Wednesday Writers–Interview with Mary Ann Diorio, author of Miracle in Milan

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author interview, Christian fiction, financial suspense, Italy setting, Mary Ann Diorio, Miracle in Milan, romantic suspense, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today we have an author interview with MaryAnn Diorio and an excerpt from her newest release Miracle in Milan. Thanks for being with us today, Mary Ann!

Please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Miracle in Milan is the story of a young, female auditor who discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler and who must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.

Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted McMasters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?

Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy be the reason he changes his mind?

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

The Lord gave me the idea for this story several years ago. Italy has always intrigued me, especially since my mother was born and raised there. Having lived and studied in Italy, I wanted to write a story set in that beautiful, romantic country. Interestingly, I ended up first writing my trilogy titled The Italian Chronicles, based on the life of my paternal great-great grandmother. But I knew that another story set in Italy lay dormant within my heart. That story was Miracle in Milan.

 Setting is important in books. I noticed that your story is in set in Milan, Italy. Were you inspired to set the book in Italy because of a visit to the country? If not, tell the reader why this setting inspired you.

As mentioned, I have close ties with Italy through my Italian mother. While a student there, I had occasion to visit Milan, the financial and business capital of Italy. When it came time to writing a novel based on financial intrigue, Milan seemed to be the natural choice.

What genre is this book, and why do you like to write in this genre?

Miracle in Milan is a novel of romantic suspense. Actually, this is the first novel I have written in this genre. My main character is a young American woman who works in New York City for a global pharmaceutical firm. The story flowed organically out of who she is and the lie she believes, a lie that has stood in the way of her fulfilling God’s call on her life. I enjoyed writing in this genre and look forward to writing more romantic suspense.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, why?

Yes. I started out writing historical women’s fiction with an element of romance. Three of my novels–The Madonna of Pisano, A Sicilian Farewell, and Return to Bella Terra–are all historical women’s fiction set in Italy and America during the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. My novel titled In Black and White is a historical romance set in the 1950s, in the United States and Ghana. I also write fiction for children.

While I particularly enjoy writing historical fiction, I like to use the genre that best fits my character and story. When a character emerges in my heart, she emerges within a time period. I instantly know what century she lives in and, in most cases, what decade. The time period has a lot to do with making my character who she is in the natural and in the supernatural.

Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

I am blessed to be able to write full-time. I used to have a day job as a university professor of foreign languages.

Name three interesting things most people don’t know about you.

• My mother tongue is Italian.
• I play the mandolin, an instrument my maternal grandfather used to play.
• I am also a visual artist and paint in oils and acrylics.

What’s next for you? Are you currently working on something new?

I’m working on a novella titled The Captain and Mrs. Vye. Summary: When a young widow inherits an oceanfront inn upon her husband’s death, she receives more than she bargained for as a whaling boat captain becomes her first tenant and disrupts her heretofore peaceful life.I am also writing a middle-grade novel titled Dixie Randolph and the Secret of Seabury Beach, the first novel in a six-book series for eight-to-twelve-year-old children.  

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

There is nothing more important in life than accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and Lord and living for Him. This is what Jesus meant when He said in John 3: 3 that a person must be born again in order to experience eternal life. One may accomplish great things in the earth, but, ultimately, unless one knows Jesus, everything else is meaningless. While one’s name may be listed in many records of earthly accomplishments, all that matters in the end is that one’s name be listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

There are four quotes on which I have based my life:

1) John 8: 32 – “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
2) Philippians 3: 10 – “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings….”

3. “Only one life; ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” ~ Charles Studd

4. “The true success of my life will not be judged by those who admire me for my accomplishments, but by those who attribute their wholeness to my having loved them, by those who have seen their true beauty and worth in my eyes.” ~ David Grant.

Years ago, I created a mission statement by which I have lived and written. It is this:
To create works of art that communicate Christ’s love and connect people to Him.
CREATE. COMMUNICATE. CONNECT. This is what I’m all about.

Thanks for being part of the blog, Mary Ann. It’s been a pleasure to host you. Good luck with your book. It sounds intriguing!

Thank you so much for featuring me, Catherine. I trust that I will bless your readers.

MaryAnn

Miracle in Milan

By Mary Ann Diorio

When young, female auditor Amy Torelli is assigned to audit the books of her company’s Italian branch in Milan, she discovers convincing evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler.

Excerpt:

      “This way, Ms. Torelli.” Giorgio led her into his private office and shut the door. It was a modest office, as far as offices go. Nothing like Mr. Conklin’s plush space in the downtown Manhattan headquarters. A medium-sized window overlooked a narrow street with another office building on the opposite side. In one corner of the office space stood a large plant about the size of a small fig tree. On a credenza behind the desk was a picture of two small children sitting on either side of a lovely woman who looked to be in her late thirties. Very likely Giorgio’s wife and children.

          “Please, sit down.” Giorgio pointed to a small sitting area in the opposite corner furnished with two barrel chairs and a small coffee table.”

          Amy took the chair to the right and sat down. Her muscles tensed.

          Bassetti sat down in the chair across from her, crossed his legs, and folded his hands in his lap. “First of all, I want to thank you for making the long trip to Italy to help us.”

          Dare she say she’d had no choice but to lose her job if she’d refused? “I’m glad to do what I can.”

          Bassetti cleared his throat. “I don’t know how much you know, but Enson Italia is on the verge of bankruptcy.”

          Amy nodded. “Yes, Mr. Conklin explained as much to me.”

          “Then you know that we are in a precarious situation. The future of our Italian operation depends on your discovering what is going on.”

          Amy stiffened. There it was again. The burden of responsibility resting squarely on her shoulders. A burden she didn’t like at all. She hated having the ball in her court “Yes, I understand.”  She squared her gaze on him. “So, what are your thoughts on the problem?” She loved to toss the ball back to where it belonged.

          Bassetti shifted in his chair. “Frankly, I don’t know.”

          Amy sensed he was lying. “But surely, from your perspective as president, you have some idea, do you not?” His dodging annoyed her.

          Bassetti squirmed. “All I can say is that we have discovered some expenses that do not align with our expenditure categories and that seem to have no correlation with our normal business expenses.”

          “Has anyone investigated those unusual expenses?”

          Bassetti’s eyes narrowed. “That is what you are here to do.” His voice was curt.

Want to read more? You can find Miracle in Milan at  My Book Table  Amazon (affiliate) Print:  EBook:  and Universal Link:

About the Author:

MaryAnn Diorio is a widely published, award-winning author of fiction for both adults and children. Her stories are powerfully moving and deal with the deepest issues of the human heart.
MaryAnn resides in New Jersey with her wonderful husband of 51 years. They are the blessed parents of two amazing daughters, a very smart son-in-law, and six rambunctious grandchildren. You can learn more about MaryAnn and her writing at maryanndiorio.com.

Connect with MaryAnn on her Website: Facebook: Amazon Author Central: BookBub

Wednesday Writers-Interview with author Kathy McKinsey

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Author Interview with Kathy McKinsey, Book Excerpt from Gifts of Grace, Braille drawing, Gifts of Grace, Kathy McKinsey, Short story collection, Wednesday Writers, Women’s Fiction

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today I’m interviewing author Kathy McKinsey. We’ll be talking about her new book, Gifts of Grace, and learning some interesting things about Kathy. She also has an excerpt from the book for your reading pleasure. So without any further ado, let’s welcome Kathy to the blog!

Welcome, Kathy! I see that your new book, Gifts of Grace, is a collection of three novellas. Please tell the readers a bit about the book.

I wanted to challenge myself with this book. I grew up on a farm, and I had fun setting one of the stories on a farm. I am blind, and I wanted to have one of the main characters be blind. This wasn’t as easy as it might sound, but I found this task an excellent project to stretch my writing skills.

You’re blind? How does that work with writing and editing your work?

I use a screen reading program with my computer. With audible speech, it reads to me what I type, other people’s documents, emails and internet articles, etc. I can listen by page, line, word, individual character.

Wow! That’s interesting. I know about dictation to text computer programs or those that read to you. I use one of those programs to listen to what I’ve written, but the programs I’m familiar with don’t show punctuation. What a great tool!

So, how did you come up with the concept for Gifts of Grace?

I have found that God’s grace last much longer than the day of our salvation. He walks with us through every situation every day, covering us and helping us with his grace. I want to show stories of how God continues to pick us up when we fall and strengthen us with his grace throughout our lives as Christians.

Your web page indicates that you’ve written in several genres. Am I correct is saying Gift of Grace is women’s fiction? If so, is this your first book in this genre?

My first book, All My Tears, is also a collection of women’s fiction novellas. My second book, Millie’s Christmas, is a children’s Christmas story.

Do you have a favorite genre in which to write and, if so, why?

I write mostly women’s fiction. I like to write stories that I would want to read.

How did you get started writing?

I started writing stories at about ten and continued to write throughout my teens. Then I didn’t write much for more than 30 years, through college and work and raising a family. When I had to stop working due to health issues, I took up writing again as a new career.

Let’s get some personal info on you:

What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited?

In about 2005 or so, my husband and two of our sons and I went to Los Angeles where my sons participated in a braille competency contest.

The most fun place?

A few years ago, my two adult daughters and I went to Missouri to visit my mother on the farm where I grew up. I think that’s probably the most fun vacation I’ve ever had.

Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of writing.

I enjoy knitting and crocheting. I also enjoy making drawings from braille. I follow patterns which use braille symbols to draw pictures of animals, people, vehicles, holiday decorations, many, many things.

Braille drawing? Can you share a little bit about that?

In braille drawings, the pictures make an image which can be seen by sighted people as well as felt because of the braille.  Here is a site which explains this more: https://www.perkins.org/library/for-kids/braille-drawings

That’s cool! I’ve never seen a braille drawing before. Thanks for sharing. Next question—Name three interesting things most people don’t know about you.

I enjoy baking yeast bread; dogs give me so much joy; and, I love to sing.

What would I see if I peeked into your writing office?

You would see my arm chair in my living room, where I sit with my computer on my lap.

Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

I no longer work outside the home. Besides writing, I proofread and edit for other writers.

Is there anything about Gifts of Grace I haven’t asked that you’d like readers to know?

I want Christians to know that God is always looking to welcome us back, if we’ve moved far away from him, if we turn to come back.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today, Kathy. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

Psalm 86:5   “O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.”

Thanks for being with us today, Kathy. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.

Now, here’s a peek at Kathy’s book.

Gifts of Grace

by Kathy McKinsey

Tammy needs a new goal to fill her empty nest, and she needs to find forgiveness for her heart.

Three novellas. Three women search with hungry hearts, and God shows them surprising answers.

Mourning the loss of her baby, Judy flees to the home she abandoned twelve years ago. The family farm. Is something new waiting for her at this old home?

Iola, who is blind, struggles to prove herself as a professional and to be the mother her sixteen-year-old daughter needs during a rough time.

Watch as God opens doors these women would never expect.

Excerpt:

“All right, my family.” Chris clapped his hands. “Let’s get this tree decorating party going.” He pulled the lid off a box. “Here, we have a plethora of stars to choose from to shine at the top.”

“A plethora, huh?” I wound my way through the clutter on the floor to join him. “That means we probably have some that’ll go in the throw away pile too. Evan, go tell Sony to come down and join the party.”

Esther screeched.

“Oh no, I stepped on the kitty’s tail.” Stooping, I grabbed her up and gave her a squeeze. “It’s your own fault, cat. You know better than to get in the way of my feet.”

“Here’s something that’ll cheer the kitty up, a whole chain of bells.” The ringing concoction sailed across the room as Chris tossed it, and Esther hurried to jump out of my arms.

“I hope it wasn’t something we wanted to keep.” I grinned. “We’ll never see it in one piece again.”

“Mama? Daddy?” Evan’s feet raced down the stairs. “Sony’s not here.”

“What? Of course, she’s here. I just saw her half an hour ago.” I scrunched my nose. “Maybe an hour.”

“Check in the basement.” Chris made his way to the tree. “I’ve found the perfect star. Ev, she’s probably doing laundry.”

“Sony, Sony, Sony.” Evan screeched his way down the basement stairs.

“I didn’t hear her go down.” A prickle of fear touched the back of my neck.

“She’s not there.” Evan slammed the basement door. “Sony, where are you?”

“Chris?”

“I’ll check her room.”

He was back in an instant. “Her wallet’s gone. Her keys. The shoes she wore today.”

Want to read more? You can find Gifts of Grace at Amazon

.

About the Author:

Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for more than 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl.She’s been married to Murray for 33 years, and they have five adult children.Kathy’s had two careers before writing—stay-at-home-Mom and rehabilitation teacher for the blind.She lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dog.

Connect with Kathy on her website

Wednesday Writers–Unique Interview Questions with Catherine Castle

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author Catherine Castle, Inspirational suspense romance, The Nun and the Narc, The Nun and the Narc excerpt, two time award winning novel, Unique Interview Questions

Today Wednesday Writers is featuring me, Catherine Castle, author of the two-time award-winning inspirational suspense novel The Nun and the Narc. The book has also placed in a number of contests.  To see my list of awards click here.

As I began writing this post, I wondered what I could tell you about me and my book that hasn’t already been posted on my blog, so I went back a did a quick look at guest posts I did on other authors’ blogs. I came up with some unique, one-of-a-kind interview questions, that I have been asked.

Before we get to the questions, and the answers I gave, let me introduce you to Sister Margaret Mary and Jed Bond, the heroine and hero of The Nun and the Narc.

Sister Margaret Mary is a feisty novice who is scheduled to take her final vows soon after she returns home from her mission trip to Mexico where she is building homes for needy families. In an attempt to protect a teenage boy she has befriended, she manages to insert herself into the middle of a drug deal and gets captured by the local drug lord, along with undercover DEA Agent Jed Bond. She thinks Jed is a drug dealer. He thinks she’s an interfering innocent he’s going to have to protect. Neither one is prepared for the verbal sparring or the onslaught of emotions they encounter as they try to escape the drug lord’s clutches.

And now, on with the interview!

1. Your book is described as an “adorable” inviting adventure even from someone who didn’t expect it to be so because she wasn’t Christian and didn’t “enjoy books that preach.” Why do you think Christian books have a reputation for being preachy and how do you avoid sanctimony?
2. I think a lot of Christian books have a reputation for being preachy because the characters quote scriptures too much. This might be a problem for non-Christians because they aren’t familiar with the Bible or it feels like the author is trying to make some kind of point. Most people read to be entertained. Also, writers, if they aren’t careful, can make their characters too perfect. I think people identify with flawed characters. In The Nun and the Narc Sister Margaret Mary doesn’t quote scripture once to Jed. They do talk about God. She has flaws and foibles that make her real and approachable. She shows, rather than talks about God’s love to Jed and other characters through her caring actions. And perfect is not a word Jed or Sister Margaret would ever use to describe her.
3. Some readers refer to the humor you interject into the story. Would you tell us how a writer might integrate humor into a romantic suspense novel?
4. This is not an easy question for me, because inserting humor into a story is not something I do consciously. I’ve actually taken a writing class on how to write humor. Thank goodness we weren’t graded because I’d have flunked. I couldn’t come up with anything that seemed the least bit funny. I couldn’t force the humor. I suppose the humor in my story is there because there is a lot of laughter in my home, and I see things from a different perspective. For example, when my daughter was little and would be grumpy, we’d tickle her and “shake the grimble grumbles” out. It was a lot more fun and productive to turn her frowns into smiles with laughter and humor. “Shaking the grimble grumbles out” is a phrase my husband and I still say to each other when we get grumpy. It still makes us laugh and smile.

Q:Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.

A: I discovered there are Mexican drug dealers whose religious faith (which seems a bit oxymoronical to me considering their line of work) involves the adoration of Jesus Malverde, a 19^th-century bandit regarded by many as the special patron saint of drug dealers. Who knew drug dealers had a patron saint?

Do you have a favorite scene in this book and what would it be?

I have so many scenes that I love. The car chase scene in the marketplace (which is featured below) is one of my favorite action-adventure scenes. In terms of emotional scenes, I think I’d have to choose the scene where Sister Margaret is at the church ready to take her vows. When I was writing this scene I had such a connection with the characters. I could feel the ecstasy of the other novices as they expressed their love for Christ, and I could feel Sister Margaret’s emotions, too. Her angst over what to do and her deep love for the Lord and Jed was palpable to me as I wrote those scenes. Even though I knew what she would do, my heart was pounding as I wrote the words.

And here’s the marketplace, action-adventure excerpt I promised.

The Nun and the Narc

By Catherine Castle

Margaret’s knees buckled at the sight of the handgun. Her body tensed, her gaze frozen on his weapon. He fired off a couple of shots. Heart thumping like a jackhammer, she ran for cover behind the open car door. The window glass shattered as bullets whizzed over her head. She scrambled into the car and crouched on the floorboard. Another row of pottery shattered, sending fragments into the car like tiny projectile rockets. Sending up a quick prayer, she covered her head.

Slamming the door shut as he passed, the man leapt over the trunk. He jerked open the driver’s door then jumped behind the wheel. Jamming the car into gear, he roared out into the market street. Shoppers and vendors screamed, leaping out of the car’s path.

Margaret scrambled into the passenger seat. “Stop this car immediately!”

“Keep down,” he ordered, “unless you want to get shot.”

The rear window glass erupted into the car’s interior, punctuating his words. The man fired at the attackers through the shattered back window.

“Shot?” Her voice rose an octave. “Oh, dear Lord in Heaven, what have I gotten into?”

“Trouble, Lady.” He fired off another round. “Big trouble.”

Margaret slid deeper into the front passenger seat, grabbing the door handle as the car careened around a corner.

I’m going to die. In a car crash. With a strange man. Heart pumping madly, she let go of the door handle just long enough to cross herself then grabbed it again as the car swerved. A guardian angel would be good here, Lord. And make it Dale Earnhardt! They swerved around another corner and she held on for dear life.

Oh, Mother Superior, maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m not good nun material after all. Who else in the convent could get themselves into a mess like this?

“Are you a drug dealer?” she asked as they whizzed by a stand of woven tapestries.

The car swerved to the right, barely missing a burro. “That’s a need to know answer.”

Margaret braced herself against the seat when they careened past the animal. “Under the circumstances, I need to know.”

The man didn’t reply.

Margaret felt her temper rising. “Who are those guys and why are they after you?”

“After us,” he corrected.

Us? Panic scrabbled at her insides. Will people think I’m part of his illegal plan? Mother Superior will kick me out of the convent for sure.

“I haven’t done anything,” she protested.

The man ducked as a bullet shattered the left rear window. Margaret let go of the door handle and covered her head.

“Lady, you’re guilty by association.” He threw his arm over the seat and fired off a couple more shots. He cursed then spit a question at her. “Who are you anyway?”

“You first. I’d like to know I’m going to be dying with. What’s your name?”

“Bond. Jed Bond.”

A frantic giggle bubbled up inside of her at the familiar lilt of the phrase and his English accent. “And I suppose you’re in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Jed Bond,” she said.

The giggle changed into a crazed laugh, a defense mechanism from her youth. She’d learned that if she appeared fearless when her two older brothers razzed her, they derived little pleasure from torturing her. The ploy had saved her on many occasions.

Jed stared at her as if she were insane. If the truth were known, she did feel a bit crazy at the moment. And lightheaded. And out of control. She hated being out of control.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You don’t know?”

“Why don’t you tell me, Miss . . . whoever you are?”

“Margaret Mary O’Connor. Sis-” Her introduction changed into a scream. “Look out!”

Jed’s head whipped around just as the car plowed through a market stand of live chickens. Poultry, wooden cages, and feathers scattered over the car. An angry hen dropped through the car’s open sunroof, squawking and flapping in front of Jed, beating his head with its wings.

Margaret reached over, grabbed the bird, and threw it back out the sunroof opening. But it was too late.

 

About the Author:

Award winning author Catherine Castle has been writing all her life. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. Besides writing, Catherine loves traveling with her husband, singing, and attending theatre. In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club.

Her debut inspiration romantic suspense, The Nun and the Narc, from Soul Mate Publishing is a 2014 Beverly Hills Book Award Winner, a 2014 RONE winner, a 2014 EPIC finalist, a 2014 RONE finalist and a Carolyn Readers Choice Award finalist and an ACFW Genesis Finalist.

You can connect with her here at her blog, on FB, Goodreads or Twitter.

Catherine also guest posts at: Stitches Thru Time and SMP Authors blog

Her award-winning book The Nun and the Narc is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Gail Kittleson

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Author interview with Gail Kittleson, In This Together, Wednesday Writers Welcomes Gail Kittleson, WWII fiction

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Gail Kittleson. Gail, tell us about the book you are showcasing.

In This Together, Dottie Kyle’s story, stars a Gold Star mother from World War II who has lost her son and husband. This, my debut novel, released on Nov. 18—yes, last week. That was a long-dreamed-about and awaited day.

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

I love the WWII era, so full of challenges, change, and courage. I grew up in a huge old house that could easily have served as a boarding house, and one day I was in another upstairs. That’s when the idea for Dottie came to me. Then she simply became so real I couldn’t NOT write her story.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

I’m working on the third in a series of World War II women’s fiction novels that span from Iowa farmland to London to Resistance fighting in southern France. The middle one, A Purpose True, has found its publishing home—Lighthouse of the Carolinas—and is due out in early 2017. The first one is being reviewed right now, and the third … its future remains to be seen.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, why?

I do. Non-fiction and women’s fiction. My memoir, Catching Up With Daylight, took about ten years to complete. My first assignment for the Oregon Summer Writing Program (Thank you, Nancy Knowles, again for nominating me for that.) got me going and I couldn’t stop.

The leap between the two was quite the ride, I must say. I taught college expository writing and fancied my skills would easily adapt. NOT SO MUCH!!! I had a lot to learn, and it was humbling. Don’t we love that?

But I did adapt, and the fiction writing has become such a gift to me. During all those long years without a publisher and plenty of rejections, every day, I still work up with an urgent desire to write. That certainly told me something. I’m finally doing what I was born to do.

I find you have to believe in yourself in order to write confidently. And for many years, I didn’t. That confidence has been extremely slow to develop, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up.

Tell us about your writing space.

Here’s a picture for you. Am I transparent or what—my desk is FULL of notes like this, maps, etc., but I do try to clean it off between manuscripts. My one wall hanging that says “Once in a while in an ordinary life, God gives us a fairytale” inspires me. So does a little block that says “GIVE THANKS,” and another tiny sign that says “It’s all about the journey.”

How have your reading (and writing) tastes evolved over the years? Do you still read the same genre of books you did as a teenager?

Great question. You know, I do still read the same genre: women’s historical fiction and biography. I love history, which leads me to these 2 genres. I’m not sure my tastes have evolved much, to be honest. I loved To Kill A Mockingbird, Gone With The Wind (I read it during algebra class), and biographies of famous men and women back then, and I still do. Of course, Annie Dillard hadn’t written The Living yet, nor had Barbara Kingsolver penned The Poisonwood Bible—such incredible sagas!!

Likewise, I couldn’t have fallen in love with Jane Kirkpatrick’s work back then, or The Cloister Walk, or The Art of Spiritual Writing, a non-fiction wonder by Vinita Hampton Wright that encouraged me SO much in my writing, or … you get the idea. But I’d say every book I love has a spiritual dimension, one way or the other.

Right now, I’m reading Johnnie Alexander’s Where Treasure Hides and loving it.

It’s impossible to choose a favorite book, but Five Quarters of an Orange is so skillfully written. I love it when an author uses a child’s voice—I haven’t the courage to give that a try yet. And Five Quarters is about World War II, so that puts it right up there.

I also stand in awe of C.S. Lewis’s ability to create a believable fantasy world people by REAL children … and again, that was during World War II. Funny how this keeps happening?!?!

Writing is such and sedentary job. Do you do anything to keep in shape?

I love walking. It’s been a spiritual and physical discipline for many years, and has kept me from going over the edge a few (hundred) times. Walking motivates me to work out whatever’s driving me crazy. I’ve had imaginary conversations out on country roads that would make your hair stand on end. But when I get back, I’m ready to face whatever it is again.

The mountains do something wonderful for me, physically, mentally, and emotionally. In the winter, thanks to my very uncooperative sinuses, I spend a couple of months in the wonderful Mogollon Rim area near Payson, Arizona in the Ponderosa pine forest. With clean air and snows that melt in a couple of days, and afternoons when you can walk in jeans and a sweater. Oh my. It doesn’t get better than that.

We like to travel. What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited?

The farthest I’ve ever traveled is Bariloche, Argentina. It’s in Patagonia, and might just play a role in that third novel of my WWII series, since some Nazi leaders took refuge there. That flight was looooong, and then we got stuck in Miami for many extra hours. Being from Iowa, it was tough to believe that a TORNADO was spotted an hour from the airport, right when we happened to be waiting for our plane home. Go figure. Ah…traveling.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

Thanks so much for having me, Catherine. Well, I could talk on and on here, but it’s time to close. One thing I believe, to seek truth, stands me in good stead. Although I have to say, seeking truth isn’t always comfortable, pleasant, or full of instant gratification. I think this hunger for truth is why I like the ancient mystics so much. Meister Eckhardt’s quote, “If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that is enough,” really motivates me toward gratitude.

As the header on my author page says, words can lock you up (hold you captive), and they can also set you free—so often our philosophies are two-edged swords. Being thankful isn’t always so easy/simple for truth seekers, but I’d like to live the rest of my life with a healthy blend of these two.

 

Excerpt from In This Together

 

Al laughed out loud.

A few minutes farther on, he motioned to the right. “Turn in here.

“Here” turned out to be Almira’s Café. Dottie pushed back her dripping hair. “I must look a sight.

Al grinned, a raindrop balanced on the tip of his nose. “Me too, but who cares? How about I treat you to a California hamburger? Otherwise, it’s dumplings for the third night in a row.

“You’re going to go broke, Al Jensen.

“Nope. Del owes me for a lot of hours at the store. Even though I’ve only been working mornings the past couple of weeks, I rack up the hours. Besides, we’ve got something to celebrate.”

“Del pays you?” She could have sworn Al told her he volunteered at the hardware.

He made a Stan Laurel face. “No, but it sounded good. Del’s still making monthly payments on the store, though, and will be for a good long time.”

He helped her with her coat. “What a sudden storm. Hope it lets up by the time we’re ready to go.” He handed her a menu from behind the chrome napkin holder.

“Dottie?”

“What?”

“I meant it. I’m indebted to you. What’s something you would really, really like? Somewhere you’d like to go, maybe?”

The falling star and her wish to see Cora and the children flashed through Dottie’s mind. That scene out in the starry back yard replayed, her hands raised to the heavens and her heart open to surprises. But she tore her eyes away from Al’s to stare at the menu.

 

About the Author:

Our stories are our best gifts, and blooming late has its advantages—the novel fodder never ends. Gail writes from northern Iowa, where she and her husband enjoy gardening and grandchildren. In winter, Arizona’s Ponderosa pine forests provide relief from Midwest weather and a whole raft of new people and stories. Gail’s memoir, Catching Up With Daylight, paved the way for fiction writing, and she’s so excited to announce the release of her debut women’s fiction novel, In This Together (Wild Rose Press/Vintage Line) on November 18, 2015. She hopes you’ll get to know Dottie and cheer for her on her post World War II journey. Also, please feel free to contact her—meeting new reading friends is the frosting on her cake!

Contact links: Website  Facebook   LinkedIn  Goodreads

Want to read more about Gail? Check out her other posts on this website Through the Garden Gates  The Writer’s Block–Quilts and More

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Raven Hudgins

Tags

Book excerpt from Death Callers, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Death Caller, Wednesday Writers Welcomes Raven Hudgins, YA FAntasy

Wednesday Writers welcomes Raven Hudgins today. Raven, please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

The novel that is being showcased today is my first published novel, Death Callers, which is about a young banshee who has just turned eighteen—a pivotal age for a banshee—and has her first Death Call, vision of someone’s death. What she comes to find out is her Death Call is of the human boy she used to love and whom has just come back into her life. Now she must fight fate to save him.

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

It’s a funny thing. I was trying to write something that hadn’t been done before. I did research on humanoid creatures and came back with banshees. I’ve always loved Celtic culture so it wasn’t a big feat. I didn’t have a plot though, so I used my trusty Writer’s Block kit and picked out a random sentence and went with it. Ideas flowed from that one sentence then snowballed into a full length novel.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

Right now I’m working on three novels: the sequel to Death Callers—Banshee Cry, Elemental Phoenix, and my NaNoWriMo project Heir Trials. I’m almost done with Elemental Phoenix, which I hope to find a home in the next few months.

Are you pen and paper writer, strictly computer, or some combo of the two?

I mostly write on my computer though I will use pen and paper if I don’t have my laptop handy. Sometimes I even write better with the feel of the pen pressed against my fingers and the words just start flowing. Those are my good days. If I’m at work I will jot down words or even write a whole paragraph on paper.

Are you a fast writer or a slow writer? What’s the most number of pages or words you’ve ever written in a day? The average number per writing session?

I would have to say that I’m a slow writer most days. It takes me a little bit of time to get the juices flowing enough to even write 1000 words. Hmm, I think the most number of pages I’ve written were fifteen in one sitting. The average number of words per writing session varies depending on if I have to get ready for my day job or not. I would have to say at least 300 words per session, which sadly isn’t a lot.

How have your reading (and writing) tastes evolved over the years? Do you still read the same genre of books you did as a teenager?

My tastes really haven’t changed much. I still read tons of YA books be it fantasy or paranormal romances like what I write. If anything I think my love for the supernatural and fantasy realms have grown. There are so many great books out there nowadays.

Do you have a favorite book? (Or books since it’s always hard to whittle it down to one.)

My favorite book/books are the Shiver series by Maggie Stiefvater. She is one of my favorite authors of all times. It’s the way she creates her characters and describes their actions. Her ability to give life to her world of wolves has pushed me to try and create the same type of life for my own characters.

Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

Sadly I do. Writing will always be my passion, but it doesn’t always pay the bills. My day job is waiting tables six days a week. It’s hard work, but it does give me inspiration at times, especially if something interesting happens.

Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m either drawing my characters to get a better feel for them or playing a video game. The majority of the time I’m usually playing either Kingdom Hearts or some sort of first person shooter game like Call of Duty. Both games keep me pretty entertained.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

“I’m a writer. Therefore. I am not sane,”—Edgar Allen Poe. For the people who like we are crazy.

 

 Death Caller

By Raven Hudgins

 Aislin Gray has finally turned eighteen–the pivotal moment in a banshee’s life, but with it comes her first Death Call–visions of someone’s death. It isn’t just anyone’s death–it’s Kaelin’s, the human who left so long ago. Now he’s back and Aislin will do anything to keep it that way, even if it means starting a war.

Excerpt

My mother had always told me that when I turned eighteen and had my first Death Call it would change my life. I just didn’t know how right she would be. “I, Aislin Briella Gray, am a banshee, and I see death.”

 ****

“Happy birthday, Aislin!”

I turned just in time to see Kaydynce bounding toward me. Her short blond hair danced as she ran. Her arms wrapped around me and lifted me up. She twirled me around like a rag doll.

“Thanks, Kay,” I said, breathless as she let go.

My hands fumbled with the lock on my locker. It blurred and shifted in my vision. Kaydynce smiled. Her sapphire eyes twinkled with mischief.

“I can’t believe you’re eighteen now. You are so lucky. I can’t wait to turn eighteen so I can do Death Calls with y’all,” Kay squealed.

Then she sighed as she leaned against the locker beside mine, one hand pressed against her forehead like the women in black and white movies. I rolled my eyes at her antics. Out of my peripheral view, I noticed a tall, lean figure with reddish-brown hair. My heart skipped a beat. Instinctively my body inched away from the cold metal.

“You know nothing, Kaydynce, and never will,” my other friend, Teagan, proclaimed.

Her tone snapped me back to reality. I glanced at her then again to the crowded hallway, but he was gone. I glanced back to see her green eyes filled with something I didn’t recognize, never recognized until then. I had seen that expression before, I in my mother’s eyes. The look of utter desolation.

Teagan was the oldest of my little banshee group while Kaydynce was the youngest. Both Kaydynce and I studied Teagan, our brows scrunched. I had never heard so much resentment in her voice before. Kaydynce shrugged.

“Don’t listen to her, Aislin. You should be overjoyed that you finally get to be a true banshee.”

“Shhh, not so loud.”

She brushed it off, putting her arm around my waist and dragged me toward first period. I scanned the sea of students to make sure we hadn’t been overheard or at least that’s what I told myself. My eyes searched for the guy who had made my heart skip and beat on overtime. I had a bad feeling that something horrible was going to happen…

 

To read more of Raven’s YA fantasy go to Amazon

 

 

About the Author:

Bio: Raven Hudgins is from a small town in Virginia called Mathews County. She loves to read as much as she does to write. She is also quite the gamer. Raven has her associates in Arts and Science. Death Callers is her debut novel.

Learn more a bout Raven at @cielorayn on twitter, facebook.com/RavensDeath

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes June McCrary Jacobs

Tags

author interview June McCrary Jacobs, Bonita Creek trilogy, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Inspirational romance, JuneMcCrary Jacobs, Robin's Reward

Today Wednesday Writers Welcomes June McCrary Jacobs to the blog.

My apologies to June. When I posted her Wednesday Writer interview this morning I forgot to add her giveaways. So, here they are. Just like or leave a comment on this post,  or like or leave a comment on  her giveaway post to be eligible to be entered in the drawing.

Thank you for inviting me to spend some time with your readers, Catherine.

We’re glad to have you here, June. Would you please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

‘Robin’s Reward’ is Book One in my Bonita Creek Trilogy. This inspirational romance is set in the fictional town of Bonita Creek, California, located in the magnificent coastal mountains of the Mendocino coastal region. Robin Bennett is the town’s librarian. She was abandoned by her first husband, Thomas, because he wanted to pursue a career in professional music. Jeff Clark comes to Bonita Creek and enters Robin’s life quite by accident. The story is about their journey as individuals and a couple as they focus on following God’s path for their lives.

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

I love to spend time in the Mendocino County region of California. The scenery is breath-taking, and I find the serenity and peace there benefits my mind, body, and soul. I set my trilogy in this location so I could share my affection for the area with readers. I wanted to write a series about realistic characters who are experiencing second chances.

I try to accept the fact that challenges and tragedies are going to occur frequently in my life. Those negative things are a natural part of life. As I’ve grown and progressed in my own life, I strive to learn from the hard times and obstacles I’ve faced. I wanted to share, through my fictional writing, how people can heal and move on to live happier, healthier lives.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

I’m working on two stories right now. One is the second installment of the Bonita Creek Trilogy, ‘Penny’s Promise’. It’s the story of Robin’s best friend and cousin, Penny Ralston, a master seamstress and aspiring couture designer. Penny is a shy, introverted young woman who must work daily to cope with her hesitancy at dealing with the world and all of its chaos. I hope to release this book in 2016.

My concurrent project is a work of historical fiction set during and after World War II. This book is set in New Orleans and is loosely based on the life and military career of one of my late uncles. I worked with him on a narrative history of his military career about ten years ago, and I’ve decided to set his interesting journey down on paper for others to read and enjoy. I do not yet have a working title for this book.

Tell the readers how you got started writing.

When I was twelve years old I set the goal of becoming a published fiction author. In 2007, I began designing sewing projects for magazines. Soon I was asked to write a quarterly column for ‘Sewing World’ magazine in the United Kingdom, sharing my thoughts about the sewing scene here in America. I moved on to writing some non-fiction columns about sewing and crafting for other magazines published in this country.

In 2010 I began to write fiction. Most of it has never seen the light of day or been submitted for Publication, but it was great practice for me. I began reading about the craft of writing in magazines and books since it had been more than a few years since I had taken a college writing class. In the autumn of 2012 I found the call for submissions for the 2013 Holiday Tale Contest from Cedar Fort Inc. online. I wrote and submitted ‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’. I found out a few weeks later I had won the contest and that my debut novella (around 28,000 words) would be published on October 8th, 2013. As you can imagine, I was euphoric about this news!

I worked on ‘Robin’s Reward’ for over four years, and released it on April 28^th, 2015. It is a full-length novel of around 89,000 words.

Are you pen and paper writer, strictly computer, or some combo of the two?

I type my manuscripts on the computer, but when I do research I generally write everything down on paper and file it in a folder exclusively dedicated to that story.

Character names are important in writing. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I decide upon the character’s age group first. Then I try to find a name that was commonly accepted for that gender in that particular time period. Robin in this book is named after one of my close childhood friends. I’ve always enjoyed the name, and since the character of Robin is a master gardener, I felt naming her after a beautiful bird from nature would be appropriate. I’ve received positive feedback about her name from my friends and other readers.

What’s the first book you ever remember reading as a child?

Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Cat in the Hat Comes Back’! My Grandma McCrary sent me a copy of the book (from New Orleans) for my sixth or seventh birthday. I still love reading the rhythmic verse in this story, and Dr. Seuss’s fun artwork and use of only a few colors is priceless.

How often do you read non-fiction?

I read non-fiction often. As a sewing designer and fan of all things textile, I read as many sewing, quilting, crafting, art, decorating, and design books I can get my hands on. Cooking is one of my favorite activities, too, so I enjoy reading cookbooks and bakebooks when I can. I also like to read travel and gardening books.

Most writers love books—our walls are lined with them. Name 3 favorite books you use while writing, 3 fiction books (and the genre), and if you have them, 3 different magazines you read regularly.

I do love to read as much as I can each day.

Books I use when writing:  ‘The Large Print American Heritage Dictionary’, ‘The Large Print Roget’s II Thesaurus’, and ‘The Holy Bible’—New American Standard Version.

Three favorite fiction books: ‘Robin’s Reward’ by yours truly. ‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’ by yours truly. ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens.

Three writing magazines I read regularly are: ‘The Writer’, ‘Writer’s Digest’, and ‘Publisher’s Weekly’.

Three favorite magazines I read for personal pleasure: ‘American Patchwork & Quilting’, ‘Country Living’, and ‘Southern Living’.

Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of writing.

Vintage Dresser Scarf Bolster Pillow’

I’ve enjoyed sewing and hand-embroidery since I was about eight years old. Readers can view a portfolio of my published sewing designs on my website at: http://www.junemccraryjacobs.com/portfolio-of-designs/

‘Vintage Valentine Pillow’

I also like to make quilts for gifts and for the children’s shelter in our county. I love to read, take photographs of gardens we visit, and visit historic homes and museums. I enjoy listening to baseball on the radio. I also like to cook and bake when I have the time to enjoy it.

 

‘Primitive Jack ‘o Lantern Treat Bag’

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you do for relaxation?

My favorite activity of all is spending time with my awesome husband! We like to listen to baseball games, watch old movies, and visit botanical gardens, museums, and historic homes together. I also find reading and listening to music to be very relaxing.

We like to travel. What’s the most historic place you’ve visited?

We enjoy visiting historic homes and history museums, so I have multiple answers to this question! I’ve been fortunate to enjoy several tours at The Hearst Castle in San Simeon. My favorite one of these tours was the Christmas tour in late December a few years ago. The bedecked trees were stunning! The home and gardens are exquisite at any time of year, but there was just something memorable about seeing the flowing red satin ribbons cascading down the evergreen trees—lovely.

I’ve also visited the Patterson and Shinn Homes in Fremont, California. They are quaint and simple in their beauty. The Dunsmuir House in Oakland, California, is elegant—especially when decorated for Christmas. I particularly like the Craftsman style of architecture, and the Sun House at the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, California, is one of my favorite examples of this style. The list goes on and on . . .

 

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

I love this question, Catherine; and I appreciate the opportunity to share here. I have tried to follow the Golden Rule since I was a child. ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ This simple verse has served me well throughout my life. I’ve learned it’s easy to put this into practice when someone responds in kind, but it is difficult to accomplish when you’re being bullied or treated unkindly . . .

Thanks for being with us, June. Now here’s an excerpt from June’s book

‘ROBIN’S REWARD’

by

JUNE McCRARY JACOBS

 Bonita Creek’s librarian Robin Bennett is heartbroken after being abandoned by her husband, Thomas. The mysterious and handsome Jeff Clarke arrives unexpectedly and touches Robin’s life with his wit and warmth. Then, without warning, Jeff’s harsh words and abrasive actions scare her off, and Robin’s hope of finding true love withers again.

Just when it seems Robin and Jeff might have a future, Susan Stinson, whose cruel taunting has plagued Robin since they met as young teens, decides Jeff should be hers, not Robin’s. Susan’s anger and jealousy escalate dangerously. Her vindictiveness threatens the foundation of Jeff and Robin’s young relationship.

Robin’s journey through the peaks and valleys of her life meanders along the twists and turns of new challenges. Is a relationship which began with both parties harboring secrets destined to survive? Can they move past their troubles and the obstacles in their path to find love and happiness together? When their pasts rear their ugly heads, Jeff and Robin must use their faith to remain strong and true. But will it be enough for them to embrace a life of love, trials, and blessings . . . together?

 

Chapter One

I’m as hot and sticky as the center of a freshly-roasted campfire marshmallow, Miss Praise.” Perspiration trickled past Robin’s sunburned neck, under her collar, and down her back. Her blouse was plastered to her skin.

“I’m not feeling very feminine or lady-like in this condition, if you catch my drift. This brings us to my next question. What was I thinking starting up with this garden renovation project on the hottest March afternoon ever recorded in Bonita Creek? Am I nuts? Wait—don’t answer that.”

Some sympathy from Miss Praise, like purring or even winding herself around Robin’s legs, would’ve been comforting. Instead, the elderly tabby was dozing comfortably in her cozy quilt-lined basket on the shaded porch. Robin was drained from tangling with her vintage hydrangea bush for the past four hours.

She’d read gardening was great exercise, but it gave Robin’s thoughts too many chances to wander. She dreaded those dark, dreary spaces in her mind permanently occupied by unhappy memories and heart-wrenching regrets. Since she wasn’t accomplishing much anyway, she released her shovel to take a break with a refreshing glass or two of her favorite iced tea. She straightened up and stretched her aching arms over her head.

“I’m parched, how about you? Want something cold to drink?” She spoke in the direction of the faded gray cat. Apparently, Miss Praise had heard enough of Robin’s whining. The cat yawned, stretched, flicked her tail, and hopped daintily out of her basket. She lumbered down the brick path to seek refuge in the peaceful back garden. Naturally, Robin hadn’t expected Miss Praise to respond, but talking to the cat helped her feel connected to her Grandma Estelle. The older woman had passed on a few years ago and Robin still ached for her grandmother’s presence. She kneaded her fatigued lower back with her knuckles and sighed deeply.

As she untied the ribbon of her straw hat and shook out her damp curly hair, Robin sensed someone’s gaze. A prickly feeling caused her to rotate her body where she came face-to-face with an unfamiliar—but attractive—man. A hint of amusement lit up his clean-shaven face as he stood on the walkway in front of her garden gate. When the stranger chuckled, Robin’s damp cheeks flamed scarlet. She wondered how long he’d been standing there listening to her grunt and groan and, well, whine.

Since he couldn’t possibly have seen Miss Praise, he probably assumed Robin had been talking to herself. Swell. Just another example of the truckload of awkward moments in life when Robin wished she could vanish on demand. Speaking through clenched teeth, she attempted to use humor to cover up her self-consciousness.

“Instead of breaking your neck staring at me, how about making yourself useful by helping me dig up this stubborn hydrangea?” Her embarrassment grew when the stranger’s sole response was a chorus of boisterous laughter. Lord, please get me out of here—now! Robin’s humiliation took over her common sense, and her sole goal was to flee. Grabbing her garden hat, she slammed it onto the gate post as she wrenched off her work gloves and tossed them on the ground near her birdbath. The sound of the man’s hearty laughter echoing in her ears brought her lifelong dislike of being the object of teasing and taunting racing to the surface.

Like most school children, she’d suffered through her share of teasing and even some bullying. Truth be told, she was still occasionally bullied by a former classmate, Susan Stinson, almost ten years after they’d graduated. Robin had expected—and hoped—in her current stage of life, halfway between twenty-five and thirty, she would’ve overcome this affliction. The scorching feeling in her cheeks told her otherwise. I so do not want to deal with this guy.

Attempting to give the illusion of self-confidence, Robin lengthened her spine and held her chin high as she stalked toward her cottage. In the safety of her cottage’s interior she’d find the solace and peace she was seeking. Far too often in the past she’d allowed her pride and confidence to be battered by a male. Okay, one male in particular. She vowed to handle her reaction in the current situation differently. She was determined to spare herself one more millisecond of humiliation. Today I’m going to stand up to my tormentors. All right, so maybe this stranger isn’t exactly tormenting me. Still, everyone knows laughing at a lady isn’t polite.

Robin wasn’t going to stand there and let some stranger, however handsome he might be—and this guy was definitely above-average in the looks department—laugh at her in her own garden. Hot, briny tears stung her eyes. Time seemed to slow down, and she couldn’t make it to the front door fast enough. Embarrassing incidents from her not so distant past charged to the forefront of her mind as she made her way up the front porch steps.

~*~

At the front gate, Jeff froze. He’d offended her. His body felt as if he’d just finished running five miles at a training pace, as it had been since he’d first happened upon the woman. His heart thundered in his ears when he’d first seen her, his vision honed in on a lovely brunette. She was hard at work in her garden on such an oppressive afternoon. He’d never seen anyone so focused on one task. She appeared to be in a frenzy, trying to free the roots of a bush from the sun-dried, hardened soil.

He had to admit, she looked as if she were accustomed to hard work. Strong, fit arms and legs peeked out from her short-sleeved blouse and khaki shorts. She sported a wide-brimmed hat and appeared unafraid of hard work if the sweaty sheen covering her neck and face were any kind of evidence. Smudges of dirt adorned her elbows, knees, and—he couldn’t help but notice—shapely calves.

He’d been walking through the streets surrounding his rental home. Historical architecture was one of his hobbies, and he was checking out the architectural styles located on the streets in this older section of Bonita Creek, California. He’d already identified Craftsman, Victorian, Italianate, Tudor, cottage, ranch, and bungalow style homes. His mind, locked on his thoughts, was jarred when he heard a frustrated voice asking why she was trying to renovate her garden on this hot afternoon. The voice held such conviction he stopped to see if the speaker was seeking his personal opinion. When he realized the sun-kissed gardener was alone in the garden, he became enthralled by her movements and the timbre of her voice.

Unsure of how long he’d been staring, Jeff was jerked out of his trance when the woman turned around and challenged him to come into the garden to help her dig up the bush. Embarrassed he’d been caught staring, his natural reaction was to laugh. Now the woman rushed away from him toward the door of the cottage dominating the center of the property.

This scenario was not unfolding as he wanted. He blamed his complete lack of understanding of women and their mysterious ways for this latest gaffe. Now you’ve done it. You are clueless, Clarke. He needed to come up with something witty and wise to redeem himself. Otherwise, he’d lose a chance to meet this fascinating gardener who had his curiosity.

BUY LINKS FOR ROBIN’S REWARD

AMAZON   BARNES & NOBLE 

 

About  the Author

Award-winning author, June McCrary Jacobs, was the winner of Cedar Fort Publishing’s 2013 Holiday Tale Contest for her debut novella, ‘A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom’. ‘Robin’s Reward’ is her first full-length novel, and is set in her favorite location in California—the Mendocino coastal region. This book is the first installment of the ‘Bonita Creek Trilogy’.

June’s original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and blogs in the past few years. When she’s not writing, reading, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, and visiting art and history museums. She also enjoys touring historic homes and gardens and strolling around the many historic Gold Rush towns in the Sierra Nevada foothills. In the summertime you can find June at a variety of county fairs and the California State Fair admiring the sewing projects, quilts, and handiwork other inspired seamstresses, quilters, craftspeople, and artists have created.

 

Email: junemccraryjacobs@gmail.com:  Website & Blog:   Facebook:

Amazon.com Author Page:  Goodreads Author Page:  LinkedIn:

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Katie Hamstead

Tags

author interview, Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Dancing in the Athenian Rain, Katie Hamstead, time travel YA romance, YA fiction

Today Wednesday Writers Welcomes Katie Hamstead. Katie, please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Dancing in the Athenian Rain was originally the first full length novel I wrote. I was a 12^th grader, and pieced it together while studying Athens… and during exams because I’m easily distracted. It’s developed significantly since then, but the raw base of the story remains the same; an 18 year old girl who’s been pretty down trodden gets a second chance in the most unlikely place; the home of a Classical Athenian soldier.

Sounds interesting. How did you come up with the concept for this book?

Fantasizing in Ancient History class! Not much more to it than that…

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

Currently I’m working on a few things, but my biggest project is a seven book series that’s a futuristic fairytale spin. I have the first two books written, and the rest are in various stages. Piecing it together is interesting, as each story is independent of the others, but also entwined.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, why?

I do. I write whatever comes to me. Usually I have strong female leads, and write new adult, but the genre jumps around to whatever talks to me. As long as the characters “sing” I’ll write it.

I’m a total non-techy when it come to computers and social media and have experienced a number of flubs, including wiped out discs, crashed computer drives where I lost 50 pages I’d just written, improper blog setups that caused me to lose my web name address. What’s the worst technical difficulty or disaster you’ve ever had as a writer?

I bought myself this beautiful laptop. Touch screen, large hard drive, all the bells and whistles. Then, one day I knocked over a cup of water beside it. All it took was a drop to get inside and it fried my mother board. I CRIED for a week over it. Thankfully we were able to recover my data from the hard drive so I didn’t lose anything… except my beautiful computer I’d bought from my saved up book royalties!

Ooh. I’m cringing as I read this. The mother board just got fried on my laptop and I’m fighting with a new computer now. I feel your pain.

Character names are important in writing. How do you choose your character’s name?

I do a combination of things. First, I pick a culture to derive the name from, then I’ll pick a general meaning of the name and finally, it has to sound nice and suit the character. I really love naming characters.

Setting is also important in books. Do you do anything special to create yours, like visiting the area, googling satellite maps, looking at books or pictures?

A fair few of my settings are where I grew up, or I’ve lived for a while. Although, my historical books there’s a lot of research goes into the settings, especially since they’ve changed over the centuries.

How have your reading (and writing) tastes evolved over the years? Do you still read the same genre of books you did as a teenager?

I read a lot more than what I did as a teenager. I think the compulsory readings bothered me enough to put me off picking out my own books. I hated being forced to read things like 1984. Why couldn’t I read Jane Austin? I didn’t mind Shakespeare though, but I was pretty alone on that one.

When I did pick my own books, they are still pretty similar to what I read now. I like books with romance, but also an interesting plot and great characters.

What’s the book you are reading now?

I am currently reading The Charge by Sharon Bayliss. I love this woman’s writing, and kept up with the December People, so needed to get onto her debut while waiting for book 3.

I love going to the movies. Do you? If so, what was the most recent movie you’ve seen?

I love going too! Unfortunately with small children, I don’t get to go as much as I’ like to anymore. The last movie I saw was Jurassic World. I am a Jurassic Park fanatic, so missing that as NOT an option. I loved it!

We saw that, but not in 3-D. Great movie. What about the small screen? What’s your favorite television show currently running? Favorite show of all time?

Currently running, I’ve been trying to keep up with Arrow and The Flash. Apparently now I also need to get onto Supergirl! But one of my all-time favorites is M*A*S*H. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. In 6^th grade we were studying Asia, and I was the only one to pick Korea, and was inspired by this show! Haha!

I love those shows, too!

I also love traveling. What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited? I used to live in Australia (Sydney) and after high school came to the USA as an exchange student. Now I live here, but it’s still a long trip between the two.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

Proverbs 31:10 and 30

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

There’s a whole lot of good stuff in between, but those verses are what I live by.

Thanks for being with us today.

Dancing in the Athenian Rain 

by Katie Hamstead

When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she’s furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife. She’s forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend. But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.

Goodreads

 

About the Author:

Born and raised in Australia, Katie’s early years of day dreaming in the “bush”, and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing. After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog. She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing. She currently works as an Acquisitions Editor with Curiosity Quills Press to help support her family. Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports and be a good wife and mother. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

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Wednesday Writers Welcomes Angela Scavone

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A Journey Home, Angela Scavone, Author Catherine Castle's blog, author interview, book excerpt, contemporary romance, Military Romance, Wednesday Writers

 

 

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Angela Scavone. Angela, please tell us about the book being showcased today.

A Journey Home is a contemporary military romance about a female officer whose job it is to go overseas and pick up and return the bodies of fallen soldiers. She is then partnered up with her ex-husband and she has some issues with that … as you can imagine what that would be like 🙂 The couple must learn to work together professionally and at the same time repair their friendship.

How did you come up with the concept of this book?

Funny enough I had a dream one night that I was flying home in a military plane with the bodies of fallen soldiers and I hated the person I was working with. The dream played out like a movie, when I woke up I wrote it all down on paper 🙂

By the way, I love this cover. It’s so touching and patriotic. So, what are you working on now? Is there a release date?

I’m currently working on a Christmas story based on the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and a fictional possibility of who the true author of the poem was. In reality Clement Clarke Moore claimed ownership of the poem but only after twenty some odd years…why so long? What was he hiding? Who was the true author? Therefore my latest WIP dives into those questions and a possible secret romance that may or may not have been held as blackmail against the true author…

Unfortunately no release date yet.

Ooh. Sounds interesting. When you write are you a plotter or a pantser? 

I plot certain points of the story but the characters have to get themselves to those points. So I would say I’m half and half 🙂

Do you have a favorite book or books?

I love the Stephanie Plumb series. That girl has one heck of an interesting life! Janet Evanovich has done a great job with that series and to be twenty books in and still be entertaining and “a must read” worthy is quite the feat! I love the Harry Potter series as well.  Also I love anything by Jane Austen, she knew how to write romance 🙂

We know you have a job as a writer, but do you have a day job as well? If so, what is it?

During the day I work full-time as an IT analyst for the local school board here and love every minute of it (a person with OCD loves the organization that is project planning, ha!). I work on specific projects that bring new and interesting technologies to the classroom for teachers and students. It’s a very rewarding experience to see thousands of students using the technology you brought forward to them 🙂

Thanks for being with us today, Angela. As you leave would you give the readers a brief encapsulation of your life’s motto?

I have a wicked time with anxiety and worry. It sadly consumes a lot of my life which I am working on however part of working on it is trying to see the positive in everything. In every situation, good or bad, there is always something positive, a silver lining if you will. Therefore my life’s philosophy is to always find the positive…even when it’s raining there’s still beauty in the sound 🙂

Now let’s take a peek at Angela’s military romance.

A Journey Home

By Angela Scavone

Stephanie Tyler’s sole job is to fly overseas to war-torn areas of the world to retrieve and escort the bodies of fallen soldiers back home to the United States. It is a tough and emotional job but she is honored for the privilege. Her duty also helps her to escape her past and her failed marriage.                                                               

 But those flights have become increasingly more dangerous and she is forced to have a partner accompany her. Much to Stephanie’s surprise and dismay, she is partnered up with her ex-husband, Captain “D.A.” Douglas Aston.             

 From the moment Captain D.A. enters the scene, he irritates her. It could have something to do with the fact he slept with her best friend while they were married. As they go on several missions together, Stephanie is forced to be courteous and professional with D.A. even though the very sight of him irritates her beyond comprehension.         

 Then, Stephanie’s cheating, husband stealing, ex-best friend is killed in Afghanistan and Stephanie and D.A. must escort her body home. While executing this difficult duty, a myriad of conflicting emotions makes Stephanie ponder how short life really is . . . and to question her own ability to forgive. 

 Excerpt:

The Colonel spoke as I reached for the door handle. “I’m curious, off the record, of course. How did your marriage not continue on a positive note? I remember the wedding. You two seemed so compatible and so in love. What happened?”

DA and I looked at each other for the first time since his arrival.

“He cheated on me with a friend of mine,” I replied baldly.

“I did not cheat on you! How many times do I have to say it before you believe me?” he retorted, all vestiges of professionalism gone.

“Oh, here we go again!” I shouted back. “I came home early, I walked into the kitchen and there was Alex on top of you on the kitchen floor.”

“I told you it wasn’t what it looked like. I have said over and over again that I did not sleep with Alex!” His tone increased until he was shouting, too.

“You’re telling me that you two never slept together?” I demanded an answer.

“Well . . .” He looked away from me. “Not while we were married.”

“I knew it!”

“It was after we were separated and you had moved here! What did you want me to do? Never sleep with anyone again?”

“You can sleep with whomever or whatever you want for all I care—”

“Ahem.” The Colonel cut in. I jerked back, startled; in the heat of arguing with my frustrating ex, I had forgotten my boss was there.

“Sorry, Sir. Do you see why I can’t work with him?”

 

Interested in reading more? You can find A Journey Home Amazon.

About the Author:

Angela lives in Ontario, Canada sharing her home with her father and much-loved duo of pups (and one evil cat).  She currently works for the Board of Education behind the scenes supporting and analyzing student data, however, in her spare time, apart from her avid love of storytelling, she likes to read, spend time with family and friends and concoct dairy free recipes from scratch. Sometimes she wins some and sometimes she loses some – tofu, banana and peanut butter pudding we are looking at you.

Want to know more about Angela? You can connect with her here:

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Wednesday Writers Welcomes Annette Bower

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Author Catherine Castle's blog, book excerpt from Moving On, Canada book setting, Moving On: A Prairie Romance, sweet contemporary romance, WEdnesday Writers interview with Annette Bower

 

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Annette Bower, who will be telling us a bit about herself and her sweet contemporary romance Moving On. Annette will be giving away an Ebook of Moving On or her other novel Woman of Substance (winner’s choice) to one lucky commenter. Winner will be draw on Tuesday, August 18, 2015.

 

Annette please tell the readers how you got started writing.

During summer holidays, my sisters, brothers and I would perform plays in our garage for the neighborhood children.

courtesy of http://www.freeimages.com/photo/kids-2-1439377

In my final year of high school, my friends and I wrote, produced and acted in a play. Also in my final year, I wrote an ode to my boyfriend, now husband, challenging his love of his snowmobile compared to his love for me.

During my nursing training, I wrote poetry for the lone male nurse to give to other female students. I also wrote poetry in answer to essay questions.

Now that’s an inventive way to answer questions. Too bad you didn’t give us an example here. Since you do poetry and plays, do you also write in more than one genre?

I write stories about women and love. They may be short stories or novels but they are always about love in a community and family. My first publications were short stories in magazines and anthologies. Those publications kept me writing when the novel form seemed daunting.

Are you a panster? Plotter? Or something else?

I am a linear panster. I find an idea I’m interested in learning about and then write a story to go with it. This photo is a man I saw leaving our grocery store. I watched him put the bouquet of flowers into his saddlebag. I just had to take a picture, (with his permission) to use in a future story. I haven’t used it yet, but I will. This is a very sweet, wholesome thing to do for someone you love. And this gesture is indicative of the sweet, and wholesome stories I write. Many years ago a professor told me that we write what we read. I enjoy reading stories about substantial love based on friendship and trust.

photo by Annette Bower

Tell us about your reading habits.

I read non-fiction frequently as a part of research and for knowledge. Right now I am reading, The Laughing One, A Journey to Emily Carr by Susan Crean. Crean combines new historical research and fictionalized accounts of key events in Carr’s life with a reflection on 19^th C. sensibility.

I’m reading this because my heroine in my new novel is an artist.

Now let’s get personal. Tell me something about the meaning of your name. Does it fit you? The numerological interpretation of Annette fits me now. It states I have an independent nature and an urge to explore new experiences in life. I am a woman who is driven by inner need for change and growth. I also have a contemplative and analytical side and will spend many hours alone reading and studying. I make an ideal student and researcher.

In a university English class many years ago, my professor stated that we become our names. I’m working on it. I am careful when I name my characters for this very reason.

Tell us about your romance novel Moving On.

Moving On. Is a sweet contemporary romance with an heiress, a soldier, a small town and secrets. This novel is set in a town where my husband and I raised our sons. Even though it is a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, I believe it is as exotic as anywhere else in world and mirrors small towns the world over. My heroine, Anna Jenkins moves from a large urban center to a small town and she encounters the friendliness and also the occasional lack of privacy that occurs in a community where it feels as if everyone knows, or assumes they know, what is happening in your life.

My hero, Nick Donnelly, grew up in the area and moved away to discover the world. He has returned for a short time, to recuperate from an injury he sustained during his time in Afghanistan.

Nick and Anna recognize the challenges each of them face in order to move forward in their lives. A feeling of friendship is born, providing a basis for love.

My mother-in-law was a young widow and I researched grief as a way to understand what she may be going through, and to help me have a stronger relationship with her. She also had limited reading and writing skills, so she was a duck out of water as technology increased. When someone is new to a situation they have to bring new skills and strengths to their life in order to move forward.

During the war in Afghanistan, so many soldiers returned home injured but their fervent hope was to return to their troop. When I returned to University as a mature teacher, I brought home a question my philosophy professor asked. “Who would you die to save?” Of course I answered my family, however, our oldest son answered, my country. He joined the Canadian Navy.

I wanted to learn and try to understand that dedication. I had been a rehabilitation nurse and therefore I could augment Nick’s story while he rehabilitated with past experiences.

I also wanted to try to understand what it would be like for the silent army at home waiting for their loved ones to return. While I researched, I came to understand about military personnel not sharing what they saw day to day. In an interview, one soldier told me that sometimes it was better not to call home too often because then his head and heart were in two places and he may not be able to do his job as well.

A review by the award winning mystery author, Gail Bowen, captures my story in Moving on.

In “Moving On: A Prairie Romance”, Annette Bower explores the redemptive power of affection. When we meet Nick and Anna, the characters at the centre of the novel, both are reeling from devastating personal tragedies, and both are fearful of making a connection that would open them to future pain. In the course of the novel, Nick and Anna slowly but surely learn to trust and to hope. Bower’s warm tale of the coming together of her two very likable protagonists is told with a keen eye and an understanding heart. This lake-side romance is perfect summer reading. ….Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn series.

What’s up next for you?

For my next romantic life adventure, I’ve decided to write about a hero with a disability. Will Cleaver, grew up challenged by mobility issues caused by cerebral palsy. He is an architect in charge of building a barrier-free neighborhood, in Apex, Saskatchewan, a town expecting a boom because it is located close to a newly discovered potash mine.

Tiffany George, my heroine, is learning to leave past expectations behind to become an artist. Her family, the town residents and Tiffany all expected her to marry her high school sweetheart, raise their family and eventually Tiffany would run the George and Family Plumbing business. However, high school sweetheart changed his mind and Tiffany applied and was accepted into a prestigious art school in another city. When she returns for a holiday, everyone expects her to fall back into the family business. Will knows from past experiences that she must make her choices and he provides Tiffany the strength to follow her passion.

Will knows that it is better to want someone rather than to need them. Tiffany will also come to this conclusion.

This third novel, with the working title of Will’s Intention, is contracted to Soul Mate Publishing for e-release in early 2016.

Thanks for being her today, Annette.

Thank you Catherine. For all of those who stop by and comment today, I thank you. It’s been a pleasure being on your Wednesday Blog. I will leave you and our readers an encapsulation of my life’s philosophy.

And this:

“Late Fragment And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.”

― Raymond Carver, A New Path to the Waterfall

And here’s a peek at Moving On, which I am currently reading and enjoying!

Moving On

By Annette Bower

 

Anna Jenkins, a mysterious woman arrives in the resort town of Regina Beach as the heir to a cottage, even though there isn’t an obvious family connection. The residents of the town know everyone’s business and they are very keen on discovering Anna’s secrets. Anna meets Nick Donnelly with a secret of his own. As a soldier, the injuries he sustained in an IED explosion were greater than most people realize.

During his rehabilitation, Nick and Anna become friends. Nick begins to dream of a life on the land with a family of his own. When Anna discovers that Nick plans to return to active duty, she puts the brakes on loving a man who might die because of his career. Nick must convince Anna they have a future to live for.

Excerpt of Moving On:

Chapter 1

 Anna Jenkins pushed her foot on the brake as her hatchback picked up speed on the hill. The posted speed limit for the Town of Regina Beach was thirty miles per hour. She passed old cottages with verandas and gravel driveways surrounded by blossoming lilac bushes that were tucked in among new homes with steel doors and trees shading designer interlocking block paths. Her doubts about moving to a small town washed through her fatigued mind like the waves pushing and pulling along the shore of Last Mountain Lake, that expanse of blue where the road she was on ended. Just past noon and no one was on the street.

After scanning street signs, she turned west on Fairchild and followed a natural curve onto Green Avenue, creeping along until she found the address that was etched in her memory. Regina Beach would be her safe haven. A place where no one knew that her fiancé had died a week before their wedding. It was her sorrow and she was tired of sharing it with those who seemed to want to keep it alive like some macabre game where they could report to their friends and family. I saw her today and she looks awful. I just didn’t know what to say but if you ask me, Murray wouldn’t look twice, never mind proposing, if he saw her now.

She hadn’t overheard anyone say these words, but she had her suspicions. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they just accept their wedding gifts back instead of allowing her to keep them piled in a rented storage space before she left Toronto?

Sure, this chance at another beginning was because someone else had died. People dropped like flies in her life. Murray’s uncle bequeathed his house to Murray and because Murray was dead, she was the beneficiary. A shudder of grief ambushed her. She leaned her head on the steering wheel.

Her mother had suggested a plane ticket from Toronto and rental car, a long weekend vacation to check things out instead of rushing headlong into the unknown. But Anna couldn’t. It was now or never; she’d driven for four days. She turned off the engine, opened the door and pushed one sensibly soled foot onto the stone path that led to the house.

The windows were dirty and the exterior paint cracked and flaked. This was just the place she needed if—as they say—your environment would reflect your state of mind. Maybe in this place they would get off her back. She locked the doors to ward off thieves from her black suitcases piled in the car.

What was she thinking? The street was empty. Besides, a battered guitar case shared the passenger seat with empty water bottles and take-away food wrappers, so it looked as if someone had already rummaged through her belongings.

Anna plowed through fallen leaves and broken twigs that were spread over the stone pathway leading to the stairs. The screened summer door sprang open but the solid weather door refused to budge. She twisted the key, jiggled the doorknob, and finally turned sideways to bump her hip against the stubborn paint-encrusted door. Banging against something and having it move felt wonderful. The momentary hip sting was an annoyance compared to the pain that she’d endured over the last year. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open, inhaled stale air, and watched dust motes floating on a current of the outside breeze.

The lawyer hadn’t known if Murray had spent any time here. Part of her wanted to look around and think of him as a carefree child, then a young man whole and alive, while the other part of her wanted a clean slate.

 

About the Author: 

Annette Bower sets her romance novels in Saskatchewan because she believes home can be as exotic as anywhere else in the World. Annette has travelled extensively, but has always returned home to Regina, Saskatchewan. Born in Regina, her experiences as a nurse, administrator, town councillor, teachers’ assistant and student inform her stories and reflect the experiences of many readers. Annette’s stories are read around the world and have been shortlisted on many national and international stages.

Annette’s Links:
Contact: annette.bower@annettebower.com   Webpage

Purchase: Amazon Kobo B&N

 

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Susan Pearson

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book about the Congo, Catherine Castle's blog, Inspirational Suspense, Missionaires Mercenaries and Murder, Susan Pearson, Wednesday Writers

Wednesday Writers welcomes Susan Pearson today. Susan is the author of Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder. I have to tell you, Susan, that I love the alliteration of your title. Please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder takes place in the Congo though I have set it in the present day. My husband helped me do some research to give me ideas about the mystery part of the book. He’s much better about research than I am. My hero is a hardened cop who lost his faith in people and God. He wants to be left alone to lick his wounds. But the heroine has other ideas. She wants to heal his wounded soul. Together, as they wind their way through the mystery, they learn about themselves and each other and what God really wants for their lives.

How did you come up with the setting for this book?

Once I sat down at my computer, it quickly became apparent I had to place my story in the Congo. I tried writing about Kinshasa which is the capital city and the location of my boarding school. It really came as a complete surprise to me that I would want to place a book in Vanga, the place of my birth.

Here’s a picture of Susan with her siblings in Vanga, the village where she was born. She’s the youngest on the left.

But, try as I might, nothing else would do. So, I worked through many, many scenarios until I came up with a way to have Alex, the hero, get to the village of Vanga where he will meet the heroine, Molly. The struggle was in melding what I know of the country with the present day and creating a story that could take the hero and heroine through a process of life that would bring them together and closer to God.

Wow, since the story is set in the place of your birth how did that affect the book? Are there any bits that are from your life in the Congo?

My father was a builder for American Baptist and I have leaned on his experiences quite a bit. His encounter with a snake, an 18’ green mamba, is true story.

Being the child of missionaries gave me a great sense of responsibility for making my life count. Reading for me is an escape from real life and I wanted my writing to provide that. But I don’t think it would be satisfying if it was just escapism. It had to say something important about life.

People say you write what you know and I guess, to some degree that is true. Surprisingly, it has been cathartic to tell the story even though it is fiction.

Growing up in a third-world country gave me an appreciation for all the blessings God has given me. It is truly a luxury to be able to write and have people enjoy my book.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

I’m working on the story of Alex’s sister who lives in Oregon. I am about 2/3 of the way through so no release date.

Tell the readers how you got started writing.  

When I decided to write a book, it wasn’t because I had stories crying to be told. I didn’t have characters banging around in my head, dying to get out. In fact, I had no idea where to start. I needed a distraction because my daughters were both out of the country and I was facing some serious empty nest depression. I needed something to take my mind off of that so I took a writing class through the local community college. The teacher was a member of a local writing group and she encouraged all of us to join and find a critique group. I did that and that is the reason, I believe, that I was able to create a book that people want to read.

Are you a panster or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

A little of both. I need to have an overall plot but sometimes I get off track and the words start flowing and then I realize that it doesn’t fit exactly with what I thought I was going to write so I have to go back and see if I can make it work.

I tend to write in stages: dialogue first, then go back and put in the different layers—sensory, visceral, emotional, settings. What is does your writing process look like?

I definitely have to go back to put in the emotional and the sensory. Initially, I’m pretty focused on plot and have no idea what the characters are thinking or feeling. And my critique partners are forever asking – where are we in this chapter? Is it a house, a city, a park?

Setting is also important in books. Do you do anything special to create yours, like visiting the area, googling satellite maps, looking at books or pictures?

With this first book, I was pretty sure nothing much had changed even though I hadn’t been there for over 30 years so, I surfed the internet for pictures and, I was right.

Reviews are important to most writers. What review have you received that you most like, and why?

A nurse who works with my husband reads approximately one book a week and corresponds with lots of authors offered to help me with social media things. She’s never read an inspirational suspense and was prepared to be nice but not real interested in my book. I sent her the ARC and she read it in a couple of days and was shocked by how much she loved the book. She gave me a 5 star review.

Don’t you just love it when your book crosses over into a secular reader’s library and finds favor with them? It’s such a cool thing! Do you have a favorite book?

The Thing About Clarissa.

What’s the book you are reading now?

On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Most writers love to read. Name 2 different magazines you read regularly.

People and Christianity Today.

Do you have an all-time favorite movie that has stuck in your mind or that you’d watch over and over?

Witness

We like to travel. What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited? Probably China. My oldest daughter worked there for two years with Campus Crusade.

The most fun place? Akumal, Mexico – great snorkeling and lots of history

The most historic place? Dubrovnik, Croatia.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

My first prayer, when I was 2, was ‘Dear God, so happy me.’ It seems trite to say we can do anything with God’s help but, I know there are many, many things that would not be possible without Him.

 

Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder

By Susan Pearson

 

Alex Carpenter’s life is shattered when his friend and partner is gunned down. With his confidence shaken, he turns in his badge and gun and accepts an offer to build a church in the Congo, hoping for time alone to heal.

Molly Quinn is on a mission to save souls and heal bodies. Nothing is too difficult for her to handle until a police officer from Kikwit demands she come to his city to identify a body that turns out to be her friend and a fellow American.

Alex realizes her friend was murdered, and Molly begs him to help her find the killer. Drawn into a bloody web of intrigue and deception, Alex and Molly must work together to stay alive and one step ahead of a murderer.

Can she convince Alex to put his trust and their lives in God’s hands?

Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder Buy Link

 

About the Author:

Susan Pearson was born to missionary parents in the Belgium Congo. Married for over 30 years, she has two grown daughters. Susan has lived in Oregon, California, Washington state and now Texas. She loves to read, go to movies, and bake. Baking is her therapy.

 

You can connect with Susan on her Facebook page.