Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Mary Ball

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Mary Ball

Linda:  Welcome back. You’ve recently had two books release back-to back. What was it like to juggle the two projects?

Mary: At times, challenging. I have to keep focused on the deadlines.

LM: Did you always want to be a writer or did that desire come later, and if so, how?

Mary:   Later. When I stopped public work to keep my oldest grandson, I found time on my hands and started writing Christian articles for Exmainer.com. From there an idea for a fiction novel began and a year and half later Inspired Romance Novels published my first novel, Escape to Big Fork Lake.  

LM: You’ve written multiple books. Where do you get your plot ideas, and are they ever based or inspired by true stories? 

Mary: Not really. I believe I get inspiration with the Lord’s nudging. An idea forms and will tug at me, until I begin to put it down on word.          

LM: What sort of research did you have to do for Awaken the Past?

Mary: I live in a small town but didn’t have knowledge of the police procedures in small towns so I needed to find out a few things. I also researched gas lines on older model cars.    

LM: How have you dealt with writer’s block?

Mary: I try not to let it grab hold of me for long. Most time, if I open my WIP file and read the last chapter, or the one I’ve started, it won’t be long before I’m diving into it again.   

LM: How to you prepare yourself for writing? Do you have a routine you follow?

Mary: No. I’m busy with church obligations and my youngest grandson so I have to make use of every chance I get to sit down with at my desktop or with my laptop.

LM: What writing projects are on your plate right now?

Mary: I have a Christmas novella due in September that will part of Romancing the Christmas Angel boxed set by Winged Publications. The stories are set in 1930-1945 and are based on a good-hearted, caring heroine. I choose 1945 (when war ended) as my date because this is my first Historical and I knew I’d need lots of research. During that period, many men came home from WW11 wounded. My hero deals with being an amputee. While researching, I was astonished to discover The National Academy of Sciences (an American governmental agency) established the Artificial Limb Program in 1945. The program began the many improvements made and changed the quality of life for many.

I’m also looking forward to my next mystery novel project with age 50+ heroines, set in a small town.

                  

Linda: Where can folks connect with you?

Mary: 

Website: http://www.marylball.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracefulbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inspires4mary
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8757890-mary-l-ball

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authormary/                   

 

About Awaken the Past:

Everything Laurel believed about her childhood suddenly changed.

During her mother's illness, Laurel discovers unsettling things from her past. She travels to the small town of Silver Springs, North Carolina to search for the truth. She arrives in town and senses people watching her every move. Even the easygoing police officer Chad Wilkes gives her the cold shoulder.

With trouble following her, the Lord is the only one she can trust. Can she find the secret to the past and open her heart to more changes?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2XwoZRl

Talkshow Thursday: Author Ellie Gustafson

Talkshow Thursday: Author Ellie Gustafson

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your newest publication An Unpresentable Glory. How did that come about and where did you get the inspiration for the title?

Ellie: It all came from a real-life incident, as related in the Preface:
The night before my husband’s dad died, I volunteered to take the night shift, as a bladder infection made him restless and required constant attention. I sat beside him, serving him—my father-in-law—as needed. But through those difficult hours, I felt I was on holy ground, the room peopled with angels.

This awkward stint of servanthood affected me profoundly, eventually moving me to write An Unpresentable Glory. Whatever hidden, “unpresentable” ways He asks us to serve may reflect God’s glory more vividly than our more well-dressed benevolences. Places or situations that are awkward and not for public view may become God’s platform for displaying His love. This love could be for all to see (presentable) or only for the eyes of the participants.

LM: You have published several books. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Ellie: Editing each book—at least fifty times! Writing the first draft is really hard, but I find joy in pruning and scrubbing and polishing text until it shines and sings. Each re-edit comes from a fresh perspective.

LM: Research is an important part of each book. Can you describe a time you had an “aha” moment while researching one of your books?

Ellie: I needed the Teddy Roosevelt National Park to be open on Christmas day—which it’s not. However, I learned that the public road that runs through from south to north has to remain open to provide a corridor for people who live north of the park. YESSS!!!

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example, do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Ellie: I can’t write while listening to music. Music speaks its own emotional language and requires its own attention. I can’t work “bi-lingually.” I prepare for each day—whatever I’m doing—with a time of Bible and other devotional reading, along with prayer. If I don’t keep the right focus, nothing—writing included—amounts to much.

LM: You live in New England, a beautiful area of the country. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Ellie: That’s a hard question. I don’t think in those terms. Vacation, though, is different from destination. I think, at my age and stage, going on a pre-planned tour, with people to feed and water you, take care of your luggage, and drive you to gawk at whatever swell place, sounds really good.

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Ellie: Place: Supai Canyon, Arizona. Occasion: Visiting an Indian mission at the base of a thousand-foot cliff. People involved: Four—me, husband, father-in-law, missionary. Activity du jour: Climbing the thousand-foot cliff. Quirky event: Halfway up, I, wearing old and fragile slacks, feel the seam giving way. Soon, only the hems at the bottom of each leg hold the slacks together. Me—with three men fore and aft—my unpresentable moment! Response: A good laugh for all.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite Color: I don’t have a favorite color. I’m waiting for the new colors I’ll see in heaven.

Favorite Food: Hot, homemade bread!

Favorite Season: Spring

LM: An Unpresentable Glory is your final novel. What big plans do you have for retirement?

Ellie: Right now, unprogrammed, uninterrupted sleep sounds pretty good.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Ellie: www.eleanorgustafson.com

Book Blurb: 
Linda Jenson leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly-acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. What is not so joyful is finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water-and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, an unpresentable glory.

Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda's garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda's garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers-on a national scale.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTFFL9R

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Editor/Writer Tisha Martin

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Editor/Writer Tisha Martin

I'm sitting down today with writer and editor Tisha Martin. Grab your favorite beverage and join us!

LM: I read your delightful short story Puddle of Remorse. Where did you get your inspiration for the story?

Tisha: First off, it’s great to be here, Linda! Thanks for letting me join the blog today! So glad you read Puddle of Remorse because I enjoyed writing it. Great question! In college, I was sharing a meal with friends, and one of my friends told of her adopted deaf sister who got into heaps of trouble. I don’t remember what the little girl got in trouble for, but it inspired me to write the story. Plus, the Deaf culture is close to my heart because I have a deaf twin sister. (Even though she didn’t act like Bevy in my story, she was cantankerous. She chased me and my siblings with a garden snake one summer. . .)

Linda:  Ha! Siblings can be a challenge! You are both author and editor. How difficult is it to turn off your internal editor when you are writing?

Tisha: Haha, great question! Want to know the startling truth? I can’t. That’s why I do both! However, when I’m writing a scene and I know there’s issues to fix, I make a Comment in the page margin and I keep writing. It also helps that I think a lot about my topic before I write, so that I’m able to write more when I actually do sit down and write.

LM: What writers influence you the most?

Tisha: Ha! That’s a dangerous question . . . because you may get a huge list. If I had to choose, I’d have to say Sarah Sundin, Judith Pella, Cindy McCormick Martinusen, and Vian Smith, to name a small few. But really, following agent blogs, reading my authors’ manuscripts, and learning about editing have helped my writing tremendously. I love learning from others!

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite Color: Every shade of green (except grass and forest greens)

Favorite Place to vacation: Um…wow, I don’t know! I’d love to vacation on Mackinac Island, Prince Edward Island, or travel to all the national museums in the US.

Favorite Food: Mashed potatoes

LM: What are your passions outside of writing?

Tisha: I love to garden, sew, read, ride horses, and guest blogging. And edit (oh wait, that’s my day job! Seriously, though, it’s an equal passion!).

LM: What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?

Tisha: I’m so happy you asked! Love encouraging not-yet-published writers! If I could share two pieces of advice: 1. Develop a teachable spirit because we don’t know everything, and agents, editors, and publishers are there not to condemn us or our writing but to help us and encourage us to be the best author we can be and to write the best book that God has given us. 2. Start building your platform now. It’s crucial to our writing career. Platform is a fancy way of saying “relationships.” Think of it as a conversation with someone in the grocery store or the library, only it’s on social media. People like to talk about food and books. 😉 (By the way, I offer beginning social media coaching for authors with little to no platform, and I would love to talk with you should you have any questions or concerns at all!)

LM: It appears on your website that you are working on three different books? How do you decide

which project to work on, is one closer to completion than the others?

Tisha: I’m laughing. It’s a juggling act. My WWII book is in edits and some rewrite, but the rest are in serious outline form, maybe a chapter or two completed. I’m a slow writer because I like to mull over my ideas long before I write them, but on my website, I wanted to show readers what ideas I have in the queue. Most writers are always churning ideas and planning outlines and doing prewriting so that when they finish writing one book, it’s easy to slip right into another. At least that’s my plan.

Linda: Where can folks connect with you?

Tisha: Ooh! I’d love to connect with you and keep the conversation going! My main hub is my website, but please connect on social media, too, so we can help grow each other’s platform numbers and encourage each other!

Website: www.tishamartin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tishamauthoreditor/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tishmartin1416/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tisha-martin/

Thanks for hosting me, Linda!

Talkshow Thursday: A Guest Post by Donna Schlachter

Talkshow Thursday: A Guest Post by Donna Schlachter

Transformation: a chronological walk through the Bible in a year

Have you ever noticed that the voice of God often comes in the most unexpected moments asking the most unexpected things of us? This happened to me early in January of 2017 during my daily reading. Without a doubt, He stood beside me and said, “Write this book”.

Now, normally when God tells me to write a book, I don’t have any problem. I mean, I have so many stories floating around inside my head, I don’t think I’ll live long enough to get them all written down.

So, naturally, I asked, “Which book?”

“This book.”

“This isn’t a book.” Like I need to tell God that, or anything for that matter. “It’s just my daily journal.”

“Yes. That book.”

Honestly, that was the last thing I wanted to hear. Like I said, I have plenty of other books to write without God adding a devotional to the list. But I couldn’t escape the instruction.

So, here are three things I learned while writing this book:

1. Because it was also my daily reading and quiet time, I had to be honest with my own thoughts, feelings, and understandings, but also be willing to be completely transparent with my reader. In fact, when I transcribed this book into my computer, I only changed about three words, and that’s because I’d written the wrong word in my journal.
2. I waited until almost the end of the year to transcribe the book. Stupid me. I could have started almost immediately. The lesson learned is never put off what God is telling you to do.
3. The process of writing a book kept me on track so I couldn’t skip days or skim the reading. At the end of every reading, I asked God what He wanted me to learn, and what He wanted the reader to learn. As a result, I didn’t use any of the “usual” verses we see in devotionals, and God gave me fresh insight every single day.

So this book has been a true transformation for me. The way I read was different; I expected God to show up every day; and I was able to be more real in what I wrote. As I transcribed, I saw days where I was upbeat; days where I was discouraged; days where I was angry. And yet God used every one of those days.

If we let Him loose in our lives, He is faithful to change us—to transform us into His likeness and image.

Answer this question for the opportunity to win a free print (US only) or digital copy of Transformation: How would knowing you were writing a book change the way you journal your quiet time?

About Donna:

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters In Crime; facilitates a local critique group, and teaches writing classes and courses. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. She loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.

Visit Donna on the Web:

Blog: http://www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com

Website: http://www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com (receive a free ebook just by signing up for our free newsletter.

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2gZATjm

Talkshow Thursday: Julie Arduini and Daughter Hannah

Talkshow Thursday: Julie Arduini and Daughter Hannah

Linda:  Welcome back and thanks for joining me today. You’ve got a new book out which is always exciting. The first in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series, it’s called You’re Beautiful. You co-authored the story with your daughter. How did this come about and what was it like to write with someone else?

Julie: This was a complete God idea. I was ready to start Book 1 in my new contemporary romance series, Surrendering Opinions. However, both our children were going through the worst adversity I’ve seen them experience. Circumstances beyond their control that I knew God was allowing for His greater purpose. It didn’t mean that we didn’t hurt, because their pain was heartbreaking. For Hannah, she was transitioning to junior high. There were bullying issues and instances where in her daily circle of influence, people were tearing down with words instead of building up. At the end of the year, we thought about what went well with our responses, and what we could have improved on. One thing she said was she wished she could do something to help encourage other girls so they would never feel like she did. She started sharing, and a story formed. I told her if she kept up, I’d write it. She plotted out a three book series!

LM: Research is an important part of writing any book. How do you go about doing research for

your stories?

Julie: My writing is character-driven, so I am an observer of people. That was a big part of You’re Beautiful, making sure I captured the heart of a tween girl and a young adult who served as a mentor in that story. In general, I try to use settings I am familiar with that I want to pay tribute to. I talk to people, and I go online. It is true what authors say that they hope “Big Brother” isn’t watching our Google Search. It would show interesting things that are for the sake of our story.

LM: How do you choose your character’s names?

Julie: That was all Hannah. She chose Hayley Atkinson because it was her own initials, and was a name she thought girls her age would like. She really thought about the names and personalities.

LM: What is your favorite childhood book?

Julie: Little House on the Prairie series.

LM: What is something you have always wanted to learn how to do?

Julie: Learn new languages. I’d love to speak Italian.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Movie: Return to Me

Favorite place to visit: Speculator, NY, Adirondack Mountains. This is where Surrendering Time was set.

LM: What is your next project?

Julie: Anchored, Book 1 in Surrendering Opinions. I’m also working on a Christmas novella collection with nine other authors. This summer Hannah and I start Book 2 in Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ with You’re Amazing.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Julie: 

Website: http://juliearduini.com

As well as across social media @JulieArduini, including Snapchat, Amazon, and Goodreads. I love to connect, so please do! Thank you, Linda!

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B078VK3JJB

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Mary L. Ball

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Mary L. Ball

Linda:  Congratulation on your most recent publication, Sunny’s Dream. 

Here's the blurb: Sunny spends her week fighting cyber-crime and dreaming of her prince charming. When a man walks into Celestial Investigations and introduces himself as Trouble, she's sure he's not her prince and positive he lives up to his name. 

After Max Trouble finds an important document, his life gets complicated with the know-it-all PI hired to track down its owner. 

Sunny and Max's relationship grows. She's optimistic that he may be her Prince Charming, but after her car is sabotaged and she's almost killed, Max's chauvinistic ideas of a female investigator surface.

Will Sunny see God's perfect plan or a not-so-perfect relationship?

What was your inspiration for the story?

Mary:  One day on the way home, I glanced at the horizon. The inspiration came to do a series based on three sisters. Before I got home, I knew the character's names, the title to the series, Celestial Investigation, and parts of the plot for Sunny’s Dream, book one 1.

LM: What sort of research did you do about being a Private Investigator?

Mary: Google is my go-to library. I searched for P.I. requirements in North Carolina, and sought out various stories based on cases to get a perspective about the inner workings of an investigator. I have a Pinterest board titled “book research” where I try to keep my searches, but sometimes I’m too wrapped up in my story, and forget to add a page.  

 

LM: What writers influence you the most?

Mary: Nicholas Sparks and Terri Reed.

LM: What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Mary: I haven’t done it yet. At least, I don’t think so. Cheesy grinJ

LM: Here are some quickies:

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks

Favorite Food: Pepperoni and mushroom pizza

LM: What are your passions outside of writing? 

Mary: I enjoy singing at church and other places, by myself and with hubby. My singing ministry website is http://heirsofsalvation2.webs.com.

LM: What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?

Mary: Never give up. Keep writing, editing and submitting to publishers. If you’re consistent with your goal, it will happen. 

LM: Can you tell us what writing projects are on your plate right now?

Mary: I’m working on Luna’s Treasure, the second book in the Celestial Investigation series. I also have an eBook manuscript titled Asheville Hearts that I’m polishing up for Pelican Book Group’s Destination Romance series.    

Linda: Where can folks connect with you?

Mary: Thanks for asking. You’ll find my cyber home at: http://www.marylball.com

Other places I frequent are:

https://www.facebook.com/gracefulbooks

https://twitter.com/inspires4mary
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8757890-mary-l-ball
https://www.pinterest.com/authormary/

Talkshow Thursday: Say Hello to Jenna Brandt

Talkshow Thursday: Say Hello to Jenna Brandt

I'm sitting down today with author Jenna Brandt who saw a need for readers and did her part to fill it. Draw up a chair and get to know this interesting lady!

Linda:  You are part of an anthology of Christmas stories titled Under the Mistletoe. How did that collection come about?  

Jenna: I’ve noticed in the book industry, anthologies are a great way for readers to get to know new authors as well as for authors to share the work with a wider audience, but it wasn’t being used as often in the Christian writing world. I decided I wanted to create one for the Christmas season: romances themed around Christmas all with HEAs. I asked my good friend and critique partner, Lorana Hoopes, if she would be interested and she came into the project as my co-creator. We then put out a call to any writers who were interested in a couple of Facebook groups we both were in and narrowed it down to 8 authors total-featuring 2 historical novellas and 6 contemporary.

LM: Where did you find your inspiration for your story The Christmas Bride?

Jenna: It centers around a couple that was introduced in my series, Window to the Heart Saga. They are friends of the main characters in the fourth book, The Oregon Pursuit, which takes place in 1870 West Linn, Oregon.

LM: You obviously have a love for history. Your books range from the Victorian to the WWI era with the Old West tossed in for good measure. Which time period is your favorite and why?

Jenna: Oh, my, that’s like asking me to pick a favorite child (I have four of those too). I love each of them for different reasons. I think I love reading the Victorian era, and Regency was my first introduction to historical romances. As a matter of fact, my current work in progress is set back in England during the Victorian era with characters from The Oregon Pursuit and The Christmas Bride. I love mixing sub-genres and having fish out of water scenarios. However, researching WWI was so much fun. Honestly, I don’t think I can pick. I love them all for different reasons.

LM: Lots of research goes into each story to ensure historical accuracy. What is your method for researching a story, and how much time goes into that before you begin to write?

Jenna: I research the era and the location extensively so I have a feel for the time period. For instance, The Christmas Bride and The Oregon Pursuit both take place in West Linn, Oregon at the end of the Oregon Trail. I have lots of tidbits of truth woven throughout the stories to make the book historically accurate. I also research as I go for descriptions and pictures so I can visualize an area where my book takes place.

LM: Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, what did you do to push through it?

Jenna: I think every writer does experience writer’s block. Personally, I might set it aside for a couple of days if I’m not on deadline. If I am, I just force myself to keep writing. I may not like what I’m writing but I can always go back and edit it later. The key is to keep pushing through. Also, starting at the end and working backwards helps if the plot has already been figured out and I know the end.

LM: What is your next project?

Jenna: As I mentioned, I am currently working on the next book in my series called The Viscount’s Wife, featuring characters from my West Linn books which I hope to release in late January. I also have two other projects I’m working on-one coming out in March and June, respectively.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Jenna:

Website: http://www.jennabrandt.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter/books-blogs-and-writers/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Go to https://www.wattpad.com/user/JennaBrandtAuthor to get the first two chapters of all my books for free!

Here's the buy link for Under the Mistletoe: www.amazon.com/dp/1979713073

LM: Thanks so much for stopping by!

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Archie Heron

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Archie Heron

Today I'm sitting down with Lord Archibald "Archie" Heron, the male protagonist in my novella A Doctor in the House, part of "The Hope of Christmas" collection that was released on November 24th.  I thought you'd enjoy learning a bit more about him.

LM: Thanks for joining me today, Archie. Can  you tell us a little bit about Heron Hall and how your family came to own it?

Archie: Like many English families, my family was awarded Heron Hall to recognize service to the Crown, in this case Elizabeth I. My great, great, great...well, you get the picture...grandfather was a high ranking official and an assistant to William Cecil who helped end the war with France after she became Queen. He was given a title and the estate. Records are sketchy, but I believe the property was taken from someone to give to my ancestor. The place was in disrepair, and it took nearly twenty years to renovate.

LM: You served in the war before coming home to take over the reigns at Heron Hall. Are you allowed to tell us about your experiences.

Archie: Now that the battles are over, I can share that I was in North Africa fighting Rommel, the Desert Fox. It was brutally hot, and Rommel didn't get his nickname for nothing. Skirmishes went on for weeks. We'd gain ground, and then the Germans would push us back. I was wounded at Tobruk. It took me months to recover and just before they were going to send me back, I got word my brothers had been confirmed dead (swallows heavily), and as the last remaining heir I was discharged.

LM: I'm sorry about the loss of your family. In addition to that loss, Heron Hall was requisitioned by the government for war use. Can you tell us about that?

Archie: I had three days to vacate the house, not much time at all, but that's the way it often was. Anyway, the estate was assigned to the Americans as a convalescent hospital. And to top it off, the administrator was a woman, Dr. Emma O'Sullivan. Rather unorthodox in her treatment methods and not one to take direction from others. Feisty, that's what she is. But Heron Hall served during The Great War, it only makes sense for us to do our bit again during this war. And the lads are so brave. It is my pleasure to do what I can to boost their morale.

LM:  The war has been going on for nearly three years. What has that been like?

Archie: We're fortunate at Heron Hall because of the amount of land we have. We are able to grow crops that supply us and the surrounding area. But there are many things we can't grow or get hold of such as coffee, sugar, and clothing. Not that we need lots of new clothes, but the material wears out, and we're unable to replace the items. Shoes too. Leather is impossible to come by and even if you have enough points and money, there are very few shoes to be found. And there's always the fear of being bombed. The Germans have been tenacious about attacking. But we British are resilient and we will get through it.

LM: It's hard to imagine the war being over, but have you thought about what you would do when the hostilities cease?

Archie: (shrugs) I'm Lord of the manor now. With that title comes great responsibility. I will continue to minister to the people in the village, ensuring they have enough to eat and jobs that will provide for them. We've already lost a few lads, and will probably lose a few more. I'll need to help them get past the grief. It's going to be a long road, don't you know?

LM: Thanks for taking time to visit. I'll let you get back to the boys.



Book Blurb: Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

Do you love Christmas stories? Love to read but you're a little short of time this season? The Hope of Christmas is the perfect solution: three heartwarming stories that don't take long to read at all. Pick up your copy today on Amazon.

Talkshow Thursday: Fellow authors Terri Wangard and Jodie Wolfe

Talkshow Thursday: 

Fellow authors Terri Wangard and Jodie Wolfe

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today, ladies. I was thrilled when our publisher CelebrateLit invited me to be part of a Christmas collection with you titled The Hope of Christmas. I had just finished reading about the English country homes that were requisitioned by the government during WWII, so decided to wrap my story around that. How did you choose what to write about?

Terri: I learned about the USS Tabberer while doing research for Wheresoever They May Be. I loved the account of the crewmen’s heroics during the typhoon, but couldn’t use it in my book. When I heard about the short stories, I knew it was the perfect place to showcase the Tabby.

Jodie: : In my first collection with Celebrate Lit Publishing, Let Love Spring, my heroine was one of three sisters. So when I was contracted to write a second story with them, I decided to write about one of the other sisters. 

LM: When I was growing up, my paternal grandparents came to our home every Christmas. Even though they were staying the night, during their first trip into the house they would carry piles of gifts rather than suitcases. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Terri: Going to church for Christmas Eve services. The children always took part, and one year, I was one of the angels who appeared to the shepherds. As we left the podium and went past the choir loft, one of the girls in the choir said to a friend, “They have bare feet.” Back in the day, it was scandalous to be barefoot in church, but do angels wear shoes?

Jodie: I was in second grade when our family moved from one town to another. We moved over Christmas break and I remember my parents were busy packing and I'm not sure what my brothers were up to. I remember sitting on the floor by the Christmas tree, with my back against the sofa and just staring up at the lights on the tree and enjoying the beauty of it.

LM: My story, A Doctor in the House, takes place in England, and I’ve been fortunate to visit, so I have experienced the country first hand. How did you research the settings for your stories?

Terri: Most of Typhoon Prompting takes place in the South Pacific. While I have been there on cruise ships, and even during rough weather, I haven’t been in a typhoon. So all my research came from books, one in particular that I bought used and have read several times.

Jodie: While my story Picking a Bride for Paul is set in a made-up town, it's based on a place in Kansas where my in-laws used to live. Since I had already come up with the town in my first story, it was easy to draw on it for this tale.

LM: I love to write stories, but I must confess that research is my favorite task. I can chase a factoid for days, ferreting out the details. What is your favorite aspect of the writing process?

Terri: I love the research, too. I do way too much.

Jodie: For me it's a toss-up between the research and the writing process. J

LM: What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?

Terri: Have a lot of patience. Getting published can take years.

Jodie: Wait and trust God's timing.

LM: I’m currently working on a full length historical mystery about a young woman who joins the USO. What is your next project?

Terri:  I’m moving from World War II to World War I. My setting is the Lusitania.

Jodie: I have a full-length book coming out in May 2018 that is set in the back-drop of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893 in Oklahoma Territory.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Terri: 

Website: http://www.terriwangard.com

Group blog: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/terriwangard

Twitter: @TerriWangard

Jodie:

Website: http://www.jodiewolfe.com
Group Blog: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jodie-A-Wolfe-Author/553400191384913
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116840153259583634192/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe

Linda:

Website: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Group blog: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LindaMatchett

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_linda_matchett

Purchase your copy today of The Hope of Christmas from Amazon

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Hope Dougherty

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Hope Dougherty

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. You recently published your third book, Rescued Hearts, which sounds very intriguing! Where did you get your inspiration for the story?

Hope: Thank you, Linda. I live out in the country and ride my bike on two-lane roads. One afternoon, I took a detour off my regular route onto a dirt path. The lane meanders by the location of where a farm house once stood. Trees, bushes, and a couple of shelters have been left behind.

As I passed the lonely-looking spot, a creepy sensation tickled the back of my neck. My imagination kicked into gear. What if a bike rider rode by an abandoned house? What if she saw a kitten entangled in a honeysuckle vine at the porch steps? What if, while she tried to free the kitten, someone grabbed her and dragged her inside?

Those questions continued popping up in my mind. I began seeing the characters, then hearing them speak. Those questions led to the first chapter of Rescued Hearts.

LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are they based on any real people in your life?

Hope: The characters for Rescued Hearts appeared as I began to answer some of the questions to the previous questions. The characters aren’t based on people I know, but they do have some characteristics of family members or friends. For example, two characters enjoy carving objects from wood. My father is a wood carver.

LM: Research is an important part of the writing process. Do you have an interesting research incident to share?

Hope: Because I didn’t know anything about guns or undercover police work, I attended the Writers’ Police Academy. What a great weekend of learning from knowledgeable people including FBI agents, EMT workers, and undercover policemen. I also interviewed my local sheriff and several undercover deputies. They were all helpful, generous, and patient especially since I hadn’t published anything in fiction at the time and didn’t have an agent either.

LM: Fun! I've always wanted to attend one of those weekends. What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

Hope: I like quiet when I write. I’ve tried writing in public places, but I’m too much of a people watcher to be productive in coffee shops. I write from my desk in the corner of our bonus room or on our back porch. I pray for God’s guidance and help, then I’m off to the story world!

LM: You’re from Eastern North Carolina, a beautiful area of the country. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Hope: I’d love to take another home exchange to Ireland or visit Italy for the first time. I also want to do a bicycle tour in Vermont and paddle boat down the Mississippi River. The best vacation I’ve had in a long time, however, happened two summers ago. My husband and I splurged and rented a house for a week right on a North Carolina beach. We and our four adult children read books, played board games, played cards, put a puzzle together, swam in the ocean, and relaxed the whole time. I would choose that vacation again, for sure!

LM: The random facts about you on your website list include lots of intriguing things. What’s left on your bucket list to learn or do?

Hope: Oh, fun question. I’d love to learn to play the banjo. I already play the piano, clarinet, and dulcimer. I love blue grass music, so learning the banjo would be fun.

LM: Good luck with that. What is your next project?

Hope: I’m working on a sweet romance set in Charlotte. No guns in this story!

LM: LOL! Where can folks find you on the web?

Hope: Thanks so much for having me, Linda. I love connecting with people, so I hope your readers will look for me. Here are my social media links:

Website: http://hopetolerdougherty.com/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/hope.t.dougherty

Twitter: @HopeTDougherty) | Twitter 

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/hopetdougherty/

Goodreads:  www.goodreads.com/author/show/13941031.Hope_Dougherty

Talkshow Thursday: Meet June Foster

Talkshow Thursday: Meet June Foster

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Your latest book is part of collection published by Forget Me Not Romances. How did that come about?

Author June Foster

June:  Cynthia Hickey, the owner and innovative editor, is putting together a collection which features contemporary and historical fiction set in every state of the US. Since I had a story brewing in my head set in an old silver mining ghost town, I chose Idaho which is famous for its silver mining.

LM: That sounds fascinating! You have published lots of books. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

June: Probably when the story and the characters begin to form in my mind. I love getting to know them better, understanding their goals, their fears, their spiritual standing. Then I begin to imagine in what difficult situations I can place them and how they grow in the Lord.

LM: Your novels feature locations all over the U.S. When you write, how do you go about choosing which location to use, and do you have a favorite?

June: Since my husband and I travel full time in our RV, it's not hard to come up with locations. When visiting an area, my author's brain goes to work imagining a story that takes place there. Sometimes, the editor's requests for a particular story will determine the location. For example, Cynthia wanted stories set in small towns. Since we lived in a small town in Alabama before we started traveling, I chose to set my story in a fictional town near Huntsville. I don't have a favorite but love each location where my characters live.

LM: What do you do to prepare yourself for writing? For example do you listen to music or set up in a specific place?

June: I seem to have a one track mind so listening to music is a distraction. I've found that morning is the best time for me to write, so after my quiet time with the Lord, I grab a caramel latte and sit down to write at my laptop perched on my tiny kitchen table.

LM: You’ve done a lot of traveling by RV. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

June: Ooo, a challenging question. It would probably be a getaway from the RV. Though I would love to visit Jerusalem and Israel, my second favorite would be a fabulous two week trip to the island of Kauai.

LM: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

June I'm almost ashamed to admit this. But before I became a Christian, I was waiting for my husband at the officer's club where he worked while in the Army. I sat alone at a table with a glass of wine and one of the officer's asked if he could sit down. Why I said yes, I'll never know. But in the course of conversation, I fabricated a huge story. I told him I had been widowed recently and was trying to get my life together again. I never saw the guy again and looking back, I can see how the Lord has refined me like gold since those days without Him. But in retrospect, I can use some of these old experiences to better understand my unsaved characters who find the Lord by the end of the story.

LM: What is your next project?

June: I am just about finished with the small town story I mentioned above then I'll write a sequel where two secondary characters from the book will be the hero and heroine of the new story. After that, I'm writing a story which will take place at a Wyoming dude ranch. Most exciting is we are spending the summer in Shell, Wyoming, where I can do research.

LM: Lots on your plate! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you. Where can folks find you on the web?

June:

Website: www.junefoster.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/junefoster

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vjifoster

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/junefoster/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5755395.June_Foster