Susan Anne Mason {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Susan...

Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys. Irish Meadows, her debut historical romance won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.

Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She loves red wine and chocolate, is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian, and is ecstatic on the rare occasions she has the house to herself. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.com.

Connect with Susan...

Website: www.susanannemason.com (new revised site will be launched by the end of the week)
Blog: http://suemasonsblog.blogspot.ca/ (my blog be incorporated into the new website)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.anne.mason.333
Twitter: @samason
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susanannemason/
Purchase: Love's Faithful Promise

Get to know Susan...

How did you start writing?
I first started writing when I was in Grade 6, so about the age of 12, on the advice of my teacher, who noticed my love of stories. After several years, I did complete one horrible manuscript which I was brave enough to send to a publisher and received a very polite rejection. I set writing aside for many years and somewhere around my 40th birthday I started to get the urge to write again. I started scribbling in notebooks whenever I had a few spare moments and 2 years later had a finished book — one that is so bad that it will remain unpublished! But the love of writing had come back to life and so I joined my local Romance Writers of America chapter where I learned a great deal AND met people like me who had characters and plots living in their heads!

Let’s talk about your writing life. How long did you write before you got published?
It took over ten years before I finally got my first contract. I hope this doesn’t discourage anyone because I’ve found that every writer has a unique journey. I had a lot to learn about the mechanics of writing and slowly figured out what worked and what didn’t. My biggest challenge was the plot. I would run out of things for the characters to do! So once I learned to become a plotter, things improved greatly for me!

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
My best advice is to enter writing contests. Getting feedback from judges really helped me figure out where I was going wrong in my stories, and what I was doing right. In the end, my first historical romance with Bethany House came about directly from a contest win. Once my writing got better, I targeted contests with judges who were editors from the publishing houses I was hoping to publish with, and in this case it worked! So keeping learning and improving your craft because you never know what contest might be the ticket to a contract!

Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft?
I would recommend anything by Susan May Warren and her company My Book Therapy. She is a great writer and has really honed teaching the craft. I recently attended a workshop with her and Rachel Hauk at the annual ACFW Writers conference in Nashville. Her methods of plotting the story using the character’s background is fabulous. It really helps get to the crux of the story you’re trying to tell.

I would also highly recommend the Seekerville blog. It’s packed with great writing information and author interviews!

Tell us a little bit about your book.
Love’s Faithful Promise is the third book in the Courage to Dream Series. This story takes place in 1922 Long Island, New York and focuses on Deirdre, the youngest member of the O’Leary family and her journey to find her place in the world. She is forced to set aside her dream of becoming a doctor to help look after her mother who has suffered a stroke. A Canadian doctor specializing in physical therapy comes to Irish Meadows to work with Mrs. O’Leary and Deirdre finds herself wanting to help the emotionally scarred widower and his young daughter. Soon she will be faced with the choice between medical school and a future with Dr. Clayborne.

Part of the fun in writing this book was making the hero a Canadian and doing research in the city of Toronto. I have been to the city many times but never with such a focus on its history. So that was interesting. The best part was exploring old City Hall which is now used as a courthouse. The architecture and the interior have been largely preserved as they were in the early 1900s so it really felt like stepping back in time — except for the security and metal detectors at the entrance!

The challenge in writing this book was of course the research. Finding out about physical therapy in 1922, as well as trying to find out anything about court custody battles for children at this time. Luckily I found a few such cases in the law archives of the Toronto Reference Library and used it as a basis for part of my storyline!

I truly hope you’ll love Deirdre and Matthew’s journey to love!

Emilie here: Thank you so much for being my guest Susan! I saw you at the conference but never was able to stop and formally meet you! Next year perhaps? And you have a fantastic middle name...*cough* mine is Anne as well *cough* (hehe). I've heard wonderful things about this whole series and am so excited to introduce this book (and book 1 & book 2) here as well! 

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A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears | New Novel News

A Heart Most Certain
by Melissa Jagears

Published: Augusts 2, 2016
Publisher: Bethany House
Purchase:  A Heart Most Certain

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

Get to know Melissa...

What are the names of your pets? If you don't have any, what would you name your pets?
We have two animals, a cat and a dog. The cat is my daughter’s that she got when she was a toddler. He’s a yellow tabby and she named him Sunflower. Since that’s a rather feminine name, we call him Sonny. The dog is a stray, but he didn’t eat our chickens, so we kept him. Our daughter named him Mickey. Since we don’t have television, and she’d never seen Mickey Mouse before, I have no idea where she got the name, but thankfully it was more masculine than Sunflower.

Do you have a nickname? Care to share?
My nickname is Izzy Bee. When I was in junior high, a friend of a friend called me that and I turned around and asked her if that’s what she was calling me, and she said, “Yes, you’ve been answering to it for weeks now.” And I said, “Well that’s not my name.” But evidently I had indeed been answering to it for weeks because plenty of people were already calling me that, and it stuck. You can tell who my older friends are, because they call me Izzy. It’s very odd to hear my husband introduce me to people as Melissa.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
Out of all my heroes so far, Nicholas in my new release A Heart Most Certain is definitely my crush. He’s the richest hero I’ve written, has a mansion, is very well read, has a huge library, compassionate, fastidious, tall, dark, and handsome with a great smile. Though he’s a bit tough on the outside, he’s soft on the inside. He’s like a combination of Mr. Darcy and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. What’s not to love?

 Connect with Melissa: http://melissajagears.com/

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Sarah Loudin Thomas | New Novel News

A Tapestry of Secrets
by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Published: August 2, 2016
From: Bethany House
Purchase: A Tapestry of Secrets

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long? Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next.

Get to know Sarah...

Who is your favorite secondary character?
Secondary characters are often my favorites! And hands down my favorite of all time is Frank Post who appears in Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest. He starts out as a well-read drunk who’s part of a love triangle that’s lasted 50+ years. Eventually, he cleans up and marries one of the now 90-something ladies from that triangle. Frank is a world traveler who was a horse wrangler for Wild Bill Cody. He’s lived life hard and earns the peace he finds through a great deal of struggle. He has the BEST lines and I swear I didn’t write them, Frank just told me what to put down. I wanted to include him in A Tapestry of Secrets, but he would have been something like 125 years old, so I had to say goodbye. I miss Frank!

Cats or dogs or both?
Oh, dogs! I mean, cats are fine, but dogs are quite possibly God’s greatest invention. I’ve loved many a dog and right now have Thistle for my boon companion. She’s approaching six years of age and we hike together almost every day. Sometimes we let my husband come along. And while she’s my true love, I really have a hard time not loving on every dog I meet. Service dogs are so HARD for me. I have to clasp my hands behind my back and not make eye contact, because they can tell how badly I want to rub their ears and I hate to distract them.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
This probably isn’t fair since it’ll be at least another year before anyone gets to meet him, but I’m pretty crazy for Judd Markley. He’s the hero in my fourth novel which is likely to come out in 2017. He’s a coal miner who gives up mining after a terrible accident and heads for the coast of South Carolina. He’s tall with dark hair, blue flannel eyes, and dimples in his chin and his cheeks, but you rarely see the ones in his cheeks because he’s so serious. He brooks no nonsense, has a heart of gold, and is loyal to a fault. I found a photograph of a Virginia coal miner in the National Archives that I added to my Pinterest page for Book #4. It looks so much like I imagine Judd, it gives me goose bumps. Sigh.

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Nancy Mehl {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Nancy...

Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored twenty books and just finished a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The first book in her Finding Sanctuary series, “Gathering Shadows” was released in May of 2014. The second book, “Deadly Echoes” became available in February. The third book, “Rising Darkness will release late in 2015.

Connect with Nancy...

Website: www.nancymehl.com
Blog: http://suspensesisters.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Mehl-Fan-Page/124075957622557
Purchase: Deadly Echoes (Finding Sanctuary)

Author Interview | Nancy Mehl

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing when I was 45. I’d thought about it off and on, but one day I finally decided to give it a try. It didn’t take long for me to discover I loved writing novels. After a few years, I went before the Lord and asked Him if this was something He actually wanted me to do. I didn’t want to spend years doing something that wasn’t His will for me. He answered me in the affirmative, and I’ve been writing ever since. When things get tough, I fall back on my belief that I’m called to write.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...No, not really. I’ve written suspense and cozy mystery. I enjoy both genres. Cozy mystery is fun to write, but with suspense, I can address more serious topics. I think these genres help me to express myself fully.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The toughest thing is trying not to worry about sales. It can really drive you nuts. I’m learning to cast my care and leave that in God’s hands.
...The easiest? Making so many wonderful friends. It’s so satisfying to get an email or a letter from a fan telling you how much your books mean to them. I’ve been able to connect with many readers on Facebook, and they mean the world to me. 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently.
...Actually, right now I’m writing an Amish cozy mystery for Guideposts. I’m working with one of my all time favorite editors. It’s been so much fun. 
 ...I recently finished the third book in my Finding Sanctuary series. Rising Darkness brings back two characters from my Road to Kingdom series. I felt I’d left them hanging in “Unbreakable.” It was very satisfying to complete their story

What is one take-away from Deadly Echoes that you hope readers identify with?
...In Deadly Echoes, I broach the subject of jealousy. Comparing yourself to other people. I hope readers will identify with Sarah’s struggle to feel worthy of God’s love. Hopefully, those who deal with this problem will find something to help them. I want them to realize that God completely accepts them – just as they are. And that He loves us unconditionally.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Both. Sometimes a news story or something I’ve read will spark an idea. However, I have a very fertile imagination. I’ve never had a hard time coming up with an idea for a book.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...In every story I write, I try to inject this: That God has a wonderful plan for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) I want them to walk away entertained but also encouraged to believe they are important to Him.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Learn your craft. Don’t try to publish before you’re ready. There are lots of ways to publish, but it can be hard to recover if you put out something that isn’t good. Wait. Trust God. Talk to knowledgeable authors. Most of them will give you good advice. Join ACFW! (American Christian Fiction Writers.) There are so many resources available and lots of great people to encourage you.

You

Would you prefer chocolates or flowers on Valentines Day??
...Flowers! They’re not as fattening. LOL!

On Valentines Day would you rather stay in or go out?
...I’m a home body. If given the chance, I might never leave my house. But on Valentine’s day, I like to go out to eat. It makes the day seem much more special. However, we go out to lunch. That way we can avoid the crazy crowds at night.

**Enter to win a copy of Deadly Echoes by leaving a comment below!**

(U.S. Residents only - winner announced Feb.18) 

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I'm so encouraged by your commitment to asking the Lord about continuing your writing! That's great advice for anyone who is seeking to write because it is a big time commitment (especially if you're writing for publication). I also know what you mean by having lots of story ideas. I find them popping up all over the place...if only my brain could write them down hehe ;) Thank you so much for stopping by Thinking Thoughts today, Nancy. It's a joy to have you and I'm so grateful you're giving away a copy of Deadly Echoes! Readers, don't forget to leave a comment.