image: header
image: gownflare

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Spotlight on K. Dawn Byrd and Killing Time

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to find and answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance. Queen of Hearts, a WWII romantic suspense released in April and was Desert Breeze Publishing's bestselling novel for the month. Killing Time, a contemporary romantic suspense released August 1, also with Desert Breeze Publishing. She is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com , most of which are signed by the authors. She's also the moderator of the popular facebook group, Christian Fiction Gathering.

When not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 14 years, walking their dogs beside a gorgeous lake near her home, and plotting the next story waiting to be told.

Blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Publisher: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-103/k-dawn-byrd-killing/Detail.bok (there will be links in August at this site to purchase from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the Sony ebook store and others)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ncljBid61g


KILLING TIME
by K. Dawn Byrd
Published by Desert Breeze Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Not too many years ago, I worked as a counselor in a jail. I've always been an avid reader and wanted to try my hand at writing one day. I began to jot down notes about the jail setting, thinking that I might use it eventually in a book. It wasn't long until characters formed in my head, begging me to tell their story.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Of course, I'd experienced my heroine's setting because I worked in a jail. My heroine loves hot cars and Nancy Drew just as I do. She also suffers from migraines, which unfortunately, plague me from time to time.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Mindy would be strawberry ice cream. She's sweet, innocent, and a little old fashioned.

4. Are there any themes in Killing Time that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Readers should see that Mindy is a strong Christian, but she's not perfect. She becomes angry with God when incarcerated and eventually comes to the point that she has only God and can't make it without Him. Readers should see that even though she's in her darkest hour, God is with her.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult part to write was the show down toward the end of the book. I wanted to bring Mindy's emotions into the reader's heart as she's held against her will by a murderer. I rewrote that scene several times in an attempt to make it more real for the reader.

My favorite scene is in the classroom at the jail when the counselor Mindy's fallen for begins to see her as the beautiful woman she is. She believed that she'd never have a chance with him because when she became an inmate, she became everything he was against.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm working on my fifth novel right now. Desert Breeze has novels one and two. I've not yet decided where I'll place three and four. An agent is looking at those and I plan to take his advice.

* * * * *

Thank you, Dawn, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE e-book copy of Killing Time. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question from Dawn: I've told you what aspects of myself went into my heroine's character. If you were to write a novel, what aspects of yourself would you attribute to your heroine?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Monday, July 26, 2010

CFBA Blog Tour - Ronie Kendig and Nightshade

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Nightshade
Barbour Books (July 1, 2010)
by Ronie Kendig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RONIE KENDIG has been married since 1990 to a man who can easily be defined in classic terms as a hero. She has four beautiful children. Her eldest daughter is 16 this year, her second daughter will be 13, and her twin boys are 10. After having four children, she finally finished her degree in December 2006. She now has a B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Getting her degree is a huge triumph for both her and her family--they survived!

This degree has also given her a fabulous perspective on her characters and how to not only make them deeper, stronger, but to make them realistic and know how they'll respond to each situation. Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning released March 2010 from Abingdon Press. And her Discarded Heroes series begins in July from Barbour with the first book entitled Nightshade.

NIGHTSHADE
by Ronie Kendig
Published by Barbour Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tour of duty in a war-torn country, embattled former Navy SEAL Max Jacobs finds himself discarded and alienated from those he loves as he
struggles with war-related PTSD. His wife, Sydney, files a restraining order against him and a petition for divorce. Max is devastated.

Then a mysterious a man appears. He says he's organizing a group that recycles veterans like Max. It's a deep-six group known as Nightshade. With
the chance to find purpose in life once again, Max is unable to resist the call of duty and signs on.

The team handles everything with precision and lethal skill...until they're called upon to rescue a missionary family from a rebel-infested jungle and
avoid a reporter hunting their identities.

Will Max yield his anger and pride to a force greater than him...love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Nightshade, go HERE.

WATCH THE TRAILER



* * * * *

MY REVIEW

I thought Ronie's debut novel, Dead Reckoning, was amazing, but I had no idea the treasure that awaited me tucked within the pages of Ronie's second novel, Nightshade. What a fantastic debut to her Discarded Heroes series. The jungle came alive, the covert operations took me right along with them, and the action blended with the romance in perfect unison.

Vibrant, full of adventure, emotion, and real life, and featuring enough surprises to keep you turning pages all night long. If you're looking for a book to help you sleep, don't pick up this one. You're in for a long, sleepless night with Nightshade. But you won't regret it for one minute. In fact, you'll close the back cover and wish you had the sequel right beside you.

Ronie, you've done an amazing job! Keep it up, girl.

* * * * *

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

CFBA Blog Tour - Cara Putman and Stars in the Night

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. A random question will be inserted in each spotlight for you to answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stars in the Night
Summerside Press
by Cara Putman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


CARA PUTMAN graduated from high school at sixteen, college at 20, and completed her law degree when she was 27. Her writing journey started in 2005 when she decided to write her first novel. Now she has eleven books published with more on the way.

From Cara: People say I've accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a home schooled kid when home schoolers were misunderstood and oddities.

I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.

I often fear people won't like my books.

I've walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.

Really, I'm just like you – I don't have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I've discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover too.

In the end I'm just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I've been obedient to step into the calling He's led me into.

Stars in the Night Background

Stars in the Night was an idea that had begun to percolate in my mind. I’d written two World War II series and was actively looking for my next setting. My husband, a huge World War II history buff, and I were kicking ideas around, and I’d decided Hollywood was probably the next place for me. I’d gone to the library and gotten a stack of research books when I got the call. An editor I knew but had never worked with wanted to know if I might be interested in a new line they were starting. As we talked, I got so excited. And then she emailed me their guidelines, which listed that Hollywood was a location they were interested in setting books.

Only God could have known ahead of time. But because I followed His prompting I was ready to run with an idea. Stars in the Night is the result.

STARS IN THE NIGHT
by Cara Putman
Published by Summerside Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her.

Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.

Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.

Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.

Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Stars in the Night, go HERE.

CONTEST: Cara is having a great contest to celebrate the release of Stars in the Night. Entries accepted
through August 1st. Click over to her blog to see the prize packages (there are 11 and one includes a bunch of my favorite classic movies as well as all of her World War II novels): Launch Contest!

* * * * *

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I was working on the last book for my second World War II series for Heartsong Presents and beginning to think about where I might want to set a future series. My husband, who is as big a World War II fan as I am if not more, and I were brainstorming one night. Since I’d done two series set in the Midwest, I kind of wanted to branch out, and I’ve long had a love of classic movies. As Eric and I were talking, we hit on the idea of Hollywood during World War II.

There were so many different roles that the stars played during the war. Canteens. USO tours. Active service. 4-Fed. The plot options and historical details seemed endless. Then as I researched I stumbled on the original Hollywood Victory Caravan. My imagination kicked into overdrive. What if I created a second Victory Caravan? What if a killer followed someone on to the train? What if people died and you were trapped on the train with a killer? And what if romance blossomed in the midst of the suspense? I got pretty pumped very quickly.

Then I got a call from the woman who became my editor at Summerside. She wondered if I might be interested in writing historical romantic suspense for them. And as God works, one of the settings they were interested in was Hollywood. It was perfect timing and a great fit.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Audra, the heroine, is an attorney trying to actually be able to practice law in 1942 Indiana. So there were definite aspects of my experience with law school and as an attorney that played into it. But I’ve never lost a sibling and I’ve never had to outsmart a killer.

Robert, the hero, is a Hollywood actor who’s star is on the rise. But he’s had his heart broken by following the studio system of Hollywood. Now, in 1942 that divorce has made him questionable husband material. And Audra wonders if he could really be interested in her when he’s surrounded by starlets. But he is a genuinely good guy trying to move past his mistakes. I’d like to think that’s me, too, though I’ve never been divorced.

3. If your hero and/or heroine was an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Tiff, what a fun question! Audra would be something like an orange or raspberry sorbet. Refreshing, a bit offbeat, but still not terribly flashy. Robert would be a rich deep chocolate that matches his eyes. :)

4. What themes exist in Stars in the Night that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as your story unfolded?

When I started Stars in the Night I knew that grief would have some role. But I thought it would be minor. But as I wrote I discovered that Audra had to deal with the grief and find she was stronger than she thought. She should have known it since she tackled a very non-traditional career choice, but I think that’s often how we live. We often live in fear of a certain thing or event. “God, I can endure anything, but don’t make me experience XX.” Beth Moore talks about this in one of her videos with the Esther series. And it really struck me. If we’ll let Him, God wants to walk us through that most-horrible what-if scenario, walk us all the way to the end of the road and let us discover if whatever that is really will kill us or be the end of us. Often, I think if we’ll allow ourselves to be led through all the what-ifs to the end, we’ll find it may not be fun, it may not be our first choice, but if we truly trust God we will fall on Him and He will put us back together. It’s certainly held true for me. And that’s a bit of what Audra experiences.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The hardest scene to write was one that I didn’t originally plan. But as first readers read the book, they pointed out a scene I’d skipped. I didn’t want to travel with Audra to the full depth of her grief over her sister. But there’s one scene on the train where the hero helps her admit her grief and holds her. I’m not a crier, but boy did that scene get me. And don’t worry – grief really doesn’t dominate the story!

My favorite scenes to write involved the Hollywood Victory Caravan shows themselves. Creating the stars who took part on the tour and then watching their personalities and styles develop as they whirled on and off the stage was such fun. Let me tell you, there are some real characters on that tour!

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is book four in Guideposts next mystery series. I’m one of six authors writing the series and it’s a contemporary set in the Berkshire area of Massachusetts. It releases in September, and I’m currently writing book ten in that series which will release in spring 2011.

Drawing Entry Bonus Question from Cara: I absolutely love classic Hollywood, so what's your favorite classic movie? I'll play along and answer this too.

My favorite classic series is the six movie Thin Man series. We’ve even got our kids hooked on them now. They’ve got a fun slapstick element as Nick and Nora set out to solve various murders. I love the chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy. And I marvel that the first movie was filmed in about two weeks’ time.

My favorite romance is either It Happened One Night or You Can’t Take It with You. It Happened One Night is a romantic comedy with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert that lands on a lot of best movies of all times lists. And there’s nothing like when the wall of Jericho comes down at the end. You Can’t Take It with You is a delightful Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur romance that is overflowing with a rich supporting cast of eccentric characters and such strong Christian themes. I love that movie.

I’d love to know your favorite classic movies since I’m starting to review the great classics on my blog.

* * * * *

Thanks so much, Cara, for being in the spotlight.

NEW!! Readers, answer the bonus question related to the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE copy of Stars in the Night. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Spotlight on DeAnna Dodson and Letters in the Attic

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to find and answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


DeAnna Dodson has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with four spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her first books, In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered, are a trilogy of medieval romances. She is also the author of the contemporary mystery, Letters in the Attic. Her newest books, yet to be released, are A Dinner of Herbs, a Civil War drama, and a 1930s English mystery, Rules of Murder. Civil as an Orange, her current work in progress, is the sequel to Rules of Murder. She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (wendy@booksandsuch.biz).

LETTERS IN THE ATTIC
by DeAnna Dodson
Published by DRG (http://www.drgnetwork.com/about.php)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Up in her grandmother’s attic in Stony Point, Maine, Annie Dawson finds a stack of old letters from her childhood friend Susan Morris. Annie remembers Susan fondly and would like to get back in touch, but nobody seems to know what’s become of her. Her friends at The Hook and Needle Club aren’t much help either. All they remember is that Susan left town more than twenty years ago to marry a very wealthy man, but none of them is quite sure who he was. And Annie can find no record of any marriage. The more Annie searches, the more she begins to wonder if something has happened to Susan. Something bad.

Readers, buy your copy of Letters in the Attic today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Letters in the Attic is my very first contemporary mystery. Since it is the fourth book in the Annie’s Attic Mysteries series, the main characters and the opening situation were given to me. After that, I was pretty much free to use my imagination to take the plot where I wanted. It was a lot of fun to take just a glimmer of an idea – a stack of old letters found in an attic and a childhood friend who seems to have disappeared without a trace – and build a story around it.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Actually, even though many of the characters were already established before I began working on the book, I was delighted to know that Annie, the star of the series, was someone to whom I could really relate. Like me, she’s from Texas, she loves to do needle crafts, and she has a cat. I have four cats now, not just one, but I certainly had no trouble picturing what her life would be like. Something else I could really relate to was Annie’s needle craft group. There’s something special about getting to be around people who enjoy creating things with thread and fabrics. For me, it’s the same as when I get to talk to other writers. More than anyone else, they really understand the joys and challenges of the creative journey.

Of course, as the plot of the book moved forward, Annie had to deal with things I’ve never dealt with. She had to show a lot more courage and initiative than I have, I’m sure, and she’s certainly a lot nosier than I am. Of course, what amateur sleuth isn’t extremely interested in everyone else’s business?

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

I think Annie would be Peaches & Cream. She’s very down to earth, fresh and uncomplicated and wholesome, but not just plain vanilla.

4. Are there any themes in Letters in the Attic that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I think the main theme in the book is that truth is freeing. Covering up the past and hiding from the truth only hold you down. The longer you do it, the heavier that weight gets until you’re a prisoner of it. Only the truth unlocks that prison.

Another theme is that people need people. Even those who seem to want to drive everyone else away appreciate it when someone sees past the fear and reaches out to the hurting, heart-hungry person inside.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult part of the book for me was writing from front to back in chronological order. This may seem strange to readers and even other writers, but I don’t usually write chronologically. I prefer to write the central, most dramatic scenes first and then write all the little bits that connect them into a whole story. However, since I had to turn in this book one-third at a time, I had to change my usual method. I think it worked out well though. It was nice to have to stretch myself out of my comfort zone.

My favorite parts to write were the bits with Police Officer Roy Hamilton. He started out as an extremely minor character, someone who was there just to take fingerprints, and then he sprang to life all on his own and demanded a larger role. I was happy to oblige.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I don’t have anything specific scheduled yet, but I am working on a 1930s mystery series that I’m quite excited about. I love Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and Margery Allingham, the queens of mystery in the 1920s and ’30s and beyond, so I’ve been having a wonderful time trying my hand at the same sort of thing they did so delightfully well. My hero is Drew Farthering, a wealthy young Englishman who solves crimes with the help of a charming American debutante, Madeline Parker.

In the first book, Rules of Murder, Drew and Madeline find a dead body in the greenhouse at Drew’s country estate and uncover a plot to steal the family fortune. As they investigate, they find that no one is who he appears to be – not the blackmailer, not the adulterer, not the embezzler and not even Drew himself.

I am about eighty percent done with the second book in the series, Civil as an Orange. This time Drew has to track down a murderer who leaves cryptic clues on the bodies of the victims. Soon Drew realizes that the murders are all connected to himself in some way, and each one is closer to him than the last.

I’m thrilled to say that my agent loved Rules and is busy finding it a publisher, so I hope to have news on that front sometime soon. My website has excerpts from both books.

* * * * *

Thank you, DeAnna, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Letters in the Attic. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: What is the name of the second book in DeAnna’s 1930s mystery series? Do you know where the title comes from?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

ACFW Conference Blog Tour: Success Stories

This is the second of my two blog posts I'll be sharing as part of the ACFW Blog Tour promoting the upcoming national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September this year.

Today, I'm sharing about success stories that have resulted from connections I've made at the various conferences over the years.

One of the first pieces of advice you'll hear when you get started in a professional writing career is, "Attend a conference." This is a common recommendation, and an accurate one. In this industry (like so many others), it's 50% what you know and 50% who you know. You can't meet new people if you don't get out there and attend conferences or events where you can network.

For me, the majority of my success in this business came as a direct result of attending a conference:
  • ACFW Houston 2003 - Jim Peterson: I met his wife, Tracie, in 2002, and I chatted with him this year about my story idea. He was intrigued, so I officially pitched my book to him in 2004. That led to a request for a proposal. Next year in Nashville 2005, he requested the full manuscript. And in 2006, I received the amazing news that my first novel had sold!
  • ACFW Denver 2004 - Stuart Vaughn Stockton: It might have taken us 3 years, but this was the year it all began. In 2007, we married, and in 2009, we had our first daughter. But during that 3-year span, our relationship grew and blossomed thanks to many members of ACFW and the conference itself which provided us a mutual location where we could see each other once a year. We lived 2000 miles apart, so ACFW let us meet face-to-face. IM and email took care of the rest. :)
  • ACFW Nashville 2005 - Kim Moore: This meeting hasn't led to a contract, but Kim is such a sweet lady and a lot of fun. Our conversations have led to requests for proposals, and Kim loves my writing. One of these days, we might establish a professional relationship in addition to our friendship.
  • ACFW Dallas 2006 - JoAnne Simmons: This was the year I received my first contract, but it was also the year Jim and Tracie Peterson stepped down as acquisitions editors of Heartsong. JoAnne took over, and I met her this year. She has now been my editor for going on 4 years, and I love her to pieces. The team at Barbour is top-notch and it's a pleasure working with them.
  • ACFW Dallas 2007 - Jessica Barnes: Again, our appointments haven't led to a contract yet, but they have led to requests for manuscripts and strong interest. Every little bit helps. It's getting my name out there.
  • ACFW Minneapolis 2008 - Sandra Bishop: Although I officially met her at CCWC in May, we had an actual meeting to discuss agent representation at this conference. I submitted some of my work to her, and it piqued her interest. This year, 2010, we're finally to the point of talking seriously, but we haven't inked a deal at this time.
  • Generic meetings with Karen Ball, Terry Burns, Rachelle Gardner, Chip MacGregor, Steve Laube, Liz Curtis Higgs, James Scott Bell, Janet Kobobel Grant, Rebecca Germany, Terry Whalin, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, and the list goes on. Throw in at least 30-40 other published Christian fiction authors in the CBA, and this conference is THE place to be for Christian fiction.
Not all of those meetings or appointments led to a contract or request, but they were all successful networking connections. Schmoozing is a big part of this business, and getting your name out there is critical. The more people hear about you, the better your chances are to continue getting contracts and making sales.

I have said many times I wouldn't be where I am in my writing without ACFW. The platform they provide is amazing for writers of all stages and levels.

Thanks, ACFW, for providing the platform where I have been able to make so many great connections and begin what is sure to be a promising writing career.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Spotlight on Susan Page Davis and Gunsmith's Gallantry

Don't forget the new rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to find and answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


SUSAN PAGE DAVIS is the author of thirty novels. She and her husband Jim, a freelance editor, live in Kentucky with the youngest two of their six children. They also have six wonderful grandchildren. A native of Maine, Susan is adjusting to life in the South She’s an ACFW Book of the Year Winner, a two-time Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest Winner, and her July book, The Crimson Cipher, from Summerside Press, was named a Top Pick at Romantic Times Book Reviews.

GUNSMITH'S GALLANTRY
by Susan Page Davis
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

The shy gunsmith has problems—women problems!

Hiram Dooley’s sister Gert is about to leave him to get married—if Sheriff Ethan Chapman would ever propose; his sister-in-law, Rose, thinks Hiram should marry her, since they’re both widowed; and the woman he truly loves, Libby Adams, is blind to his regard.

Schoolmarm Isabel Fennel has a different problem—a man claiming to be her uncle came to town…and then disappeared. She’s afraid her has to do with his disappearance. Hiram helps the sheriff end a brawl at Bitsy Shepard’s saloon, and a mysterious stranger claims to be heir to a mining claim. The mayhem continues when Cyrus Fennel shows up with a black eye and tries to sell his land.

Can Hiram and the sheriff, along with Libby and the other members of the Ladies’ Shooting Club, discover what’s behind the mysterious events in Fergus? Will the uproar derail Hiram and Libby’s blooming romance, or can the Ladies’ Shooting Club save the day once again?

Readers, buy your copy of Gunsmith's Gallantry today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

It grew out of the first book, The Sheriff’s Surrender. Hiram’s story was begging to be told. I knew it would take drastic events to get him to step up, so I put him in several uncomfortable situations. My husband used to be a gunsmith, and he was a big help on this series. Also, I wanted to deal with Cyrus Fennel, the man everyone in Fergus loved to hate.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Not a lot, other than having lived in the West and visited the Idaho mountains.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Hiram would be plain vanilla. Libby is black cherry—in a crystal dish.

4. Are there any themes in Gunsmith's Gallantry that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Forgiveness and trust are big in this book and the entire series. Hiram can barely trust anyone enough to talk to them. Libby must trust her own instincts and forgive the annoying people in her life. Trudy has to trust Ethan and forgive his foibles. Isabel has perhaps the biggest leap—trying to trust her father.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

My favorite part was the first time Hiram went into the Spur & Saddle with Ethan. The hardest was the big event at the ranch near the end of the book. I won’t say too much, but it took some choreography.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My July book is The Crimson Cipher, set in 1915. Emma Shutser’s father is murdered. The Navy was going to try to entice him to go back into the Signal Corps and solve ciphers. After his death, they recruit Emma instead. She soon finds herself pitted against an unseen enemy known as Kobold (German for “goblin”). As saboteurs work to prevent America from joining the Allies in war, Emma and her colleagues try to stop them.

* * * * *

Thank you, Susan, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Gunsmith's Gallantry. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: You may not have had to back your friend up in a saloon brawl, but when was the last time you had to step outside your comfort zone, and how did you deal with it?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Blog Tour - Andrea Boeshaar and Unwilling Warrior

Today,
GlassRoadPR
introduces Chasing Lilacs
Strang Publishing
by Andrea Boeshaar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANDREA BOESHAAR, veteran author and co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, has been tapped as the second novelist in Strang Book Group's new line of historical romances. Andrea delivers an engaging tale of a woman bruised by a neglectful father and at the mercy of the times in which she lives.

UNWILLING WARRIOR
by Andrea Boeshaar
Published by Strang

ABOUT THE BOOK

Valerie Fontaine is frightened. Her mother has passed and the War Between the States is raging. She braves the distance and leaves her finishing school in Virginia to be home with Daddy in New Orleans for Christmas.

Benjamin McCabe has a noble dream of photographing the Civil War--until his brother is lost during a battle. He has no idea his quest to find the missing brother will lead him into the enchanting presence of a New Orleans socialite.

And neither could have guessed how their lives would be forever changed.


* * * * *

Order you copy today!

Friday, July 02, 2010

Fiction Course Online - Interview with Janice Hanna Thompson

FICTION COURSE INTERVIEW

* Note from Tiff: Janice has been a friend and mentor for several years. I can personally attest to the fact that she knows her stuff. She's coached, mentored, guided, and encouraged countless other writers and authors over the years. So, I'd say this online course is right up her alley!

Janice, I understand you’ve debuted a new fiction course online. Why fiction? What is your background related to fiction writing?

Every writer hopes to one day write “The Great American Novel.” I started writing novels as a child, so the desire to craft “story” has always been inside of me. In the mid ‘90s I started writing with the desire to be published. After years of trial and error, my first novel hit the shelves in 2000. Since then, I’ve published over forty novels—everything from inspirational romance to cozy mysteries to Y.A. (young adult) to romantic comedies. It’s been a great run! I’ve noticed a trend in recent years. “Young” writers approach me, one after the other, asking the same questions and struggling with the same problems. I’ve worn myself out giving the same answers! (There are only so many times and ways you can say, “You’re head-hopping, honey!”) Because of that, I decided it would be easier to compile the information into a fiction course, which you can find at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. I can’t wait to see what novelists think of this exciting new course!

The first lesson in your course is on understanding the genres. Why did you choose that one to begin?

As mentioned above, I’ve been published in multiple genres. My first book was a suspense-thriller. I’ve since written historicals, contemporaries, children’s, young adult, romances, mysteries and much, much more. Because I’ve been able to successfully cross genre lines, I feel qualified to teach on the subject. Before writers can establish themselves as novelists, they must develop an understanding of the fiction genres/categories. Choosing the best genre (or genres) is critical to your success. But with so many categories to choose from, how do you know which is your best fit? This lesson will give writers a thorough introduction to genre writing and will provide them with the necessary information to choose the one(s) best suited to their literary style and voice.

Hmm, excellent point. I've spoken to a good number of writers whose first question usually IS what genre to write or what genre to use to classify their writing. You've also included a lesson on plotting. Is this based on your “Plot Shots” teaching, which you’ve offered at conferences?

Yes! I’m so tickled to finally be able to offer this teaching in a course format. I’ve become known as “that Plot Shots lady.” That’s okay. I can live with that! I’m a firm believer in laying out a great plotline. Why? Because every story needs a beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down. The "Plot Shots" method gives writers the tools they need to plot their novel in twelve easy snapshots. It’s a fun and easy approach to plotting that won’t confuse or complicate the story.

Minimizing confusion. Sounds good to me! And along with plot-driven writing comes character-driven writing. Characterization is such an important component of fiction writing. Can you tell us more about your characterization lesson?

Years ago I developed a teaching that I call “Pandora’s Box.” It’s a layered approach to characterization, which uses the illustration of multiple boxes, one inside the other. In this lesson, I lay out the need for great characterization, then present the Pandora’s Box method. After presenting the method, I take the student through the process four times, using four fictional characters as a foundation. (Each character has a different personality, so the student learns how to apply the technique to the various personalities.)

Various personalities leads to various points of view. So many writers struggle with P.O.V. (point of view). Is that why you included a lesson on that very tough subject?

Point of View (P.O.V.) is a critical fiction component. Employing to your best advantage is tough! Most of the young writers I know struggle in this area. The head-hop. Oh, they don’t mean to. . .but they do! My detailed lesson on Point of View offers students a thorough teaching on the various P.O.V.s (omniscient, third person, second person, first person), and gives specific examples and tips so that writers can become P.O.V. purists.

P.O.V. Purists. Nice alliteration. :) Another "P" struggle is passive writing. What is that, and why have you included a lesson about it?

Many of the manuscripts I edit are written in passive voice. They’re loaded with passive verbs and include huge sections of “telling.” The author “information dumps,” which stops the flow of the story. Knowing the difference between active voice and passive voice is key to writing a great novel. Conquering the art of "showing" instead of "telling" will give writers an added advantage. This detailed lesson--filled with nuggets of wisdom from published authors--will give writers the tools they need to strengthen their stories and pull them into active voice.

Ack! Backstory! It’s so tough to add this to our novels. There's such a delicate balance between too much and not enough. Is that why you included a lesson on the subject?

Backstory. We all struggle with it, don’t we? In so many ways, it's critical to our story. After all, the reader needs to know where our primary character has come from--what she's been through--why she acts like she does. So, do you add the backstory or not? If so, can you do so without resorting to author intrusion? And where will you place it? At the beginning of the story? Elsewhere? Will it come out in lumps or snippets? This lesson offers students an intense look at backstory and includes tips for interjecting it without stopping the action.

Yet weaving that backstory in a creative manner usually comes down to a writer's style and voice. Many writers struggle with finding their “voice.” Can you tell us more about that?

A writer’s “voice” is her/her “stamp.” It’s the author’s “personality on the page.” And many young writers haven’t “found their voice” yet. This lesson delves into the topic, in detail, giving perspective on this very personal issue. The lesson (titled “Themes, Style and Voice”) also covers the various themes found in popular books, as well as style components.

All right, so those are the top fiction struggles. Now, can you tell us some of the top fiction mistakes?

Sure! After editing hundreds of manuscripts, I can point out some of the “top” fiction mistakes: Lack of a good hook. P.O.V. issues. Passive writing. Weak characterization. Poor plotting (no “belly of the whale” scene). Overuse of adverbs. On and on the list goes. Many writers simply don’t realize they’re making these mistakes until someone points them out. They wonder why the book keeps getting rejected. This lesson offers writers a thorough list, detailing the top twenty mistakes novelists make.

That will definitely prove useful, especially seeing them in action. So, you've covered a lot of the basics. Why did you decide to add a lesson on humor writing?

I’ve been writing comedies for years and have learned so much along the way. Humor writing is tough stuff! Some writers are born with an overactive funny bone. Others have to work hard to be funny. (Ironic, isn't it?!) If you're interested in adding a little har-de-har-har-har to your novel, then you've come to the right place. In this light-hearted lesson on humor writing, I share my top ten tips for adding humor to your writing. The bonus feature contains another twenty tummy-tickling techniques, so hang on for the ride!

And that ride usually ends with assembling a book proposal. (sigh) That's tough! What have you learned over the years?

Book deals are won or lost based on the proposal. If you've got a completed manuscript and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or editor, then this exciting lesson on query letters and book proposals will point you in the right direction, giving you all the confidence you need to submit, submit, submit! Students who use the information provided in this lesson can compose polished query letters and dazzling book proposals, sure to impress both editors and agents, alike.

Thanks so much for joining us, Janice. Where can people learn more about your courses? And where else can they find you on the web?

They can learn more at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. On that site, they will also find my “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” course, which many students have already taken. Folks can learn more about that one by clicking on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-5IZSNaZFU. I offered a free webinar on the subject about six weeks ago, and it can be found here: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/?s=webinar. We’ll be adding to the course list every couple of months, so stay tuned for more announcements!

Other places to find me on the web:

My website: www.janiceathompson.com

My blog: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?cat=1

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson