Welcome Back, June Foster!

Welcome Back, June Foster!

LM: Welcome back! It’s been a while since you joined me, and you’ve published quite a few books in the meantime. Congratulations on your recent release A Home in Cranberry Cove. What was your inspiration for the story?

June: Hi Linda, I'm so glad to return to your blog. A Home in Cranberry Cove is book 4 in the series. Micah Collins and Madison Mitchell were minor characters in book 3, Christian in Cranberry Cove. I simply had to allow them to tell their story. Afterall, Micah lived with a secret from his previous life, and Madison wanted to share her sudden and regrettable divorce—and how she came to know the Savior.

LM: A Home in Cranberry Cove is book four in the series. Did you set out to write a series, and can readers expect to see more stories? How did you come up with the location?

June: I didn't originally set out to write a series, but the characters continued to ask if they could share their stories. There will be a book 5 in this series, but because of publishing concerns, it won't be available until the end of 2023. The location of the series is the real-life coastal town of Ilwaco, Washington. On the front cover of the first book, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, there's a picture of the actual inn where the stories are set. My husband and I have stayed there several times, and I determined to write a story that took place in the fictional Inn at Cranberry Cove.

LM: What is your favorite aspect of writing?

June: My favorite part of writing is that I can manipulate the plot. In other words, I can orchestrate a

Pixabay/Roger Mosley

happy ending. If a character is struggling with their spirituality, I can allow them to decide to accept Jesus into their lives—but in a realistic manner. My prayer is that readers will do the same after their read about a character's decision.

LM: What do you do to prepare for writing?

June: I am not a pantster but a plotter so I have to plan out the story ahead of time. I generally write a scene-by-scene synopsis of the entire book before I begin. I like to do a GMC on each main character. That is their Goals, Motivation, and Conflict. What do they want and what motivates them? Conflict is what stands in the way of the character achieving their goals. I learn a lot about the characters like this. I also like to print off a picture of what I envision that character might look like. Sometimes I draw a sketch of the town where they live. I keep all the information in a notebook.

LM: You and your husband have RV’ed around the country. How does that inform your writing, and did you have a specific adventure that sparked a story idea?

Pixabay/Siggy Nowak

June: Definitely. The Cranberry Cove series is one example. We lived in Washington state and then when we bought the RV, we traveled in the Pacific Northwest for a while as well. We took many trips to southwestern Washington where the story takes as well as down the Oregon coast.

LM: You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do?

June: Believe it or not, I've always wanted to be able to speak Spanish. I took two years of Spanish in high school and heard the language spoken when I lived in the southwestern part of the US, but I've never mastered the language. I suppose being busy with a career, raising a family, and now writing is an excuse, but this is one thing I wanted to do but didn't.

LM: What is your next project?

June: I'm working on book 5 right now, however after that, I may take a break from writing—or not. I'll see how the Lord leads.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

June: 

Website: http://www.junefoster.com

Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/3ymlGOb

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vjifoster

About A Home in Cranberry Cove

Madison Mitchell will never trust a man again. The love of her life broke her heart and married a French chef. Now she throws herself into her work at The Inn at Cranberry Cove. When she accidentally tangles with the manager of a nearby fishing supply store, she suspects the handsome guy is hiding something. 

Micah Collins flees Sacramento seeking solace in the seaside village in Washington state. But he discovers an enemy has followed him to Cranberry Cove. He must endure frightful threats at the same time keeping his previous life secret. When Madison finds herself in danger, Micah blames himself. Madison and Micah are haunted by someone from Micah's past, but is the culprit the real enemy or should they look elsewhere? Will they find a future together?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ztZXED

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Barbara Britton

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Barbara Britton

I am thrilled to have Barbara back on my blog today talking about her latest release, Until June. I was honored to receive an Advance Reader Copy, and devoured the book in one day. Well-written and powerful, the story will stay with you long after you finish the last page. 

Linda:  Welcome back to my blog. I’ve loved your books about biblical characters. Your upcoming release Until June is a total departure from your past books in that the story is set during WWI. What was the inspiration for the story?

Barbara: Thank you, Linda. I appreciate being back on your blog. Almost twelve years ago, I was on an Alaskan cruise excursion and visited the Taku Glacier Lodge outside of Juneau. Over lunch I heard a story about how a WWI veteran and his caregiver stayed at the lodge and raised sled dogs. I began thinking about a man and a woman being alone in a lodge for a long period of time and Until June was born.

LM: How has writing Until June differed from writing your previous books?

Barbara: Until June was the second story I wrote, and it was written before I started writing biblical fiction. I wrote three sweet romances before I wrote my debut novel based on a Bible story. My biblical novels have hundreds of mentions of God’s name, but Until June has ten. I also cover PTSD and the loss of limbs in a world war, which aren’t themes in my biblical stories. I worked on Until June over the years because it’s my Mom’s and mother-in-law’s favorite book, and veterans issues are near to my heart. I’m so happy it’s finally seeing the light of day.

LM: What sort of research was required to prepare you to write the story, and did you find any tidbit(s) you knew you had to include?

Barbara: I had to research various topics. I went on E-bay and purchased magazines from 1918-1920. One of those magazines was Woman’s Home Companion which is featured in the book. I read the romantic serials in the magazines and looked at the advertisements for dresses and food items. I also had to research war tactics from WWI and what veterans suffered as a result. I based the Gilbertsen Lodge on the Taku Lodge that I had visited, but I had to find out what Alaskan life was like in those early days during the mining boom.

LM: Tell us a bit about your journey to publication and what lessons you learned along the way.

Barbara and her family
at Taku Lodge

Barbara: I have learned to never give up on a story. I wrote four manuscripts before I received my Until June would still be under my bed if my son hadn’t seen the movie trailer for Me Before You. He texted me that someone had stolen my story. I looked up the blurb for Me Before You and discovered it differed from my novel. Both books are caregiver stories, but mine has a happy ending. I dusted off my manuscript and asked my publisher if they would like to see it. They offered me a contract over a decade after the story was written. I have improved the story over the years as I learned the craft of writing.

first publishing contract for biblical fiction.

LM: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

Barbara: I enjoy taking long walks when the Wisconsin weather cooperates. I read a lot of books when I’m not writing them. I love teaching about the Bible to adults and children. You never know when you’re going to stumble upon a little-known Bible story.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Lakes or Mountains for vacation: Lakes

Dog or cat as a pet: It’s a tie on this one.

Favorite shoes: boots or high heels or something in between: Boots, definitely

LM: What is your next project? Can we expect other WWI or non-biblical era books from you?

Barbara: I’m working on another biblical story right now, but there is probably another Historical in my future.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Barbara: I have a website—www.barbarambritton.com. 

I’m also on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraMBritton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-M-Britton-173432342754243/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14983213.Barbara_M_Britton

About Until June:

When seventeen-year-old seamstress, Josephine Nimetz, agrees to take care of a WWI amputee in a remote Alaskan lodge to escape the influenza of 1918, there’s enough friction to melt the Mendenhall Glacier. Her position is only until June, and it pays well enough to overlook the hardship of managing a rustic home and a shell-shocked veteran, Geoff Chambers.

Geoff makes it clear that he isn’t too fond of the “runt” sent to take care of his needs, nor of her painful mistakes. Dealing with a depressed and addicted amputee, pushes Josephine to the brink of leaving, if not for the money her salary brings.

But Josephine is a perfectionist, determined to get Geoff back on his feet—figuratively. Though, sending a rich, handsome veteran back into society may cost Josephine the man she has grown to love.

Pre-Order link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B085VKHT5V

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Sandra Merville Hart

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Sandra Merville Hart

Linda:  Your latest book is the second in your Civil War Romance series. Where did you get the idea for your story?

Sandra: I had a feeling that there was a story waiting for me in Gettysburg. My husband and I went there to find it. We started at the battlefield where I found Tennessee regiments that fought the initial battle on the first day and were part of Pickett’s Charge. We attended ranger talks and tours. An idea began to form.

Gettysburg has many wonderful museums—we visited them. We took evening walking tours and walked the town’s streets around the “Diamond” where women and children lived through a nightmare. Then we returned to the battlefield.

Standing on Cemetery Ridge at dusk, I stared at the open field crossed by Pickett’s Charge. Though the land is peaceful now, it still tells a story. I also wanted to show what the townspeople endured. The idea for A Rebel in My House was born.

LM: You are an editor for DevoKids.com. How does that affect you as a writer?

Sandra: Besides editing the few submissions we receive, I write a lot of historical articles for DevoKids.com. The three main areas I write for on the site are Adventures in History, God’s World, and Holiday Traditions. This task has honed my skills for writing articles. Even a 200-300 word article requires research; I’ve become a better researcher. Learning where to find free images to enhance the post helped me for my own Historical Nibbles blog.

LM: Your website is full of fascinating historical information. Have you always enjoyed history or did something in your past spark an interest?

Sandra: Thank you! I’m thrilled that you like my blog. I had a great history teacher in high school. She brought history to life. It was the first time I thought of historical figures as people who struggled and triumphed as we all do. Then I took an elective in college for World War I. The teacher grabbed my attention the first night and held me spellbound with fascinating, behind-the-scenes, glimpses of the history.

My fascination with the Civil War began as a child with stories of brother against brother and father against son. I wanted to know more, even when in elementary school.

LM: Do you have an intriguing research story to share?

Sandra: When I went to research in Gettysburg for this novel, I decided to pay for a private ranger tour. I asked our Battlefield Guide, Clay Rebert, if there were any Tennessee regiments in the battle. I told him I was researching for a novel and didn’t have a clear idea of the story line yet. I study the history first and then the story solidifies. Our guide tailored the tour for my research and even missed part of his lunch hour. I had offered him my homemade chocolate chip cookies during the tour. He declined. My husband assured him that my cookies receive lots of compliments. He was very gracious and knowledgeable, answering all the questions I had at the time. When he missed part of lunch because of our tour, he accepted a couple of cookies and a bottled water. I hope that tided him over! 

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

Sandra: I write in my office. I turn on a box fan to mask background noise. That helps me focus.

LM: You seemed to have done a lot of traveling. If money were no object, what is your idea of the

ultimate vacation?

Sandra: Most of the traveling I’ve done has been for family vacations, conferences, and research. Often I don’t look for inspiration—it finds me. People and places with a history inspire me. Many stories fester for months and years before they enter my conscious thoughts. I’d love to tour Revolutionary War cities like Boston and Philadelphia. I’d also love to travel Route 66 at some point to see some of the family businesses that survived all these years. There’s a story idea there …

LM: What is your next project?

Sandra: Thanks for asking! I am writing a Civil War novel set primarily in Tennessee. A friend told me that a husband and wife served in the Confederate Army together. That sparked lots of research! An idea was born for a very different story. My working title for the new novel is A Lady in My Regiment.

LM: That sounds intriguing! Where can folks find you on the web?

Sandra: Thanks for hosting me, Linda! I’d love for folks to visit me on my blog, Historical Nibbles. I'd love to connect on Social Media too:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.m.hart.7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sandra_M_Hart
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sandramhart7
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8445068.Sandra_Merville_Hart
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100329215443000389705/posts
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Merville-Hart/e/B00OBSJ3PU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Watch the trailer here

Buy the book! https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-House-Sandra-Merville-Hart/dp/1941103383/ 

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Mary Ellis

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Mary Ellis

Author Mary Ellis

Today, I am welcoming author Mary Ellis, writer of mysteries, romance, and Amish fiction. Draw up a chair and get to know this busy lady!

Linda:  Mary, thanks for joining me today. Your latest book is the fourth in your Secrets of the South mystery series. Did you set out to write a series or did that just happen?

Mary: I did set out to write a series, because I find the South infinitely more “mysterious” than the beautiful Ohio countryside where I live. But I didn’t figure it would stretch into six books. I started with three favorite cities: New Orleans, Memphis, and Natchez. Then I added Savannah, Charleston, and Pensacola. I’m in the process of choosing a seventh city.

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

Mary: Typing the words “The End” at the end of the manuscript. Seriously, I love the creative part, in other words, making up the story. I am definitely not fond of the editing process. But every author must check over his/her work before they send the book to their editor. Lest our publishers discover what bad spellers/grammarians we are.

LM: Most of your novels are contemporary. What made you decide to write the series set during the Civil War?

Mary: All my life I’ve been a history buff, the American Civil War in particular. As a Christian, I’m flummoxed by the fact that officers on both sides were devout Christians and believed God was on their side of the conflict. I’m so glad my publisher allowed me to write three books set during this tumultuous and paradoxical period.

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

Mary: I always have a candle burning and romantic music playing. I have a playlist of my favorite romantic songs like Evergreen, The Way We Were, The Rose, I Will Always Love You, etc. Love is the basis for almost every story ever written—love for a spouse, love for our children, or the greatest (true) story ever told, The Bible, love for our Lord.

LM: Research plays a huge part in preparing to write any book. Do you have an unusual research incident to share?

Mary:  Around a year ago, while doing a final fact check for Sunset in Old Savannah, my husband and I got separated by dozens of blocks while walking around a crowded city. Armed with bad maps, we had to find each other on foot in a sea of tourists. This might not have been difficult, but I have bad knees and hubby has a horrible sense of direction.

LM: LOL! What skill would you like to master? (e.g. learning a different language, carpentry, etc.)

Mary: I would love to speak French since I plan to go to Paris someday.

LM: Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?

Mary: I love riding all three, so I guess my answer depends on the distance. Going around the lake in my town? Horse! Taking the scenic path in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area? My twelve-speed! (however, I only use 3…) Going on a research trip down south? I’ll take my car every time!

LM: What is your next project?

Mary: I just finished book five in the series, Night Falls on Charleston. I am about to start the mystery set in Pensacola, tentatively titled Sweet Taste of Revenge.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Mary:

Website: www.maryellis.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mary-Ellis.Author

Thanks again for stopping by! It was such a pleasure getting to know you.

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Dana Mentink

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Dana Mentink

I'm pleased to have multi-published author, Dana Mentink, with me today. Draw up a chair and your favorite beverage and get to know this interesting lady!

Linda:  Thanks for joining me. Your latest book, Dangerous Testimony, sounds intriguing. Where did you get the inspiration for the plot?

Dana: I'm a huge fan of the 'stuck on a deserted island/remote mountaintop/space station, with only your wits to get you out' kinda story. I'd been reading up on the Channel Islands and it sort of materialized in my imagination.

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

Dana: I love that moment when you get the "ah ha!" idea, that special twist or plot reveal that you know is going to thrill your reader! I've been known to get out of the shower just to write it down!

LM: Your novels have featured a variety of locations. When you write, how do you go about choosing which location to use, and do you have a favorite?

Dana: Being a California girl, I tend to default to my own coast, but really any setting that interests me will work.

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

Dana: I have to have QUIET. To that end, I get up early before the Mentink bear cubs, and in the afternoon I work outside in the garden. Thank goodness for the ipad!

LM: You live in California where you say “the weather is golden.” If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Dana: Well, I would like to go to spring training in Arizona and see my beloved Giants prep for the season. I'm saving up my dimes in a 2 liter bottle because someone told me if you fill a 2L all the way up with dimes, it's the equivalent of $500. You know what? It takes a REALLY long time to fill up a soda bottle with dimes!

LM: Ha! I'll be it does. What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Dana: Oh my. Well, I'm a third grade teacher so I've been to work dressed as a blue M &M. Does that count?

LM: Definitely! What is your next project?

Dana: I'm deep into a cowboy suspense series for Love Inspired. The first releases in November, I believe, entitled Cowboy Christmas Guardian. I also write lots of ebook mysteries and romances which are available online via Amazon.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Dana: All the usual 'cyber stops' via my website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Right now I'm encouraging people to sign up for my newsletter (I do a lot of subscriber exclusives) and I am usually running a contest via my YouTube channel. Right now we're in the middle of a cross country candy road trip. Yum! Thank you very much for having me. 

Website: www.danamentink.com

Blog: https://dmentink.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.mentink

Twitter: @danamentink

YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/GW6d8JKY_-I 

Talkshow Thursday: A Season of Hope

Talkshow Thursday: A Season of Hope

Author Sara Jane Jacobs

Today I am welcoming debut novelist, Sara Jane Jacobs. Pull up a chair and get to know her and the story behind the story! Be sure to scroll all the way down to enter Sara's giveaway!

Linda:  Congratulations on your debut novel, Season of Hope, and thanks for joining me today. Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Sara Jane: Thank you, Linda! I’m so happy to be here! Much of the inspiration for the story came from my visits to my father’s hometown of Franklin, North Carolina. We would go every summer when I was growing up. Tiny memories made their way into book one and book two (soon to be released). I was also inspired by a family vacation to Nantahala back in the 90s. That is when I began writing the story. I believe this is where I created the fictional setting of Nathan’s Mountain near Bryson City. The story grew from an idea I had for a short story which happened more than halfway through book two. From that scene, I went back about seventeen years and started writing.

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

Sara Jane: Occasionally, I will listen to music if there is already a song that I have come across that inspires me. But I don’t let music play in the background unless it’s classical. The words are too much of a distraction. Mostly I just sit down at my computer and force myself to stop doing other things. I love writing, but once I start it’s a bit like stepping through a portal/time warp. Before I know it, the sun is setting.

LM: Research is an important part of writing. Do you have an interesting or unusual research story to share?

Sara Jane: Originally, Tyler was going to attend West Point. The book was edited and I was almost ready to begin submitting to publishers when I realized this timeline was not going to work. I had to do a lot of writing and rewriting for him to become a Navy SEAL to keep the story from falling apart. This involved a crash course in everything Navy SEALs. I watched videos, listened to books and read real life stories online of real life heroes. It had quite an impact on me and was all I could talk about for a while. It has tremendously deepened my appreciation for the members of our military and their families.

LM: Your main characters are young people. Think about when you were growing up. What is your favorite book from your childhood?

Sara Jane:  I loved children’s books and remember Mike McClintock’s, A Fly Went By, being the first book I couldn’t wait to learn to read. I also fell in love with Little House on the Prairie later on.

LM: If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Sara Jane: Great question! If I could pull together my family and friends and we could all hike the Appalachian Trail together, that would be an awesome experience!  

LM: Thanks for joining us today. Where can readers connect with you?

Sara:

Website: http://www.sarajanejacobs.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarajanejacobs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsjanesara

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50289360-sara-jane-jacobs

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSpH25j4GdaoKDMXkOVNlxA

About the Book: 

When Amanda Jarvis prays that a special friend will move into the vacant house near her isolated mountain home, she isn't upset when God sends a boy instead of a girl. But Amanda's not the only one receiving unexpected answers to her prayers. After fleeing with his mother from an abusive father, Tyler Armstrong finds much-needed love and acceptance with Amanda's family over the next ten years.

As high school graduation nears, Tyler is shocked when one carefree afternoon with Amanda churns up an inner turmoil he would have never imagined; he's crushing on his best friend. And for the first time in his life he's hiding a secret from Amanda. Convinced the timing is all wrong, Tyler pushes his feelings aside as he and Amanda prepare for the future. He will soon begin training to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL, while Amanda makes plans to spend the summer in Manhattan with her aunt and then return home to the community college.

When Amanda's summer job catapults her into a modeling career, she readily accepts the much-needed distraction. Tyler's impending deployment is turning her world upside down. Along with the fact that she's falling for her best friend. And, for the first time in her relationship with Tyler, she's hiding a secret, too.

Phoebe Garrison, Amanda's controlling aunt, is thrilled when she is given the power to act on behalf of her underage niece. Bored with her Fortune 500 advertising agency, becoming Amanda's manager is just what she's been looking for to rekindle her aspirations. But as Tyler becomes aware of Phoebe's obsession to push Amanda into supermodel status, tensions rise. As the three of them become entangled in a mass of concealed ambition and desire, each will make decisions that will send ripples of turbulence across their futures.

Enter below for a chance to win: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Carly Turnquist

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Carly Turnquist

Today we’ve managed to corral Carly Turnquist, forensic accountant, as she shares the story behind the story for her latest adventure, Hidden Assets. She is being interviewed by her creator, Leeann Betts.

Leeann:          Well, Carly, nice of you to drop in.

Carly: Not like I had any choice. I didn’t want you to write me out of my own series.     

LAB:   Hard to do that. But that’s a threat for another day. Carly, your readers love that you don’t take yourself seriously. Why is that?

CT:     Why do they love me, or why don’t I take my seriously?

LAB:   Why don’t you take yourself seriously?

CT:     My husband Mike says I’m a full-time job. I think he’s right, and that seems unfair. So I try to laugh at myself more than I cry, because I think maybe that will make his job easier. Also, although when I’m faced with a decision, I feel like I make the right decision, but when I look back, I can see I should have thought it through a little better. Which means I can laugh at myself later on. Not as much as Mike laughs at me, but some.

LAB:   You’re a forensic accountant. What exactly do you do?

CT:     Besides create work for Mike? (laughs) A forensic accountant is an accountant who has been specially trained to look for things people try to hide. For example, the IRS hires tons of us to ferret out taxable income people try to disguise as something else. Divorce attorneys hire us to help their clients find money and assets that the opposing party has hidden. Estate attorneys also use our services. Because we use standardized accounting principles, our work can be checked and tested, which gives us credibility in court. Forensic really just means “forum” or the ability to testify credibly in court. It doesn’t have anything to do with dead bodies. Although, I have been known to stumble over one or two bodies in the past.

LAB:   Which is what makes you an accidental sleuth, right?

CT:     That’s a term used by some, and I guess I like it better than amateur sleuth, because when it comes to me, I’m no amateur. Not like that railway copper I get mixed up with in this book. Now he–

LAB:   Not here to talk about him. So your friend asks you to help her find some missing property, right?

CT:     Right. She’s getting a divorce, and I know how that feels. And she thinks her husband has taken some of their joint marital property and hidden it so he won’t have to share it with her in the divorce settlement. Plus we haven’t seen each other in years. We were friends in college, and have kept in touch ever since.

LAB:   Apparently there’s a backseat driver story she’s going to share with Mike?

CT:     Apparently so. I was a little bit wild in college, not to mention a wee bit controlling. Don’t ask Mike, though. He’d say I haven’t changed a bit.

LAB:   And then there’s something going on with Mike’s client, right? Didn’t that happen in the last book, too?

CT:     Yes. In Broke, Busted, and Disgusted, Mike’s client ends up murdered, and Mike is suspected, except he is missing. Which caused me no end of grief, let me tell you. He hasn’t had the nerve to complain lately that I’m a full time job, after that little escapade. In Hidden Assets, his client is trying to pull the wool over his eyes. Mike is writing a new computer program for this client, and Mike discovers some bad practices and crooked dealings happening behind the scenes of the program, in a ghost module, so to speak.

LAB:   So why did you take the train to Wyoming?

CT:     Because of the episode on the plane to New Mexico, Mike thought it would be safer to take the train. Days of boring nothingness. At least, that’s what he hoped. And he was right, until the night we were due to get off.

LAB:   Without giving away the ending, does the story end well?

CT:     As you know, I have a strong sense of justice. Of course the story ends well. Not for everybody, of course. But the good guys win and the bad guys—not in the gender sense, because I don’t want to give it away, as you said—get theirs. Justice is satisfied, and I’m off home again to quiet Bear Cove, Maine.

LAB:   But Bear Cove, Maine, isn’t always peaceful, is it?

CT:     True. It probably has a higher per capita murder rate than New York City, but it keeps things interesting.

LAB:   So what’s up for you next?

CT:     Well, a good friend wants to thank me for solving the murder and saving her life, so she’s sending us on an Alaskan cruise. Think about it, seven days of sailing, whale watching, and eating. What could go wrong?

LAB:   Yes, Carly, what could go wrong, indeed?

Author bio: 

Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released five titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers. In addition, Leeann has written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published a book on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold, a compilation of essays, articles, and exercises on the craft. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter that includes a book review and articles on writing and books of interest to readers and writers. You can subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or follow Leeann on www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com. 

Find her on Facebook or Twitter. Her books are available on Amazon.

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Keely Brooke Keith

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Keely Brooke Keith

Linda:  The second book in your Uncharted Beginnings Series has recently been released. Did you set out to write a series or did it just sort of happen?  

Author Keely Brooke Keith

Keely:  I set out to write a series. Actually, the Uncharted Beginnings series, which includes Aboard Providence and Above Rubies, is a prequel series to the Uncharted books. (The Land Uncharted). So all of my books thus far connect.

LM: Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Keely:  I’ve always had an explorer’s heart. As a child, I papered my bedroom walls with maps out of National Geographic Magazine. I often stared at the wide blue swaths of ocean on the maps and wondered if land existed that no one knew about. While researching my family history as an adult, I became fascinated by the group migrations to the American West. I wondered what would happen if instead of going west, a group of families left the United States on a ship, got lost at sea, and ended up on that hidden land. Once I told that story in Aboard Providence, I decided to tell more stories about the new settlement in Above Rubies.

LM: The series is written in the mid-1800s. What draws you to that time period?

Keely:  It’s easy in our modern era to blame life’s difficulty on technology-driven complications. I wanted to pick a time in the recent past without computers and cars and electricity to show life was still complex, but in a different way.

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?

Keely:  The research time is different for every story. I like to have a good sense of what life and work would have been like for my characters before I begin, but I have to stop researching and start writing at some point. Since I love history it can be hard to pull myself away to write.

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

Keely: I get “blocks” in everything I do--days when I don’t feel like working because my mind is tired or I’m fearful. Proper rest, exercise, socializing, and eating healthy go a long way in helping a person feel energized no matter their profession. I don’t like to call it writer’s block because it’s often the same feeling everyone experiences when they don’t want to work. Doctors can’t say they have “doctor’s block” and walk out of the operating room. If the block isn’t fear or laziness or exhaustion, it is usually boredom. We get bored with our own thoughts and ideas after a while. That’s when we need to observe and absorb. There is a big, crazy, wonderful, terrifying world waiting for writers to look away from their screens.

LM: What is your next project?

Keely: I'm currently working on what will be Book 5 in the Uncharted series. Since it the story still morphing as I explore all the angles, I can't give a description just yet ;)

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Keely: My website is www.keelybrookekeith.com

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Best-selling author Sarah Sundin!

Talkshow Thursday: 

Meet Best-selling author Sarah Sundin!

I'm pleased to sit down with fellow WWII author, Sarah Sundin whose books combine romance, drama, and daring. Grab your favorite beverage and read on!

Linda:  The third book in your Waves of Freedom Series has recently been released. You have three series under your belt. Do you prefer to write series rather than stand-alone books or does that just happen?

Author Sarah Sundin

Sarah: I do enjoy writing in series. First, a series allows me to get to know a cast of characters in more depth. Although each book stands alone, readers can follow the hero and heroine from book 1 as side characters in books 2 & 3, and get a preview of the hero and heroine from book 3 as side characters in books 1 & 2. I especially enjoy seeing how characters perceive each other and how they can perceive the same event in a different way.

Another benefit of a series is being able to explore history on a larger scale. For example, the Waves of Freedom series follows the US naval role in the Battle of the Atlantic, from escorting convoys in pre-Pearl Harbor 1941 (Through Waters Deep) to the U-boat battles off the US East Coast in 1942 (Anchor in the Storm) to the climax and turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic in 1943 (When Tides Turn). Bonus: a series makes research a bit easier too!

LM: Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Sarah: While researching the first two books in the Waves of Freedom series, I kept reading about the climactic sea battles of 1943—and I wanted to put one of my heroes smack-dab in the middle! I also had two side characters who needed to have their stories told. Lt. Dan Avery is the single-minded, no-nonsense oldest brother in the series, a man determined to not let anything stand in the way of making admiral—especially feminine distractions. And Quintessa Beaumont is the fun-loving glamour girl who caused a bit of drama in the first two books—and she needed to step outside of herself and find purpose. It was SO much fun putting those two together!

LM: You obviously have a love for the WWII era. Your website says that drama, daring, and romance are what draw us to that time period. Which of those three is the strongest draw for you and why?

Sarah: That’s hard to say because I want all three in my stories. The romance is what fuels my stories, the growing relationship between two people who need each other but might not necessarily know it. I adore writing those scenes. But the drama and daring of history gives the characters a field to play on, to challenge them and cause them to grow.

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?

Sarah: I start general and work my way down to specifics, often following bibliographies to lead me to great resources. By now I have a pretty good idea where to start for each novel, and I’m getting more creative and bold in seeking information.

As for time, I do some preliminary research when I’m writing a proposal to make sure the story will even work. The bulk of the research is done during the outlining phase (I’m a heavy-duty “planner” type of writer), which lasts about three months for me—and during the rough draft, which lasts about six months for me. But I do mop-up research all through the editing phase as well. I’m always in the middle of a research book.

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

Sarah: Because I’m an outliner/planner, by the time I write my rough draft I know exactly what will happen in each chapter, so I don’t have the classic “what will I write next?” writer’s block. Sometimes I’m not sure how to start a chapter, and I’ll stare at the screen for a while. To break through, I do three things—read my notes for the chapter, reread the previous chapter or two to get a “running start,” and then give myself permission to write garbage. Once I get past the opening lines, I know the scene will flow—and then I can go back and edit those opening lines. 

LM: What is your next project?

Sarah: I just finished my publisher’s edits for The Sea Before Us (Spring 2018) the first book in the Sunrise at Normandy series, which follows three estranged brothers who fight on D-day from the sea, in the air, and on the ground. And I’m just starting to outline the second book, The Sky Above Us—yay! Character charts! My favorite part.

LM: Where can folks find you on the Web?

Sarah: 

Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com

Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.com/blog

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin

Here's Sarah's bio: Sarah Sundin is the author of nine historical novels, including When Tides Turn. Her novel Through Waters Deep was a finalist for the 2016 Carol Award, won the INSPY Award, and was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. She also enjoys speaking for church, community, and writers’ groups.

More about When Tides Turn: When Quintessa Beaumont learns the US Navy has established the WAVES program for women, she enlists, eager to throw off her frivolous ways and contribute to the war effort. Lt. Dan Avery employs his skills in antisubmarine warfare to fight U-boats at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, but the last thing he wants to see on his radar is fun-loving Tess. As Dan and Tess work together in Boston, the changes in Tess challenge his notions—and his heart.

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Henry Jorgensen

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Henry Jorgensen

On the Rails is my latest publication. Perhaps you had a chance to meet the main female character, Katherine Newman in my post on February 16, 2017. Now I'd like to introduce you to Henry Jorgensen, Katherine's boyfriend and the reason she began a new life as a Harvey Girl.

Linda: Thanks for stopping by Henry. Your family is Danish, having immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1800s. Can you tell us about that?

Henry:  My paternal grandparents arrived in New York in 1869, shortly after the American Civil War. My father was a young man at the time. His family decided to leave Denmark because of the joblessness caused by the rapid population growth and the loss of a portion of the country to Germany. Five years prior to their leaving, Slesvig-Holsten fell to the Germans. Danish culture was repressed and there was political persecution. Rather than move elsewhere within Denmark, my grandparents decided to seek a new life in America. My maternal grandparents arrived several years later.

Linda: The Scandinavian population is not as large in Ohio as elsewhere in the U.S. Why did your family choose to settle in Warren?

Henry: In the early 1800s most of the Danish people settled in Eastern cities, but like most Danes my father's family were farmers and had been for generations. It is what they knew how to do and could make a living at it. The Homestead Act of 1862 said that any immigrant who filed an intent to become a citizen could claim 160 acres of unoccupied government land and earn the title in five years. Or that person could work as a farm hand and earn enough to purchase a farm in ten years. My father's family was heading west and passed through the Warren area. They liked what they saw and felt they had traveled far enough, so they staked their claim.

Linda: You broke up with Katherine because of financial reasons. Your parent's mortgage was being called in, and you didn't feel that you could provide for her. What happened?

Henry: My younger sister became quite ill when she was a child, and my parents took her to specialists in Cleveland. The treatments were very expensive, so they took out a mortgage on the farm to pay the bills. Then we had a crop failure that greatly reduced our income, and we got behind on our payments. I didn't feel it was right to subject Katherine to the stress of my family's financial woes.

Linda: You took a job on the railroad to help your parents make mortgage payments. What was that like?

Henry: It was a big adjustment for me, but it was important that I do my part to help my family. After living in a rural, farm community working on the trains was difficult. They were loud and dirty, especially shoveling coal to keep the engine going. I transferred off the trains to laying track, and that was only slightly better. It was hard work being outside in all kinds of weather conditions as well as geographically. We were laying track across rivers and through mountains, canyons, and deserts. I'm used to working outside, so I don't think it was as difficult for me as it was for some. The money was excellent, so I was able to send quite a bit home.

Linda: Thanks for visiting with us Henry. Readers can hear more about your story in On The Rails, available for free in eBook format from March 1-5.

About the book:  

Warren, Ohio, 1910: Katherine Newman loves being a teacher, but she loves Henry Jorgensen more, which is why she’s willing to give up her job to marry him. But instead of proposing, Henry breaks up with her. Devastated, Katherine seeks to escape the probing eyes and wagging tongues of her small town. A former Harvey Girl, Katherine’s mother arranges for Katherine to be hired at the Williams, Arizona Harvey House. Can she carve out a new life in the stark desert land unlike anything she’s ever known?

Henry Jorgensen loves Katherine with all his heart, but as the eldest son of a poor farmer can he provide for her as she deserves? The family’s lien holder calls in the mortgage, and Henry must set aside his own desires in order to help his parents meet their financial obligation. But when Katherine leaves town after their break up, he realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life. Can he find her and convince her to give their love a second chance?

Talkshow Thursday: The Latest from Terri Wangard

Talkshow Thursday: 

The Latest from Terri Wangard

I am thrilled to welcome back Terri Wangard who has recently released the third and final book in her Promises for Tomorrow series. It's an exciting conclusion, and you'll want to pick it up. Meanwhile, grab your favorite beverage and read on to learn more about Terri and her book.

Linda:  The third book in your Promise For Tomorrow Series has recently been released. Did you set out to write a series or did it just sort of happen?  

Terri: At an ACFW conference, an editor told me I would be likelier to get a contract if my Friends & Enemies was part of a series. I’d already started a contemporary story. That got shelved and I jumped back into World War II.

LM: Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Terri: I wanted something different. Friends & Enemies featured a German widow and No Neutral Ground had an American woman working with the OSS in Sweden. At first I thought about the train canteens, but that would be difficult since the main characters would meet once and then be separated for the rest of the war. Plus, Cara Putman did a canteen story. While I was researching the canteens, I discovered the Red Cross clubmobiles. That’s it!

LM: You obviously have a love for the WWII era. What draws you to that time period?

Terri: Friends & Enemies was inspired by a batch of letters written by distant cousins in Germany to my grandparents in the postwar years. My grandparents sent them care packages while Germany was destroyed and the population desperate. Once West Germany turned an economic corner, the cousins no longer needed help and contact was lost. Using those letters, I crafted a story about their lives during the war.

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?

Terri: I read memoirs. Lots of memoirs. People telling of their experiences offer lots of ideas for my characters. Often, I buy used books so I can refer to them throughout my writing. I have notes all over the place, and usually can’t find them when I need them. I tend to obsess about getting everything exactly right, which slows me down. My first book took about a year to write. Later, I had to go back and rewrite much of it to a narrower time span. I’ve also gotten ideas from WWII TV shows, like Hogan’s Heroes (No Neutral Ground) and 12 O’Clock High (In Soar Like Eagles, the ditched crew uses a Gibson Girl radio with balloon to hoist the antenna).

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

Terri: I’ve never had anything long-term. If I can’t figure out how to move a scene forward, I’ll leave it. Go for a bike ride or use the treadmill and let ideas percolate.

LM: What is your next project?

Terri: I have a stand-alone WWII book, Wheresoever They May Be, coming out late this year with Celebrate Lit. That will be my last WWII book. My current series project takes place thirty years earlier, and I have an idea for something thirty to forty years before that, inspired by my family tree again.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Terri:  My website is www.terriwangard.com, and you can also visit my Facebook or Pinterest pages.

Linda: Thanks for stopping by, Terri. As always it's a pleasure to chat with you.

Readers be sure to stop by CelebrateLit Publishing to pick up Terri's latest: Soar Like Eagles.