret Heiress by Terri Reed– An adopted woman discovers she’s heir to a fortune, only someone doesn’t want her to live long enough to inherit. So she must hire a bodyguard to keep her safe but soon realizes her heart’s in danger as well. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense).

Amelia’s Journey by Martha W. Rogers– When young rancher Ben and socialite Amelia meet again after six years, they are attracted to each other immediately, but Amelia’s parents have other ideas for their daughter and forbid the relationship. (Historical Romance from Realms).

Winter Promise by Martha W. Rogers– Abigail Monroe comes to Porterfield, Texas to open a library and to join her brother, Daniel and best friend, Rachel Reed with no thoughts of marriage, but young Doctor Elliot and Deputy Sheriff Cory Muldoon are both smitten and vie for her heart. (Historical Romance from Realms).

Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey– Will Faith Lindberg follow her heart, or marry the wrong man to achieve her goal? (Historical Romance from Revell).

Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant– Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tirelessly played the role of PK-preacher’s kid-her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. (Young Adult from Barbour Publishing).

Thanks to ACFW for compiling this list each month. More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Happy New Year/Happy New Look!

2012-01-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

By moophisto

Happy New Year, everyone!

Did you notice we have a new look and a new name? Now if you type in http://www.novelpastimes.com, you'll reach us. (The old url will still work.) We've purchased a domain name to make things easier, and we like the name Novel PASTimes. It seems to fit us. Hope you agree.

Thanks to Amber Stockton (known to some of us as Tiff!) we have a bit of a different look, an update. I think she did a great job on it. What do you think?

She also created pages that contain links to past author interviews and reviews. This still needs to be updated, but we'll be working on that.

One change I want to make sure you note will be the way the drawings are done. Beginning this week to be entered into a drawing for a book you must answer a question in your comment. Be on the lookout for that. And, as always, please remember to leave your email address in your comment (name at domain name dot com) by Friday morning (Eastern Time) of the week of the author interview you're interested in. This bears repeating because sometimes people leave comments long after the drawing was completed and sometimes people leave a comment saying they'd like to be entered but they don't leave an email. (And sometimes these comments have been drawn for winners and had to be discarded. So sad!)

We may make even more changes in 2012--things we think you'll like. We might add an extra book review during the week, change what Mondays posts contain, and add more guest posts. My terrific "staff" (note the names in the sidebar along with the slideshow of their books) is still working out some details.

One last note, a request. Could you help others find Novel PASTimes by tweeting and posting on your Facebook page? You can find links to do this both in the sidebar and underneath each post. Thanks!

We are looking forward to a great year and pray God's blessings on you all!

Cindy
www.cindyswriting.com

Review: The Lady of the Rivers

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Lady of the Rivers

By Philippa Gregory

Touchstone Books, October 2011

About the Book

Passion. Danger. Witchcraft . . .

The Lady of the Rivers is #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory’s remarkable story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the Wars of the Roses.

Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the wheel of fortune before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.

Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.

The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. Henry the king slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret the queen turns to untrustworthy favorites for help; and Richard, Duke of York, threatens to overturn the whole kingdom for his rival dynasty.

Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.

A sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother of the white queen.

My Review

I couldn’t stop reading this book and picked it up every chance I could get until I finished it. It’s a bit long, but worth it. In fact, when the story ended I had hoped to read more. That’s good writing. Now I want to read the next book, but I do have the non-fiction book, The Women of the Cousin’s War, so I think I’ll indulge in that a bit while waiting. There is just something about Gregory’s writing that draws me every time. It feels so real that I forget I’m reading. She brings her characters to life.

The Lady of the Rivers was full of action, very interesting, incredibly romantic, and kept my interest throughout. The author showed the horrors of war and the sometimes agonizing service of noblemen for a troubled royal family and their kingdom very well. Sometimes with historical fiction it feels like the author is informing the reader about history, but with Gregory’s characters, she brings history to life.

I loved that Gregory showed the whole witchcraft thing not as something Jacquetta embraced, but avoided whenever possible. In fact, Jacquetta didn’t want to have anything to do with it, but she had this gift as a descendant of Melusina. She had a gift that often foretold sad and tragic things. I was impressed that she resisted as much as she did considering it seemed like many times her foretelling came to pass, so most people would want to know more. But she was a loyal and faithful wife and mother who wanted the best for her family. That didn’t include jeopardizing their well-being over some things that could brand her as a witch. And the way people were in those days, she was smart to tread very carefully around the subject.

I had to admire her and her husband’s loyalty for so long to a queen bent on vengeance. How sad that so many people died for one woman’s need for revenge. I thought it was cool how this story tied in a bit with The Red Queen, which I read a few years ago. I recalled some of the battles and the shifting loyalties from that title. This story began with Jacquetta getting to know Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake and another woman who was intelligent and trying to educate herself, but misunderstood. Jacquetta was a smart and resourceful woman (and VERY fertile) and she was a real asset to the Lancaster throne.

I found the subplot with the queen and the Duke of Somerset quite enthralling. When the king fell ill after being shocked by what he saw, I became wrapped up in the intrigue. Would he wake, and when he did, what would happen? Did Jacquetta’s intervention cause his sleep. She was so worried that she had somehow caused it. I understood the queen’s loneliness as well as Jacquetta’s before Richard won her heart and they married. The author did a great job with creating empathy for the characters.

The best part of the book was probably the love story between Richard and his wife, Jacquetta, who married for love, but at a great risk. I enjoyed the parts of the story where she looked for him after different battles and how she waited faithfully for his safe return. When they ran to meet each other each time it was sigh worthy. There were good marriages even in the middle ages. The fact that they had fourteen children was proof of that. I could go on and on about this book, but bottom line is the story was so compelling and interesting that it’s making my best fiction list for 2011 because it made me think and feel a connection to the characters that I won’t soon forget.

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts—fiction making an impact on real lives. . .

Author of over a dozen novels. Available in 2011, First Response (June 2011), Their Separate Ways (July 2011), Letting Go (August 2011), In Sheep’s Clothing (September 2011), and When Love Collides (December 2011).

This Week's Winner

2011-12-23T10:19:00.002-05:00

If you saw a previous post I just took down, I apparently was working from an older list. So sorry about that.

Merry Christmas, Everyone! Remember that next week is our annual week off from the blog. We'll be back in 2012 with some brand new stuff! Be sure and check back because we're making a few changes we think you'll like.

This week's winner of Mona Hodgson's Too Rich For a Bride is windycindy! Congrats! I already have your address.

Again, praying you all enjoy a safe and festive Christmas and Happy New Year!
Cindy
http://celticvoices.blogspot.com

Interview with Mona Hodgson, Day 2

2011-12-21T01:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome back for more fun and facts with author Mona Hodgson!

Mona is the author of 32 books for adults and children, including her popular Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek books, six Zonderkidz I Can Read books, Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional, and Bedtime in the Southwest. You can visit Mona’s website for free resources and can follow her on Twitter or become a fan at Facebook (Mona Hodgson Author Page).

Some writers love plotting, some like writing that first draft, and others enjoying researching or digging into the revisions. What's your favorite part about writing a book?

Each phase has its appeal—entertaining a fresh idea, hanging twists and turns on a premise, researching for setting and plot, getting to know the characters through interactions, revisions as I do my first read-throughs . . . but I think my favorite part is digging into the story after I’ve received the First Round Edits from my editor. The ah ha moments that take place in me, seeing it all come together, is thrilling—like stepping into the homestretch in a marathon.

What are one or two of the most interesting things you’ve learned while researching a novel?

In many Wild West towns and mining camps the soiled doves were assigned a specific day and time they could shop in town, or face being fined if caught in respectable establishments outside of their assigned schedule.

How much time does it take to research your stories? What balance would you say there is between research and actual writing?

Each character, setting, and profession bring with them varying levels of need. Mail-order brides, real life fires, women in business, asylums, consumption sanitoriums, the mining stock exchange, ice houses, brothels, lawmen and outlaws, portrait painting, photography, stammering . . . . Some require more digging than others, depending upon the role in the story. I do know that I have to put a cap on research, or I’d become so intrigued with discovery and not get any writing done.

What’s your favorite way to unwind and come back to the “real world” after you’ve been immersed in writing?

Take a nap, go to lunch with a friend, take a personal retreat day out of town.

If you could be a character from one of your favorite historical novels, who would you be and why?

It would likely be Jo from “Little Women.” Jo and I are both one of four girls in a family, and both writers.

Anything else about yourself, writing, or your books that you’d like to share?

I view my novel writing for adults as an extension of my ministry. I still write stories for children in my head and heart. Zonderkidz just released three of my children’s books this month: Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional for ages 8-12, and The Princess Twins and the Puppy and The Princess Twins Play in the Garden (both I Can Read books).

Thanks so much for joining us, Mona! We look forward to hosting you and sharing about your books with our visitors. :-)

Thanks again for the opportunity.

Visitors, leave a comment or question so you’ll be entered to win a copy of Mona’s book, Too Rich for a Bride. (Spell out ‘at’ and ‘dot’ to help cut down on spam.). The drawing will be held by 8 a.m. EST on Friday.

Interview with Mona Hodgson

2011-12-20T06:16:00.006-05:00

Mona Hodgson is the author of 32 books for adults and children. Her popular Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Books—Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, The Bride Wore Blue, and Twice a Bride (WT); six Zonderkidz I Can Read books, Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional, and Bedtime in the Southwest. Check out www.monahodgson.com for Mona’s free resources. You can follow Mona at www.twitter.com and become a fan at www.facebook.com, Mona Hodgson Author Page.

Welcome, Mona, and thanks for joining us this week! You began your writing career as a children’s author, and still have several books in print for younger readers. What led you to shift to writing historical romance for adults?

Hi, everyone! I’m excited to spend time with you here.

Actually, the dream to be a novelist preceded my desire to write and sell children’s books.

Twenty-two years ago, shortly after I began my trek into publication, my dad and I were walking on a dirt road in Arizona’s White Mountains when we discovered a dilapidated log cabin not much bigger than my dining room. By the time we finished our walk, a premise for a novel sprouted.

I was working on a historical set in an Arizona Copper Mining Camp in the late 1890s when an editor who had seen the opening pages of that novel gave me an opportunity to write the Sinclair Sisters stories set in a Colorado Gold Mining Camp in the late 1890s. Like Kat Sinclair, the main character in Two Brides Too Many, I am one of four sisters and knew I’d have a lot of fun writing about the complex sister relationships. I love Colorado. And, of course, I had already done a lot of research on mining camps in the 1890s. I knew the opportunity was God’s answer to my prayers; His provision for my dream to become a published novelist.

What challenges did you find in making the transition from children to adults?

Voice and layering. In the beginning, my women characters sounded “too young.” Full-length novels for adults are far longer and more complex than picture books and early readers. Writing early readers for children required one simple storyline per book. No sub-plots. No deep layering when it comes to characterization, goals, motivation, and conflict.

The first two books in your Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series have released, with the third scheduled for May 2012. Share some background with us on this series and what sparked the ideas.

Two Brides Too Many is the first book in the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series. The stories chronicle the journeys of four sisters and their father to the Colorado mining camp. Book One is the story of the middle two sisters, Kat and Nell Sinclair, who embark on their journey as mail-order brides. What happens when the girls arrive at the depot in Cripple Creek and find that their grooms-to-be are not there to greet them, let alone marry them?

In each novel, I included at least one "real life" woman from the time and place my story is set. For instance, in Two Brides Too Many, I feature Sister Mary Claver Coleman of the Sisters of Mercy, an order of Catholic sisters who came from Ireland to help establish schools and hospitals in the United States. They did a lot of humanitarian work in Colorado, including Cripple Creek. Mollie O"Bryan, a trailblazing businesswoman, serves as my "real life" character in Book Two, Too Rich for a Bride. The Bride Wore Blue features Dr. Susan Anderson, known as Doc Susie. Mollie Kathleen Gortner, the first Cripple Creek woman to sign a mine claim, serves as the real life woman in Book Four. I write these women and others into my stories as secondary characters, fictionalizing their interactive role with my characters while remaining true to the details I glean in my research.

Tell us a bit about the main characters in your most recent book, Too Rich for a Bride.

Ida Sinclair has joined her sisters, Kat and Nell, in the untamed mining town of Cripple Creek for one reason: to work for the infamous but undeniably successful businesswoman Mollie O’Bryan. Ida’s sisters may be interested in making a match for their determined older sister, but Ida only wants to build her career.

Tucker Raines is an itinerant preacher until his mother sends word that his father’s health is failing. He needs to move to Cripple Creek to run the family’s ice business. With his mother to care for and a sister in a mental asylum, Tucker isn’t looking to add another woman to the mix. Then he meets the impossibly irresistible Ida Sinclair.

Colin Wagner is a successful attorney, and oh so charming. A far more suitable choice for a businesswoman than a preacher turned ice man. The perfect match for Ida, correct?

Can you give us a glimpse at the final book, The Bride Wore Blue?

In The Bride Wore Blue, Vivian, the youngest Sinclair sister, arrives in Cripple Creek. Vivian is sure God’s grace has boundaries that exclude her. As far as Vivian is concerned, she isn’t a candidate for marriage. Guilt-ridden and desperate for work, the youngest Sinclair sister accepts a hostess job in Cripple Creek’s most notorious sporting house. All the while, God is changing the heart of the man He has chosen to express His grace.

NEWS FLASH! The Bride Wore Blue is Book Three in a four book series. That’s right—there’s another installment in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series. I couldn’t very well leave Father, Mr. Harlan Sinclair, out of the mix. In Book Four, it’s his turn to start a new life in Cripple Creek.

What fun! Some writers love plotting, some like writing that first draft, and others enjoying researching or digging into the revisions. What's your favorite part about writing a book?

Visitors, come back tomorrow for Mona’s answer to this and other questions. And be sure to leave a comment or question so you’ll be entered to win a copy of Mona’s book, Too Rich for a Bride. (Spell out ‘at’ and ‘dot’ to help cut down on spam.). The drawing will be held by 8 a.m. EST on Friday.

A Guest Post

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Turning Christmas Memories into Stories

By Candy Arrington

Most of us have fond Christmas memories. Many of mine involve large family gatherings. But the ones that stand out the most revolve around secret missions I went on with my father prior to Christmas. Although Daddy often pretended a Scrooge-like attitude and could be heard to mumble "rushing the season, aren't we?" he loved surprises, which often required stealth, planning, and my help.

Perhaps I learned by observation because by the time I was in college I was the instigator of the missions. The year my grandmother announced she wasn't decorating or having a Christmas tree, I rushed home to map out a strategy with Daddy on how to surprise her. Everything had to time out perfectly to ensure success.

I'd asked my grandmother if there was ever a time as a child when she asked for something for Christmas she didn't get. "A pony," she replied. That comment was the catalyst for the rest of my plan.

On Christmas Eve, under cover of darkness, my father and I implemented “Operation Pony.” He visited with my grandmother in the living room while I stealthily, although not very quietly, maneuvered things into position in her dining room. To this day, I can’t believe she didn’t realize what was going on. Maybe she only pretended for my sake.

Later, as Dad helped her down the hall to bed, I slid the plug into the socket. The warm glow of Christmas tree lights dispelled the gloomy darkness of the room. Beneath the tree were her gifts: a doll, a top, and a wooden pony on wheels. Perhaps it wasn't the pony of her dreams, but it was a pony all the same.

Early Christmas morning our phone rang. My grandmother never liked to talk on the phone, calling it the “instrument,” so I was surprised to hear her voice.

“I got my pony,” she said simply. “And a Christmas tree, too. Thank you.”

My grandmother died the next year, but the "Year of the Pony" is one of my fondest Christmas memories.

Writing Your Christmas Memories

· List the Details – Make a list of dominant elements of your memory—those involved, where you were, conversations.
· Write a vignette – Using the list, determine the focus of your story. Don't try to include too many elements in one story. Perhaps several things were going on at one time. This is likely the case if you were at a family gathering, so write these as separate stories. You may have to scrap a story later, but writing the stories separately will help narrow the focus and better hold the attention of your readers.
· Capture the setting – Be sure to show visual elements of the setting, including sights, sounds, and smells.
· Evoke feelings – Include a heart element that connects readers to their own memories.

Finding Publishing Opportunities

· Regional publications are a good place to market your Christmas memory stories.
· Devotions – Use your Christmas memory in devotional writing. Look for a spiritual application to go along with your story. Don't push this too far, however. Make sure there is actually a connection to the point you are trying to make.
· Anthologies - Keep an eye open for yearly Christmas anthologies. I usually receive requests for submissions each year.
· Fiction – Use a Christmas memory in your fiction. You may have to adjust the event to fit your time period, but you can still use the framework of your memory even if you have to make changes. After all, you are writing fiction!

Candy Arrington's publishing credits include Writer's Digest, The Writer, Thriving Family, The Lookout, Encounter, Chicken Soup, and numerous other anthologies. She is coauthor of When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for this Season of Life (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group). www.CandyArrington.com

This Week's Winner...

2011-12-16T09:44:00.001-05:00

...of Susan May Warren's Baby It's Cold Outside is apple blossom! Congrats! Thanks for all the comments this week.

We'll be back next week with more fun stuff. See you on Monday!

Cindy
www.celticvoices.blogspot.com

Review: Mistress of Nothing

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Mistress of Nothing

By Kate Pullinger

Touchstone, August 2011

About the Book

When Lady Duff Gordon, paragon of London society, departs for the hot, dry climate of Egypt to seek relief from her debilitating tuberculosis, her lady’s maid, Sally, doesn’t hesitate to leave the only world she has known in order to remain at her mistress’s side. As Sally gets farther and farther from home, she experiences freedoms she has never known—forgoing corsets and wearing native dress, learning Arabic, and having her first taste of romance.

But freedom is a luxury that a lady’s maid can ill afford, and when Sally’s newfound passion for life causes her to forget what she is entitled to, she is brutally reminded she is mistress of nothing. Ultimately she must choose her master and a way back home—or a way to an unknown future.

My Review

I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would when I first started reading it. Things really picked up around chapter six, and then I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book. It had a happy-sad sort of ending, but it was satisfying to me. There were definite pros and cons to Sally’s life and the decisions she made as Lady Duff Gordon’s lady's maid. The same went for Lady Duff Gordon and Omar, her loyal servant. The story was thoroughly engrossing and I found myself living in Egypt back in the mid 1800s. It was quite an adventure. I found the cultural aspects of the story fascinating and the romance quite intriguing.

The Mistress of Nothing was a love story for certain, but it had a bittersweet feel to it that I found quite addicting. Sometimes those stories are the best kind because in real life everything isn’t peaches and cream, plus every decision made has ramifications that are far-reaching. I loved the part where Sally discovered that part of the problem was that she didn’t “think” about what she was doing. She just gave herself over to it, reveled in it even. That type of impulsive behavior is often most destructive because usually it’s not until the consequences are right in front of us that we realize things didn’t have to go that route in the first place. But by then it was too late.

It sounds like I’m talking in code, I know. But it’s the only way to share my thoughts without giving a spoiler. All in all I really enjoyed this book. It started out a bit tedious, but once I became engrossed in the story I had to keep reading until I finished it. It had a unique feel to it sort of like The English Patient, but not as tragic. Very compelling story and well worth the read.

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts . . . fiction making an impact on real lives . . .

Author of over a dozen novels. Available in 2011: First Response (June 2011), Their Separate Ways (July 2011), Letting Go (August 2011), In Sheep’s Clothing (Sept 2011), and When Love Collides (Dec 2011).

Interview with Susan May Warren - Day Two

2011-12-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to part two of Amber Stockton's interview with Susan May Warren.

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You! She is also the founder of My Book Therapy, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

What is your top advice to those venturing into historical fiction in regard to research or for those interested in learning more about a certain time period? Do you have any favorite resources to share with our readers?

I could get lost in history – the details, the questions of how people survived, even thrived. How their courage and lessons made us into the people we are today. I am a fan of biographies, and have an extensive library on various historical figures. When writing a novel, I always try and find a character in history who embodies my character’s life. For example, for my next Daughters of Fortune novel, Baroness, set in the 1920’s, I read The Paris Wife, A Moveable Feast, The Sun Also Rises, and numerous essays on life on the West Bank of Paris. (think: Hemingway, Fitzgerald, etc.) The nuances you find in great biographies and even travel journals set in the era and location are fabulous tidbits for a novel.

You have written contemporary romance, historical, thrillers, and novellas. What is your favorite genre and why?

Okay, that’s asking me who my favorite child is. I love them all, but differently! I love contemporary for the fun, quirky humor, I love the pace of thrillers, I love the challenge of novellas (and having to write it tight!) and I love historical because of the research.

Your latest novel is a WWII novel and part of Summerside Press’ “When I Fall in Love” series. But it’s not your first during this era. What about that time period fascinates you, and what made you choose this story?

The World War II generation embodied an attitude of personal sacrifice for a greater good that I find heroic and empowering. I love everything from the victory gardens to the correspondence (and the romances that ensued). I’m also a fan of the fashion, the music, the dancing, the hairstyles, the shoes. I chose this time period not only because the song, Baby, it’s Cold Outside came out in 1949, but I wanted to explore the challenges of those who couldn’t let go of the war and the sacrifices, and those who wanted to press forward into a new era. I also love the premise of the story – five people trapped together in a house over a Christmas blizzard, and the miracle that occurs when they share their secrets.

Please introduce us to the main characters in your most recent book and provide a brief summary of the story.

Dottie – a woman who has lost her only son in the war.
Gordy – the neighbor across the street who has always loved her.
Violet – a former WAC, who served in the military and returned home to find all the men taken.
Jake – a man with a secret, looking for redemption from Violet

When five near-strangers are trapped together in a house during the Christmas holiday of 1949, they discover that they have more in common than they realize, and in the revealing of their secrets they experience a Christmas miracle.

All right. We have the main characters and the general plot. Now, this is a favorite question I love to ask of all authors. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why? And feel free to answer for more than one lead character if you wish.

Dottie – she’d have vanilla ice-cream, home made, made on a hot summer day with her son, Nelson.

How about your next book? What’s releasing next for you, and what are you working on now?

The next story is The Shadow of Your Smile, with Tyndale, a contemporary romance about a woman in a broken marriage who falls and loses her memory of the past 20 years, including her marriage and children. She also loses the memory of the tragic death of her daughter. Her family struggles with the question – do they help her remember, knowing she’ll also remember the tragedy? Or do they start over? Is her memory loss a curse, or a blessing?

I have had more than one reader ask me this, and I have offered varying answers. Is there ever a time when you feel like your work is truly finished and complete?

Um, well, I have a stack of my own books, already published, highlighted with things I’d do differently. But ultimately, I have to just say…I did my best, and it’s not mine anymore.

Once your books are finished and released into the readers’ hands, what would you like them to gain from reading?

Truth. That God loves them and His grace abounds in our lives.

So, do you have any final words for readers or writers? Anything I might have missed?

Thanks for having me, Tiff! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Thank you so much, Susie, for joining us here on Favorite PASTimes. We pray continued blessings on your writing ministry and on the lives of all of your readers.

To those reading this interview on either of the two days, feel free to share your comments or ask any questions. Susie will try to drop by and respond, but there are no guarantees. But when you comment any time during the week, you will be entered into the drawing for a free copy of Susie’s latest book, Baby It's Cold Outside. Thank you for visiting with us.

Please leave your comment with your email address
in the form of name[at]domain[dot]com to qualify.

Interview with Susan May Warren

2011-12-13T06:00:00.005-05:00

Thank you, readers, for joining us today for Amber Stockton's interview with Susan May Warren.

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You! She is also the founder of My Book Therapy, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Welcome to Favorite PASTimes, Susan. We’re pleased to have you here with us celebrating the release of your latest novel. Congratulations!

You are what I’d call a “veteran” in this crazy writing business. With over 35 novels to your credit, an active speaking career, and your deep involvement with The Book Therapy, you stay quite busy. We won’t even mention your family commitments. :) So, when it all comes hitting at once, what is one thing you do to maintain peace through everything?

Thank you Tiff, I’m so thrilled to be here!

Peace is different than balance. Peace is finding the priorities that God has set for you, and then pursuing that. Granted, it might look different for each day – some days, I’m a mom first, some days the Book Therapy Head Coach. Some days I’m a novelist, some days I’m ministering to women – the key is knowing what God has called me to that day, and pursuing it – and then trusting Him to keep the other fires burning.

I remember many times when my children were young, living in Russia as a missionary, when someone would stop by, unannounced. I’d have to put my “agenda” on the shelf and minister to that person. God blessed it and redeemed my time. He still does that when I’m willing to give my daily activities to him, and trust Him for the order. That is what gives me peace, God’s perfect agenda for my life and time.

As I mentioned above, you are one of the founding members of My Book Therapy, working with author Rachel Hauck as well. This venture has morphed into a blog, a club, and an ezine, in addition to the basics of helping writers learn to write. It’s probably hard to narrow it down this much, but what has been your most memorable experience working with MBT?

I think, for me, it’s seeing the people I’ve been working with get published. Like Lisa Jordan, our MBT Forum Hostess and Ezine editor. We’ve been working together for years and I was thrilled to see her first book, Lakeside Reunion, come out with Steeple Hill, in November. I love helping people see their dreams come true.

What is the biggest challenge/obstacle you face in protecting your writing time?

Opportunities. I know that seems like a strange answer, but I have a hard time letting go of opportunities – like a speaking event, or teaching a retreat, or even a get-away to see my children. I want to do it all! But I can’t, and that’s where I have to go back to my priorities and say, "No". I need to write. I can’t go swing dancing tonight. (Okay, maybe I can if I can just write faster!). Thankfully, I live in a place where we have slow internet, so that isn’t a huge distraction for me.

In order to stay focused while on a deadline, you usually need to have a specific area that’s perfect for writing. So, could you describe your work place for us?

I write in three different chairs in my house. The Big Blue chair, where I plot. The Little Blue chair in my bedroom where I can also see the television (HGTV and I are good friends), and the Big Brown chair in the basement where it’s warm. (Working up here in MN, my fingers get very cold!) I like to move around – for some reason, it helps with creativity.

You spent a good number of years doing mission work in Russia. Tell us a little about how that all started and where specifically you were called to ministry.

I always knew God had called me into a life of ministry – especially missions work. I just had a hard time saying yes! But when I did, at age 22, God put a handsome man into my life and defined the call to Russia. As a child, I loved to read stories of the martyrs in Russia, and finally that made sense to me. Andrew (my hubby) graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1992, and we moved to Russia with the Navigators in 1994.

What about your experience in Russia do you feel helped craft the life you live now?

God taught me to trust Him for the little, as well as the big, things in Russia, from food to finances to safety. I draw on those lessons all the time, when I’m begging God for words, or stories, or even publishing wisdom. I also remember that my books are in His hands and I don’t need to panic. Ever.

A lot of authors didn’t start out with a goal of becoming published. In fact, you have a degree in Mass Communications. How has that helped you in your career?

I am a marketer at heart, so for some reason I always look at the deeper issues of a story, the sale points, and how I can connect them to the heart of the reader. As I’ve “sold” my stories, that training assisted me in crafting everything from a proposal to book campaign to a radio interview. And, it helps me find and keep the focus of the story.

What is your top advice to those venturing into historical fiction in regard to research or for those interested in learning more about a certain time period? Do you have any favorite resources to share with our readers?

We'll look forward to hearing more tomorrow from Susan May Warren as her
interview continues. Please leave a comment with your email address
in the form of name[at]domain[dot]com to qualify for our weekly drawing
and a chance to win Susan's latest book, Baby It's Cold Outside.

A Caroling We Go!

2011-12-12T11:02:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday, everyone! Since Christmas is just days away, I thought I’d share a bit about a longtime Christmas tradition: singing carols. Here are some interesting facts I found. If you know others, feel free to share!

Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago, but they weren’t Christmas carols – they were pagan songs sung at the winter solstice celebrations in December.

The word “carol” or “carole” is believed to mean a dance song or a circle dance accompanied by singing. It’s a song of dance and joy!

Carols used to be written and sung for celebrations throughout the year, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has survived.

Early Christians gave people Christian songs to sing instead of pagan songs during the solstice celebrations. They weren’t particularly popular because they were written and sung in Latin, which commoners couldn’t understand.

Many people lost interest in Christmas carols until St. Francis of Assisi began his Nativity Plays in Italy in 1223. The people in the plays sang songs that told the story. The songs were normally in a language the audience understood, so they could join in. That helped the new carols spread to France, Spain, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

Christmas celebrations and carol singing stopped when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power over England in 1647. People still sang the songs in secret, so many carols survived. Christmas caroling had a resurgence during Victorian times when two men began collecting old Christmas music from villages in England.

New carols were written and became popular (most of the carols we know today were written during the Victorian period). The tradition of singing carols in the streets also became popular during the Victorian Age.

Churches and families around the world celebrate Christmas with candlelight services.

Some people believe the most famous carol service is Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College in Cambridge, UK. The service takes place on Christmas Eve and is broadcast live around the world on BBC Radio. It began in 1918 as a way for the college to celebrate the end of World War I. The service includes nine Bible readings that tell the Christmas story, with one or two carols between each reading.

For our visitors and friends: what’s your favorite Christmas carol? Our son will be caroling with the church youth group on Sunday night. Do you or other family members or friends go Christmas caroling as part of your celebration?

PS -- My apologies for the bland looking post, but Blogger just kept saving my work whenever I clicked to upload an image instead of sending me to the photo page. Technology ... :-)

This Week's Winner

2011-12-09T10:08:00.001-05:00

...of A Log Cabin Christmas is Margie! Congrats!

Thanks for all your comments this week! See you all on Monday!

Cindy
http://celticvoices.blogspot.com

Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway

2011-12-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Measure of Katie Calloway

By Serena Miller

Revell, October 2011

About the Book

The Civil War in America is over and former northerner, Katie Calloway, must flee for her life from Georgia, where her husband, an abusive Confederate officer, is waging war in their own home. Not only does he taunt her about her father and brother dying for the Union army, but she discovers that he is planning to kill her in order to be free to marry a local widow whose still-intact plantation he covets. Katie and her little brother find refuge in a lumber camp where she allows the camp owner to believe she is a widow.

The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he’s hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie, worried that Robert will fire her if he discovers she is not the grieving widow she pretends to be, fights to keep her past a secret from this good man she is growing to love.

As Katie and Robert slowly realize their deep love for one another, Katie wonders, can she truly outrun her tumultuous past and learn to trust someone new? An unforgettable journey of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of a world that was unforgiving at best.

Serena Miller is the author of Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio, as well as numerous articles for periodicals such as Woman’s World, Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and more. She lives on a farm in southern Ohio.

My Review

I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by the depth of this story. Not only did I learn a lot about the logging business post Civil War, but more about Michigan as well. I loved the anecdotal sayings and songs about the shanty boys and the dangers inherent in that business. It was amazing what our ancestors went through in both logging and mining, which are both fascinating subjects to me.

The plot was well developed and the characters were complex. I loved that the author didn’t have a predictable ending and things twisted and turned a little bit from the standard story structure. Robert was a great hero and very easy to fall for. I hurt for him and his history as a surgeon during the war. I was moved to tears when he needed to perform surgery and Katie prayed for him. It reminded me of Aaron holding up Moses’s hands in the Old Testament. His children were realistically portrayed as well. The cook Jigger was something. His transformation in the story over time was heart warming.

The heroine, Katie, was a hard worker and it was impossible to not admire her pluck. I think that was one of the things that Robert liked most about her. She wasn’t a typical woman. She worked hard and didn’t nag or complain. That was good to see in a book. Her cooking was so well described I often imagined myself eating what Katie was creating in the kitchen. Those meals sounded yummy.

The camaraderie of the camp employees really made this novel special to me. The many characters were distinct and the author included just enough male vulgarity (if you will) to make it really feel like a camp full of men without being gross. In my mind I could smell their BO and I experienced other sensations like the rough pine and scratchy wool because they were so well described. I did find myself scratching my head every time lice and bed bugs were mentioned. Ick.

Probably the best part of the story to me was the realistic portrayal of how an abused woman would react when threatened. Even a strong one. I loved how Robert noticed that she was almost too compliant and didn’t want to make waves. She was also afraid of male anger. That was well done. I loved how Katie nurtured everyone around her including her brother and Moon Song. The spiritual thread in Sky Pilot’s story was also good. I felt like I knew the characters personally. That’s good writing.

Michelle Sutton

Healing Hearts—fiction making an impact on real lives . . .

Day 2 with Liz Tolsma

2011-12-07T01:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome back for our second day with author Liz Tolsma. Liz is an inspirational author whose novella Under His Wings appears in the collection A Log Cabin Christmas, which has hit the New York Times bestseller list. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and loves to mentor new writers. She resides next to a Wisconsin cornfield with her husband and three children.

Liz, we were asking about your favorite period in time. What’s yours? And if you could meet someone from that time and interview him/her – who would it be and what would you ask?

I love writing about the 1870s and most of my historicals are based then. I did love writing my WWII novel. When I’m interviewing someone or when I read source material, I’m after the answers to, “What was it like?” and “How did you feel?” I would want to dig deep and understand what life was like for them.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve received about your writing career?

Never give up. I called my agent one day because I wasn’t getting any writing done. I was so busy with homeschooling and a new child, it had been a long, long time since I’d submitted anything to her. I called her to tell her that she was free to let me go. She wouldn’t and told me to keep writing. Even though I was ready to give up at that point, I listened to her, snatching writing time when I could. Then things started happening for me.

Do you have a favorite marketing tip to share?

I’m afraid I’m new to marketing, but I always try to be open and approachable to my audience. I think I do that with my blog and I’ve made some bonds with people over the years of blogging. It helped me at a recent book signing to smile and say hello to the people who walked by. I got several to come over and buy a book that way.

What do you read for your own entertainment?

I prefer historicals set in the time periods I write. I enjoy a good contemporary romance from time to time. Always romance.

Can you share anything about your current projects? What’s next for you?

I’m waiting to hear about my WWII novel and several novella proposal I have out there, too. In the meantime, I’m working on a prairie romance series set in Dakota Territory in the 1870s. The gold rush was going on then and that fascinates me.

Thank you so much for your insight and your time, Liz.

Thank you for having me. I’ve enjoyed my time here.

Visitors, leave a comment or question to be entered in our drawing on Friday morning for a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas. Be sure to spell out “at” and “dot” to help cut down on spam. Thanks for stopping by, and come back next week!

Interview with Liz Tolsma

2011-12-06T08:30:00.005-05:00

Liz Tolsma is an inspirational author whose novella Under His Wings appears in the collection A Log Cabin Christmas, which has hit the New York Times bestseller list. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and loves to mentor new writers. She resides next to a Wisconsin cornfield with her husband and three children.

Welcome to PASTimes, Liz. We’d like to know a little more about you. Share about your journey to publication, both non-fiction and with your new release.

Ever since I was small, I wanted to be a writer, but the journey took many detours. I ended up as a teacher and a copywriter before I dedicated myself to writing. Kids came along and we homeschooled for a while. God’s timing was perfect. I received my first contract less than a month after all three of my children were in school full time. He knew I’m not a multi-tasker – I couldn’t have homseschooled and met the demands of being an author at the same time.

With your historical piece, can you tell us about the inspiration for the story? And give us a little synopsis.

My family and I love to vacation in Rhinelander. Twice now we’ve visited the Camp Five Logging Museum while up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Walking into the museum and seeing the displays, a story started brewing that eventually became Under His Wings. It’s been sitting, lonely, on my computer for many years.

About Under His Wings: Adie O’Connell finds herself the lone woman stranded in a logging camp full of uncouth men. She knows Noah Mitchell promised her father he’d look after her, but is a marriage of convenience the only way? With the threats against her reputation continuing, she’s frightened. Will their marriage cost them both everything or can they find security—and love—under God’s wings?

Do you have a particular habit for your writing life? I know you’re a busy mom – how do you balance your schedule?

It’s much easier with my kids in school. My mornings are my writing time and I try not to let anything interfere with that. We have the wireless router on a Christmas light remote, so I turn off the internet. I’m not allowed to turn it on until I have 2000 words written. Some days it’s a struggle, but many other days I easily meet my goal. This way I’m finished with my writing day by the time my kids are home from school and I can then concentrate on them.

Research and attention to detail make or break the historical novel. Share with us your best strategies for research and fact-checking. Have you caught yourself up on any unusual details or fantastic sources material that you’d like to share?

Read, read, read. I read everything I can get my hands on pertaining to my subject. I try very hard to follow the rule of three: three sources for everything. And Wikipedia doesn’t count. For a WWII novel that is now out in proposals, I had the pleasure of spending the day with three men who lived in the Netherlands during the time of the Nazi occupation. Two were in hiding. It was one of the best and most moving days of my life. And they read my manuscript to make sure I had the details just right. Of course, for Under His Wings, I couldn’t interview anyone who lived at that time, but finding source material is always a bonus.

What’s your favorite period in time, and if you could meet someone from that time and interview him/her – who would it be and what would you ask?

Visitors, come back tomorrow for Liz’s answer to this and other questions. If you leave a comment or question, you’ll be eligible for our drawing on Friday morning for a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas. Be sure to spell out “at” and “dot” to help cut down on spam.

New Reads for December

2011-12-05T08:35:00.006-05:00

ACFW authors offer plenty of good reading to add to your Christmas shopping list! Here’s a rundown of some new titles; let us know if you read and enjoy any of them.

An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; Pricilla's upcoming wedding is stirring up trouble - and romance - in Paradise.

Christmas Pearl by Robin L. Bayne -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Joe Gardner never expected to see Elizabeth again, not after the part she'd played in ruining his life. Refusing to believe she now shares his faith, Joe tosses aside her efforts to apologize. But when they are forced to work together in the midst of the Christmas season, Joe has to face the truth about Elizabeth, and himself.

Daddy’s Little Matchmakers by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Romance from Love Inspired -- Wanted: Wife And Mother. Veterinarian Eric Wilson is confounded by the classified ad his three young daughters have placed. The handsome widower is not in the market for a bride!

Death in Dahlonega by Deborah Malone -- A Mystery from Lamp Post Inc. A vacation with a friend should never include murder and mayhem.

Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early -- Romance/Mystery from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); A missing coworker. A brawny sidekick. Sometimes the holidays can be murder.

His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley, -- Romance from Love Inspired. In the aftermath of a hurricane, will Kathleen Hart and Gideon O'Brien, two scarred people, find hope and love?

Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna M. White -- Romance from Summerside Press. In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton.

Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Aleni Callan can’t accept that God allowed her husband to die in Afghanistan while war hero, Brice Taylor, returns from Iraq to cheers and fame and feelings that he somehow failed. Neither can accept that one man lived and one man died.

Replication by Jill Williamson -- Young Adult from Zondervan; A girl discovers her biologist father is covering up multiple secrets—all of which are named Jason.

Savanna’s Gift by Camille Eide -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that once divided them get in the way?

Small-Town Sweethearts by Jean C. Gordon-- Romance from Love Inspired; With the help of God and the love of Drew Stacey, a down-sized Wall Street analyst turned church camp manager, NYC assistant art director and former town misfit Emily, ne Jinx, Hazard finds the thing she wants most in the place she least wants to be — Paradox Lake.

Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; When a failed logging company threatens their town's survival, four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway.

The Christmas Witness by Susan Sleeman-- Thriller Suspense from Love Inspired; Can a former FBI agent let go of the devastating loss of his wife to cancer in order to save a critically ill child and her mother from a ruthless criminal?

Tracks in the Snow by Sandra Hesch-- General Fiction from Lamp Post Inc.; Jo Bremley feared losing her husband to World War II, but when a snowstorm rips apart her storybook world, how can she heal her broken heart, and move on?

Happy reading, and happy book shopping -- whether it's for yourself or someone else!

This Week's Winner

2011-12-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

This week's winner of Mary Connealy's latest book is Lane Hill House! Congratulations. I have sent you an email. Thanks for the comments this week. Be sure to stop by next week for more fun!

Blessings,
Cindy
http://celticvoices.blogspot.com