A Most Unsuitable Match, by Stephanie Grace Whitson - Free Book

I am honored to have as my guest today, Stephanie Grace Whitson.

A Most Unsuitable Match, by Stephanie Grace Whitson

An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana... [insert book cover]

She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.

Thank you for coming here to tell us about your newest book. It looks wonderful and I can’t wait to dive in!

I read that you started writing while home schooling your children and doing history research. Was History always a favorite subject of yours?

Yes, it was. I think my mother is to blame :-). Part of my memories of growing up include touring old cemeteries and "wondering why" about the people buried there.

As I look back, I think that connected history to people (as opposed to dates and events).

In other words, history has always been about story for me.

What inspired this novel?

I'm working on my master's degree in history, and one of my classes

visited DeSoto Bend Nature Refuge in Nebraska, where the wreck of the steamboat

Bertrand is memorialized. The "memorial," is the actual contents of the steamboat, which sank in 1869 and was re-discovered buried in the mud in the late twentieth century. The cargo was still intact and is on display--an amazing slice of life, because the cargo includes tons of freight headed for Montana. What did people in Montana need in 1869? It was on that steamboat. [insert photo of china] When I learned that a handful of women were on board when the steamboat sank ... and when I stood looking at their belongings ... a school blackboard, a coat, etc., .... I began to wonder "what if," and I knew I had a story to tell. (As part of my research, I also visited the Steamboat Arabia museum.)

Will there be a sequel?

My next book begins a series of books that answer the question "why" about

unique antique quilts. The first one, The Key on the Quilt, lets the reader know why

the maker affixed a brass key to the center block of a courthouse steps quilt.

What character traits do you enjoy writing the most?

I don't really have a favorite "type."

Where is your favorite place to write? 

In my office, which we fondly refer to as "the catacombs," since it's located in the basement of our Victorian-era home. It's a wonderful space with higher-than-expected

ceilings, and the quiet I need. I'm strange in that when I'm writing I want silence.

I can write in coffee shops and libraries, etc., .... but I prefer the quiet of my office.

What is your favorite time of the year?

The time when one of these "June bugs" comes running for a hug. 

Tell your readers something silly about yourself.

I'll be a complete fool if it means getting a baby to smile at me.

If you could ask your readers anything at all what would it be?

I'd ask them to talk. First, to others about the books they love, because "word of mouth," is the most important part of keeping a writer "in business." Second, to the writer whose

book they loved, because writing is a lonely endeavor and hearing from readers is the

most encouraging  part of our day.

Yesterday's Tomorrow, by Cathy West

Can you give us a glimpse inside your book?

Sure! Here’s the last bit of Chapter 1, Kristin Taylor has just arrived in Vietnam, found a place to stay and taken a nap –

Kristin stirred from deep slumber. Still in her jeans and T-shirt, she glanced around the darkened room, getting her bearings. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. Then bolted upright.

“You’re listening to Armed Forces Radio, Vietnam. Current time is 9.0.0. We’re looking for a high of 98 degrees today, folks. Now, here’s a little Rolling Stones to get you going this fine morning. ‘It’s Not Easy.’ You all stay safe out there…”

The radio. Kristin rubbed sleep from her eyes and let out her breath. Caroline must have arrived. Male laughter filtered through the closed door. And brought some friends back with her.

She worked the kinks out of her neck, pushed herself off the bed, and wandered barefoot across the threadbare carpet out into the next room.

“Don’t move.”

Kristin jumped back and stared down the barrel of a small pistol.

Tell us about Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Vietnam, 1967.

Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. 

Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

What inspired you to write this story?

I’ve always been fascinated by the Vietnam Era. When I heard about young female journalists striking out on their own to go and cover the war, I was intrigued. The more I researched, the more convinced I became that this was a story that needed to be told.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I have an office at home. I like to be focused when I write, so I sit at a desk in silence most of the time, and just get on with it. I’m not one of those writers who can pick up the laptop and sit in Starbucks and write – too many distractions for me!

What are you currently working on?

I’m waiting on edits for my next novel, Hidden in the Heart, so as soon as those appear I shall be working on them! I have a couple of other manuscripts that I’m puttering with, and I’m also compiling ideas for a possible sequel to Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Has being published changed your outlook on writing?

Great question! Yes, I think I take myself far more seriously now. J When I read reviews or get emails from readers, I realize that I’ve actually crossed the threshold and become a published author – and I seem to have set the standard pretty high! My biggest fear is that people won’t like my next novel! I definitely work harder and try to stick to more of a schedule with my writing now that I’m published, because I also have to keep up with the marketing aspect of it all, which means making time to answer interview questions and write blogs and keep in contact with readers. But I’m not complaining, I love it all!

If you could travel back in time where would you go?

Interesting! I would love to see the Victorian Era – all those beautiful dresses, the courtesans – of course The Renaissance would be pretty amazing too – or a picnic on the lawn of a place like Tara with someone like Scarlett O’Hara!

What is your favorite past time?

When I’m not writing, I love to read. I also love gardening so I do try to spend quite a bit of time in the garden. Roses and orchids are my two favorites. I also have a very energetic three year-old Border Collie who demands a lot of my time!

What is your biggest writing obstacle?

Brain freeze. There are days when I sit down and nothing comes. This used to freak me out, but now I’ve learned it’s all part of the process. I don’t force it. I’ll go do something else, like the mounds of laundry that need doing or I’ll go for a walk. Fortunately my writer’s block never seems to last too long!

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

Really, there are many takeaways. I think the best one is the idea of forgiveness and hope. We can go through a multitude of hard circumstances, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. If we allow God to move in our lives, we’re able to have that hope and faith that in Him, things will not always be this way. I tried to show this through my characters and the journey they traveled to come to deeper faith.

I also hope that people might come to a better understanding of the military, and what the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us actually experience. And some of my readers have said that Yesterday’s Tomorrow opened their eyes to that, especially how the soldiers were treated when they returned from Vietnam. While we may not all agree on whether or not to go to war, I think the military deserve our utmost respect.

Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in March 2011 through

 

By purchasing through this link you will help support this blog. We appreciate you!

OakTara Publishers. Catherine’s next novel, Hidden in the Heart, will be available in the near future, also through OakTara.

Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

OakTara Website: http://www.oaktara.com

Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVQUMRlYhkM

Review: George Washington Carver, by John Perry

Born the son of a slave woman George was raised by his white owners after his mother's death. The Carver family took in George and his brother, Jim. George was a sickly boy and wasn't much help around the farm but what he lacked in physical strength he made up for in determination and intelligence. George loved to learn and let nothing stand in his way of soaking up the knowledge he craved.

He became a teacher at Tuskegee after being the only black graduate in his class at the Iowa Agricultural College. He worked hard to teach students advanced techniques for improving soil condition and reducing soil erosion.  

Carver was loved by his students and said to be an approachable man with a willingness to help where he could. The deeper Carver's knowledge of the world grew the more he was convinced of a God more powerful than any creature on earth. 

This book was well researched and a pleasure to read. I love anything historical and especially when it is devoted to showing the perseverance and strength of those that helped shape this nation. 

Book Sneeze gave me this book for an honest opinion. I thank them for the opportunity to review this book.

 
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Review: Cabin on Pinto Creek, by AJ Hawke

Elisha rides onto Mr. Weather's ranch a broken young man with thin hopes of finding work to sustain him until he can recover from a back injury. He never imagined that what he would find was a family, a home and a love strong enough to heal even the lonilest of non-believers.

Susana, lost in the prairie with a dying grandfather, couldn't imagine what life had in store for her when a lone stranger rode up to their broken wagon.

This is a sweet romance full of love and kindness. The book draws you in to a world where true love and sweet timeless marriages really do exist. You will become a part of an extended family that you won't want to let go of.

Don't miss out!


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Little Shepherd, by Cheryl Malandrinos - Free Book

As some of you know I love to write and read Historical Romance… well my other passion is Children’s books. Who can resist a well written book geared at not only inspiring children to read but to also grow closer to God in their journey of faith? I know my six year old son is grateful to talented writers such as Cheryl as well. We couldn't help but pick up her new book Little Shepherd.

Cheryl, thank you so much for stopping by today to tell us about your book!

Little Shepherd

In the hills outside Bethlehem, Obed guards his first flock of sheep. When the angels appear to tell of the Savior's birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the new King. When Obed returns to his sheep, he realizes it is a night of miracles. Suggested age for readers: 4 - 8

What inspired Little Shepherd?

Would you believe a song? When my oldest daughter was just a toddler, I would sing The Little Drummer Boy to her at night. Each time I would sing that song, I started thinking of a story of a little shepherd boy who met Jesus on the night of His birth. It wouldn’t go away. I couldn’t ignore it any longer and I finally wrote it down when I decided to embark upon my writing career. Though it has gone through many revisions, that same seed that God planted in my heart exists.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I can write almost anywhere. Since my time is limited, I don’t have the luxury of waiting until inspiration strikes. I usually write in my office on my laptop, but I’ve been known to write longhand in the tub or at the beach.

What project are you currently working on?

I have a couple of things going on right now. The first is a middle grade historical of a young orphan girl named Amelia who is sent to live with her spinster aunt in a fictional New England town. Amelia tends to be impulsive, which annoys her aunt who is trying to bring her up properly.

I’m also trying to finish the first book in a chapter book series of a traveling missionary that I’m ghostwriting. In the first book, Mr. Henry is bringing his grandchildren back home up the Ute Pass when a storm strikes. They have to use patience and wisdom to make it safely home, just like God used patience and wisdom to create the world.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, but I didn’t seriously pursue a career until I became a stay-at-home mom in 2004.

What is your favorite time of the year?

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. In New England, the weather cools off, the leaves turn glorious colors, and you can smell wood burning stoves in the evenings. I like to bake, so homemade apple pies and applesauce are staples in my house that time of year.

Tell your readers something funny about yourself.

This is a tough one. I just don’t see myself as funny. Perhaps it’s that I’ve never let the little kid in me grow up. I’m the biggest kid in the house at Christmas time. I love decorating and spreading the joys of the season. We have multiple trees inside and outside of the house and bake breads for the neighbors.

Watching me try to ice skate is pretty funny. Downright laughable to those who have seen it.

What do you want children to take away from Little Shepherd?

When I wrote Little Shepherd, I wanted to be certain that children could witness this event from their point of view, not an adult’s. Obed is a young boy who is asked to step out in faith by leaving his first flock and trusting that God will protect them while he is away. It’s not an easy decision, but with the help of his father, he’s able to pay a visit to the newborn King and experience the miracles of the first Christmas.

Children are asked to take steps out in faith on a regular basis. My hope is that Little Shepherd encourages them when those moments occur.

Additional comments:

Thank you for having me as a visitor at your blog. It’s a lovely place. Blessings to you and your readers.

Thank you for joining me today to talk about your book. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors!

Leave a comment for Cheryl and be entered for a chance to win a copy of Little Shepherd. Drawing ends July 31st. Leave your email address... Only valid in the US and Canada.

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Follow Cheryl on her website http://ccmalandrinos.com/

Pass It On, by Tammie Edington Shaw

“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” Proverbs 2:10

            A good friend called last week to let me know that our college journalism professor had suffered a massive heart attack. I considered him a mentor and was shocked and also saddened to think that he might not be around to encourage students to write and live life to the fullest. Praise God, he is still with us and is at home recuperating, but will miss the beginning of the school year.

            But, that phone call brought back memories of the things he said to cheer us on to be writers and difference-makers at our small Christian college. He believed as journalists we should be renaissance people, and he encouraged us to be what he called a specialized generalist. As Christians, he would never allow us to feel that we were any less of a writer because we were people of faith.

Now, that I am at middle age, and have been a writer in various fields, I love sharing my experience with students and new writers. I am on the staff of the Write-to-Publish Conference and I have been able to encourage those whom are attending their first writers’ conference. I love to see their faces brighten when I tell them about an opportunity that they might try to get even get a small piece published.

 I remember all the people who spurred me on, including Doug Tarpley, my mentor who we almost lost. There were also colleagues, critique partners, editors and a Correspondent for CBS News from my hometown. And most of all I thank God who guides my life and goes before me and walks with me through it all.

            Don’t forget to thank those who have guided you in your career. One of the best ways to reciprocate is to teach a class, mentor someone or just listen to the dream of another writer. And most of all, let’s not forget to pray for each other.

Did you have a mentor that made a difference in your writing career

Tammie Edington Shaw

Don't forget to buy a copy of Tammie's new book:

Writing so Heaven Will Be Different, 35 Years of Encouraging Stories from the Write-to-Publish Conference

Follow Tammie at her blog site:

www.tamedingtonshaw.blogspot.com

Review of Treasuring Emma, by Kathleen Fuller

Emma is 24 years old and still single. In the Amish community this makes her a spinster. After loosing her mother to cancer she and her grandmother have to figure out how to make ends meat. Emma's sister Clara has the perfect plan but pushes everyone in the family away in order to get what she wants, money. When things go awry with her master plan she finally realizes all the people she has hurt along the way and comes to see that God is speaking to her loud and clear.

Emma's old love, Adam comes back to town after being shunned by the Amish community when he turned to Yankee ways. He rejects everything Amish including his feelings for Emma and all she represents, until the day he thinks he will loose it all. Faced with a decision to either go back to his life in Michigan, his apartment, and his job or stay in Middlefield and declare his love for Emma is a choice he can't make without mending some fences along the way.

Treasuring Emma is a good summer read. It is a good, clean, wholesome book that is a pleasure to read.

I received my copy of Treasuring Emma from BookSneeze for an honest opinion. Thank you for this opportunity.

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Melted then Molded, by Linda Rondeau

The popular church chorus asks God to descend and set the hearts of His children on fire, to spread a blaze across the nations.  

I wonder sometimes if we truly understand for what we ask. Too often we pray for the result but are not willing to endure the process to obtain it.

Fire consumes.

I remember driving through an area in the Adirondacks hit by a wildfire. Not a green speck left. All the charred remains stood naked and seemingly beyond hope. But, fire also purifies through the melting process.  

            Unlike a wild, untamed forest fire, God’s fire has purpose.

Lisa went into the hospital for what she thought would be a simple appendectomy only to discover she had a rare form of invasive abdominal cancer. Her husband said, “After the shock wore off, I was pretty angry. She is so young, healthy and takes good care of herself, why did this happen? What would I do without her? How do I deal with our kids?  There was a calmness that came to me while in the middle of this storm. It was clarity and can be attributed to the Holy Spirit as it certainly didn't come from me.  I never thought to question God as to why he'd blessed me with a beautiful wife, wonderful children and a wonderful and supportive family.  How could I be mad at the loss when God had blessed me with so much?”

As a result of Shawn and Lisa’s obedience within this trial, God’s glory is seen through their lives as they post their struggle on a cancer-care website for the world to see. Their posts continue to extol the magnificence of God’s grace, blessings within the firestorm. Shawn writes that God’s grace is shown to them every day through the outpouring of love. Most of all, God’s Holy Spirit is revealed through their children’s strength, their big family their mission field.

I believe that through God’s melting and molding process he reveals Himself to us in ways we would never know if we did not submit to His all-consuming fire.  

In Daniel 3, we read the familiar story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the captive Israelites who refused to bow down before the image of the King, even though they knew the punishment would be death by fire. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

When the king looked into the furnace, he saw a fourth figure, that of a son of God. Through the Glory revealed by the obedience of three Israelite slaves, King Nebuchadnezzar extolled the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

            Are you experiencing firestorms in your family? Are you angry and feel that these difficulties are undeserved? Perhaps God has not sent you punishment, but rather wants to walk with you in the furnace, to show you His Glory. And through this melting and molding process, equip you to be His blessing, the flame that ignites a dry and barren land.

“This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. 
They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God’” (Zechariah 13:9 NIV).

 http://www.lindarondeau.blogspot.com/

Second Chance Family, by Winnie Griggs

Second Chance Family

Mitch Hammond is a man of his word. And as far as Cora Beth Collins is concerned, that's a problem. The stubborn sheriff has vowed never to love again, for fear of wounding someone else. The most he can offer Cora Beth is marriage in name only. And with no other way to adopt two runaway orphans and keep her patchwork family together, she accepts.

Mitch is doing the honorable thing. So why does it feel so wrong? Despite his intentions, Mitch is starting to want more from Cora Beth…and from himself. For in her trusting eyes he sees everything he hopes to be—as a lawman, a father and a husband.

Where is your favorite place to write?

At my dining room table.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for my own pleasure for as long as I can remember.  If you are asking how long ago did I begin to think in terms of writing with an eye toward publication, however, probably about twenty years or so.

What inspired Second Chance Family?

The hero and heroine of this book have been secondary characters in two earlier books - The Christmas Journey and The Proper Wife.  I liked them from the very beginning (as did my editor!) and thought they needed a story of their own.  But it wasn’t until I was well into the second book that I began to figure out what their deep down goals and drivers were.  Once I had that figured out, I was ready to tell their story.

I love being able to read more about secondary characters so I am glad you chose to write this book!

What are you currently working on?

My publisher invited me to participate in a three book continuity along with two other great authors, Renee Ryan and Cheryl St. John.  The series will feature three sisters who immigrate from Ireland to America in the 1850’s.  Mine is the third book in the series and focuses on the older sister.  It’s a new period and new setting for me but it’s been lots of fun.

But before that one comes out (mid-2012), I’ll have a story in the Once Upon A Thanksgiving anthology that Love Inspired Historical is releasing in October 2011.

What is your favorite past time?

You mean besides reading J.  I enjoy watching movies and browsing through estate sales. 

What household chore do you dislike the most?

Cleaning floors!

What character trait do you enjoy writing about the most?

Hmmm, that’s a tough one.  I guess it would have to be a character’s personal sense of honor - what that means deep down to him/her and how it manifests itself in the choices he/she makes.

 Thank you Winnie for joining us today. I enjoyed getting to know you and hearing about your new release! I can't wait to read it!

By purchasing through this link you help support this blog. We appreciate you!

Follow Winnie on her website by clicking here http://www.winniegriggs.com/

Leave a comment WITH your email address for a chance to win a copy of Second Chance Family. Drawing ends July 24th.

Is there a difference between marketing and selfish ambition?, by Eddie Snipes

 

Is there a difference between marketing and selfish ambition?

Most Christians struggle with the idea of marketing their work. Is there a difference between self-glorification and marketing? Am I violating the Bible’s command not to live by selfish ambition?

Like all people, I want to be affirmed in what I have written. To have someone speak highly of the book tells me that the effort was not in vain. Isn’t seeking affirmation and success a form of selfish ambition? In some ways, yes. But not in a way that the Bible condemns.

The Bible uses a few words for ‘selfish ambition’. In Galatians 5:20, selfish ambition comes from the word, ‘eritheia’, which means to put oneself forward, to court a distinction between yourself and others, or to have a fractious spirit. In other words, It’s jockeying for position so you can be exalted over other people. In Philippians 2:3, we are told to do nothing out of selfish ambition (or vainglory). This is the Greek word, ‘kenodoxia’, which means: empty pride, or groundless self-esteem.

The Bible is not condemning us for pursuing our passions (providing they are healthy passions). The Bible condemns boasting, putting ourselves over others, and stepping over people to put ourselves into a better position.

Each person has gifts and desires that are healthy and good within God’s design. Our first call is to delight ourselves in the Lord. From a healthy relationship with God, healthy desires flow. Then we have the assurance that God blesses those desires knowing they are from Him. When the gift displaces our relationship with God, it loses true meaning – for all good comes from him. But when we are pursuing our passion through faith, we have true confidence knowing it has been given to us by God, and has value within his design.

Keep in mind that the Bible is filled with promises for us as individuals. Read the letters to the churches in Revelation 1-3. One of those promises is, “To him who overcomes, I will give power over the nations.” Seven times in these chapters we are given promises as a motivation to overcome. Is it selfish to keep God’s word and strive to overcome and obtain these promises? No. These are given to us for the purpose of striving for something valuable and eternal. The Bible tells us to run in such a way that we may obtain the prize. Selfishness, on the other hand, is not striving to obtain, but living life as though our desires are all that matter – or that we are more important than others.

Writing is the same way. If you believe God has gifted you to write, then write. Write to obtain the goal you believe is important in light of your calling, without losing an eternal perspective. Strive to keep a godly perspective, and write. Don’t feel guilty if you enjoy writing or find success in your efforts. Those who delight first in the Lord will maintain a healthy perspective. Success and the fruit of our labors are gifts from God (Ecclesiastes 3:12-14).

Eddie Snipes Confessions of a Dyslexic Writer http://www.eddiesnipes.com/ President of the Christian Authors Guild Author of I Called Him Dancer  - On sale for .99 cent on eBook.

Masquerade Marriage, by Anne Greene

Masquerade Marriage     

 

    To avoid marrying a sadistic English Lord, Lady Megan MacMurry weds a Highland warrior with a price on his head, whose name she chose from a secret list provided by her pastor.

  To protect his widowed mother and younger sister from murderous English soldiers, and to avoid being hung, Brody MacCauley marries Megan and takes on the identity of a Scottish Laird. The two high-spirited people clash as Brody adjusts to the very alien world of the gentry.

  When English soldiers discover Brody’s real identity, he must sacrifice his life to protect his wife. Will she love him enough to come up with a risky plan to save him?

What inspired this book?

During a long visit to the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland I became intrigued with why Highland Clans no longer occupied the Highlands. You’ll find the surprising answer in my book Masquerade Marriage. I’m of Scottish ancestry as are so many Americans, and bagpipes music makes my heart sing. I fell in love with the awesome country and the friendly, complex people. So, being a writer, of course I had to write of what I knew. I love the clear fresh air, the handsome people, the amazing openness of the country, the castles, and the Scots violent, adventurous history. In the next few years I plan to add Cailin and Fiona’s love stories to Megan’s legendary love.

What project are you currently working on?

Along with historical novels, I also write contemporary suspense novels. I have a sassy detective novel, and a modern day cowboy suspense, set in my home state of Texas in the works. Did you know parts of the Civil War were fought in the west? I have a novel in the pipes that is a second book of a family saga which occurred in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. I also have a World War 11 Women Pilots love story. I’d love to know if you prefer historical novels to contemporary novels. I’m taking a poll, so could you leave a comment?

What’s next?

I am working a sequel to Masquerade Marriage. So just keep your eyes open for books written by Anne Greene.

What is your favorite past time when you are not writing?

I’ll tell you a little bit about yourself.

In my early years I lived in a small farm town in Ohio, and have lived in San Diego, Chicago, and now live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas. I have four grown children, and just recently returned from spending a year in Seoul, Korea where my husband served in the Military. He is a Special Forces Colonel (Green Beret). I love to play sports, play games, sail in the ocean, and travel. I’ve visited twenty-five foreign countries and every State in the US except Alaska. I also enjoy horseback riding, though I haven’t ridden English for several years. And I enjoy swimming. But writing is my passion.

What is your favorite character trait to write about?

I become one with each of my characters. Just as an actress takes on the character of each person she portrays, so I become each character in my books. She/he tells me what is happening inside and what she plans to do about it, and then I just let her/him do it. That’s what so much fun about writing. I live each journey, each adventure of each character. So, it’s difficult to pick a favorite trait. But I like writing strong, independent women.

Where is the silliest place you ever got an idea for a book?

I haven’t found that silly place yet, but I’ll keep my eyes open.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

The take-away message I’d like readers to find in Masquerade Marriage is that God is in control. No matter how awful the circumstances in a person’s life, God doesn’t let anything happen to you outside of His perfect will. There are also other messages, but that is the primary one.

I love to write about redemption in every form. Second chances, forgiveness, grace, finding God’s will, and finding and walking with the Savior. I love the grace of God, and His unexpected ways of showing His love. The spiritual theme of my books come directly from the characters and whatever problems they struggle with.   
  

Can you give us an exerpt from the book?

Like a determined hero, the fugitive warrior strode through the door at the far end of the tiny stone kirk.

            Megan’s eyes widened. Her clenched jaw relaxed. Some of her dread dissolved.

            “Impressive.” Molly, Megan’s Irish maid, whispered from where they stood together in the vestibule.

            He stopped in front of the hand-carved altar and half-turned toward her. Megan pulled in an uneven breath. This Highlander, wearing formal kilts, was no scrawny lad grown older, nor was he a big, hairy Scot with a bushy beard. The tall, strapping soldier stood with legs braced as if about to do battle.

            Her heart skipped. Though she’d known Brody when she wore short skirts, this blond warrior was far more than she expected. Her pulse throbbed in her temples. Doubt niggled her brain. Brody was too tall, too obviously a Highlander. How could she hope to pass him off as a Lowland Laird? He appeared to have too big a chip on his shoulder to let her command him.

            Brody’s thick sandy hair swept the collar of his linen shirt. Lace-trimmed cuffs matched the white jabot at his muscular throat. A silver broach clapsed his crimson and black tartan to his wide right shoulder. His Claymore, dirk, and thick sword belt startled her.

            Megan suppressed a shudder. The English outlawed kilts. With his dress, Brody spat in the face of the English and further imperiled his life. Why?

            His intense sapphire stare blazed a trail across the empty wooden pews toward her. His eyes made her feel dizzy as if she just danced a fast reel with a lively partner.

            Molly grinned and handed Megan the bridal flowers.

            What had she gotten herself into? 

Tell your readers one funny thing about yourself.

My family thinks I’m pretty quirky. I’m often accused of living in my own world-whatever that means! I do sometimes get so involved in whatever story I’m writing that I forget appointments or show up at a social event on the wrong date or at the wrong address. I think I’m rather like the Absent-minded Professor.

Lots of writers like to work in their pjs. I like to be completely dressed, including make-up. Who knows when I’ll want to run out and see a friend for lunch or run an errand? I’m pretty spontaneous. I can only write for a period of time before I need some social interaction. But then it’s back to the grindstone.

How long have you been writing?

From my earliest years, I’ve told stories. When I played with dolls, they weren’t babies, they were character dolls that played in dramas. When I had nothing to do, I dreamed stories. When I read my first Nancy Drew mystery, I knew I had to write.

I didn’t start writing until my children were in school. I was also working, so had very little time to write. I’ve been writing seriously for ten years.

Keep your eyes peeled for another wonderful book coming soon from Anne titled A Texas Christmas Mystery.

Thank you for joining us today to talk about your new book! Best of luck to you!

It’s been my pleasure.

Follow Anne Greene on her website http://www.annegreeneauthor.com/

Leave a comment for Anne and be entered to win a copy of Masquerade Marriage. Be sure to LEAVE YOUR EMAIL address with your comment.
Winner will be announced July 17th.

The Tasks That Overwhelm, by Naomi Musch

The Tasks That Overwhelm

I can still hear my editor's voice over the phone. "How do you feel about radical revision?"

  

Gulp!  "Lord, give me strength and ability to accomplish this. I feel overwhelmed."

  

I prayed that last night while I contemplated the editing task stretching before me. I often pray for wisdom in finding a story's theme, developing its characters, and especially for a publisher to notice my work. But with a contract deadline looming, reality sets in, and I'm faced with the monumental task of fitting my story into the shape my editor envisions.

    

It's times like these when Romans 12:3 strikes stark-raving home. "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment..."  As my editor's cyber pen leaves little critique balloons popping up all over my pretty white pages, highlights point out passive voice or "telling", and suggestions for structural changes imbue the plot, any lofty notions I've held about the perfect grandeur of my work go flying right out the window. I feel a bit overwhelmed, and I'm reminded that my gift and desire are raw, in continual need of growth and sculpting.

  

While I don't believe it's a time or even godly to succumb to defeat (after all, I am about to have a novel published) I am overwhelmed by the work yet to come, and all within the time constraints of a deadline.

     

Do you ever feel overwhelmed -- by deadlines, assignments, lack of time or knowledge, the submission process, rejection, marketing, or editing -- as I do?

  

Confidence comes from God in the form of humility, trust, and hard work. In answer to my prayer, He gave me these reminders:

  

Philippians 1:6

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

  

Proverbs 25:9
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

  

Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might."

  

Dozens more verses pour into my thoughts. His voice reminds me that He will guide me through this process as I remain dependent on Him and willing to work. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Pray for His strength and direction. Seek His counsel and trust His plan. Be humble and diligent in the task before you.

  

Psalm 32:8

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

http://www.naomimusch.com/