Winners & Such | A Time To Die by Nadine Brandes

Welp, I'm back from vacation! It was a lovely trip (check out my Instagram for some pics if you'd like to see the Oregon Coast where we camped).

And, as promised, we have a WINNER from last weeks author interview with Nadine Brandes (check out her interview here if you missed it).

Drum roll...

Brittany Valentine 

Yea! Congrats Brittany :D

But, don't worry! There are still TWO chances to win things on my blog...crazy, right?

Leave a comment on this post to enter to win a copy of Battered Justice by Linda J. White.

Enter on the Rafflecopter giveaway and sign up for my new newsletter to enter this fun giveaway!

Cathy Elliott {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

Get to know Cathy...

Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer in northern California whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from quilting and antique collecting to playing her fiddle with friends. She also leads music at church and cherishes time with her grandchildren. Cathy’s other plot-twisting works include Medals in the Attic and A Stitch in Crime.

Connect with Cathy...

--> Website & Occasional Blog: www.cathyelliottbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10212726-cathy-elliott
Facebook: Author Cathy Elliott cathyelliottbooks.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cathyelliott10/
Purchase: A Vase of Mistaken Identity

Author Interview | Cathy Elliott

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...Since high school, I wanted to be a writer, something I kept to myself. When my first book was published, a friend congratulated me, saying she knew I’d always wanted to write. What? Did I say that out loud?
 
...But it must have been obvious. I’d spent years reading books about writing, The Writer Magazine, taking an occasional writer class, attending author lectures, etc. Since I worked in a college library, all the new releases on the subject passed right by me. First. So, dedicating myself to the craft was my destiny. My happy ending.

...I keep writing because it gives me joy. Having books and articles published is the lovely by-product of the journey. But I write because I love to put those words on the page. And I love the writer community.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...After having three books traditionally published, that is a still hard question to answer. It’s all hard and all delightful. Most folks dislike the waiting, especially these days when they can just skip sending out a proposal and hoping for a sale by self-publishing their own books. Typically, we don’t like to wait for an editor to take a look or make a decision. I think that is hardest for most folks – but easier for me because I don’t mind waiting. In fact, I rather like my time in the waiting room. That’s where expectation & anticipation live.

Your Writing

Do you have a favorite character in this book? If so, why?
...A Vase of Mistaken Identity is the first of two of my books about amateur sleuth, Thea James, and the small town of Larkindale. I love Thea. But I cannot help but favor her grandmother, Gram, a British war bride with her bumbling ways. She is always “accidentally” spilling out Thea’s secrets. It’s great fun! 

A Vase of Mistaken Identity

Murder in Larkindale?

Thea James, proprietress of James & Company Antique Emporium, never thought murder would come to her small, surviving Gold Rush town of Larkindale. But when the Larkindale Lamplight reports the discovery of a body during the renovation of Larkin Lake Resort, Thea is caught up in the mystery.

Her world is further frenzied when she acquires a vintage vase from the town’s only homeless person. Thea finds a puzzling list tucked inside with four names written in a faded scrawl: two childhood friends from a summer camp, her sister Rosie, and . . . herself!

When the first woman on the list ends up in a coma and another mysteriously disappears, Thea knows she must save herself and her sister from harm. Her attempt to eliminate the vicious threat on their lives propels Thea to places she never wanted to visit.

Will she discover the connection before tragedy strikes?

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Most are a fictionalized combo of both – based on someone I know and also spun out of my imagination. Occasionally, a character may be based on pure fantasy, unlike anyone I’ve ever met. But usually, characters are reality-based with imaginary traits.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I so admire the high purpose of many books and struggled for a time to find one for mine, as well. Then I received a letter from one reader who’d been given my book to read in the hospital during a chemo drip. It had helped transport her to another place, away from something hard for a time. I decided that providing a little mental vacation amid a difficult day was a good enough reason to write.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...No matter what the path – traditional publishing or self-publishing or another way - I would encourage every author to write for excellence over publication. Let good writing be your goal. Write the book of your heart, take the time you need, set your standard high, and in the end, you’ll have something to be proud of, no matter the publication path.

You

Do you enjoy hot weather or cold better? 
...Hands down, cool weather. Maybe it’s getting older or something, but I never complain in the winter, even if it is a teeth-chattering, frigid day. I’m silent about rain, sleet, or snow. Low temps are always welcome. But June, July, and August, my mood revolves around the weather. Is today over 100 degrees? Is it humid? Oh, no! Sadly, I whine all summer long.

...Hey, that’s not a very good way to end, is it? Let me say my “heat impairment” has increased my empathy for others who suffer the same way. I can really relate! (Better?)

...Thanks, Emilie, for hosting me. I hope one of your readers will enjoy winning a copy of A Vase of Mistaken Identity, rereleased in January 2015, with a cheerful new cozy cover. I’m so pleased to give it life again!

________________________________

Thanks so much for visiting Thinking Thoughts today! I love that you mention the writer community as reasons you've continued writing. I just love the writer community as well and have met so many amazing friends (online and in person). Props to you for not minding the waiting time! I find I'm terribly impatient at times ;) And I love your answer to why you write - I think there is nothing better than transporting a reader elsewhere! Thanks again Cathy and readers, make sure you leave a comment to enter to win this deadly book - it's simply purrfect, don't you think? (Ok, sorry for the puns but I couldn't help it!)

 ________________________________

::WINNER::

It was awesome to have Mike on the blog last week sharing about Centralia. He graciously has offered 2 books for this giveaway which means 2 winners (of course). 

I'm excited to wish congratulations to...

Shane Werlinger & Kris Hughe

Please contact me using the form on the sidebar so we can get you your books!

Thursday Book Winners

We have winners! These are always such fun posts!

First off for Battered Justice by Linda J. White our winner is...

Eva Rockman

Congratulations Eva - get in contact with me via the form to the left and we'll get your copy out to you!

And, for Get Real by Jamy Whitaker our winner is...


Caryl Kane

Congrats Caryl! I'll be in contact :)



Thank you everyone who participated. If you didn't win this time don't worry! Stop by Loree Lough's {Writer Wednesday} interview from this week. She's offering up 2 books so there will be 2 more winners! Can you tell I LOVE giving away books :D

Friday Afternoon Thoughts

First off, I apologize because I forgot a giveaway I had going! The lovely Susanne Dietez offered up a copy of the collection her novella is featured in and we've got a WINNER!

Congrats to....

Deanne Patterson
Contact me and we'll get your book out to you!

_________________________________

I know I've been rather silent on here for a few weeks now. Aside from the wonderful author interviews and new novel news posts I've gotten to host, I haven't had much time to write to you, my dear readers. 

I've found myself inundated with freelance writing and photography projects. I love the fact that my writing has taken off a little more, though I do feel a little sad at times knowing that no one will know that I wrote it (since it's ghost writing most of the time right now). But, sad feelings aside, I'm blessed to be doing something I love while getting this >>

view as my "office" for the day. Pretty nice, eh? 

So, what have you all been up to?? I promise to share more of my thoughts and writing tips again soon, but until then I'd love to hear from you!

Melissa Tagg & Catherine West Giveaway Winners

We've got winners! 

I was so excited to host these two amazing ladies on the blog last week - if you missed it, check out their post HERE. And the fact that they were both so gracious to offer a giveaway was equally amazing :) We had a lot of entries (so awesome to see some new commenters here!) and I wish I could just give you all copies....but unfortunately that isn't possible.

Make sure you come back soon - I look forward to seeing you here again!

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

Winner: Debra Hancock

P.S. You may not have won, but Melissa does have a fun little eBook short out that's currently FREE on Amazon Kindle: Three Little Words (Walker Family): A Novella

Bridge of Faith by Catherine West

Winner: Beth Gillihan

 If you didn't win this time, make sure you stop by regularly because I offer a lot of fun giveaways. Speaking of, there's still the chance to enter to win a copy of Dandelions for Dinner. Leave a comment on Valerie Comer's interview HERE. Winner chosen Wednesday April 22nd.

 

Winner of Amanda G. Steven's Found and Lost

//Last Week's Winner//

I had the lovely Amanda G. Stevens on the blog last Monday talking about her newest release, Found and Lost. She was gracious enough to do a giveaway of either one of her books (Seek and Hide being the first book in her Haven Seekers series).

Our winner is...

Deanne Patterson

Congratulations! You get your choice of books Deanne so make sure to contact me (using the form to the right) and I'll get you in touch with Amanda!

Hey, if you didn't win I'd still highly recommend you go and grab a copy:  Found And Lost

And, for a bit of added fun, check out my Pinterest board of "Book Covers I Love"...you'll find this one an many more there!

Spead the Christmas Joy WINNERS

 Thank you to all of the writers and authors who participated in this years Spread the Christmas Joy blog-a-thon! You made it amazing with all of your sweet memories and stories! I cannot wait until next year. Did I mention I could literally celebrate Christmas year round? Because I could...

Anyway, on to why you're really reading this post. The winners!!! If you are one of the lucky ones, please make sure you contact me in order to arrange getting your prize!

December 1st | Elizabeth Maddrey | Chalkboard Coasters

Winner: Deanne Patterson

December 2nd | Cindy Loven | Swept Away

Winner: Susan Johnson

December 3rd | Lillian Duncan | Ceramic Angel 

Winner: Breanna Davenport 

December 4th | Sarah Kohnle | $10 Starbucks Gift Card

Winner: Mandy Ruffner 

December 5th | Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall Winner: Christina Pereira

The Daughter of Highland Hall Winner: Robin Mason

December 6th | James R. Callan | Peace Ornament 

Winner: Susan P

December 8th | Melissa Tagg | Here to Stay 

Winner: Christina Butrum 

December 9th 

Nike Chillemi | Harmful Intent

Winners: Constance Hendryx & Susan P

Valerie Comer | Snowflake Tiara

Winner: Breanna Davenport 

December 10th | Jennifer Hallmark | Sweet Freedom a la mode

Winner:  Deanna Stevens 

December 11th | Gail Pallotta | Mountain of Love and Danger

Winner: Caryl Kane

December 12th | Anita Higman | A Question of Destiny

Winners: Breanna Davenport & Caryl Kane

December 13th | Ava Pennington | Holiday Inn 

Winner: Natalie Monk 

December 15th | Alexis Goring | Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories 

Winner: Chickie Brewer

December 16th | Sandy Ardoin | The Yuletide Angel 

Winner: Susan P 

December 17th | JoAnn Durgin 

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Winner: Ruthie Madison

Starlight Star Bright Winner:Ann Ellison

Sleight Ride Together with You Winner: Kathleen Friesen

December  18th | Deanna Klingel | Rock and A Hiding Place 

Winner: Constance Hendryx

December 19th | Laura V. Hilton | The Snow Globe 

Winner: Kay M

December 20th | Nicole Deese | A Cliche Christmas 

Winner: Kara Peck

December 21st | Andrew Swearingen | HAWK by Ronie Kendig

Winner: Laura Bach

December 22nd | Brandy Vallance | The Covered Deep 

Winners: Caryl Kane & Kelly Bridgewater 

December 23rd | Erica Vetsch | A Log Cabin Chrsitmas 

Winner: Steffani Webb 

December 24th | Kristy Cambron | We Have A Savior by Hillsong

Winner:  Marla Stanley

December 25th | Emilie Hendryx | $10 Amazon Gift Card

Winner: Amanda Geaney


Congratulations to all the winners!!! Again, make sure you use the contact form or email me so we can arrange to get your prizes to you.

Where Treetops Glisten WINNER

Had a great turnout last week for my interview with Cara Putman! If you missed it you can read it here. She was gracious to offer a copy of Where Treetops Glisten featuring Cara and two other wonderful authors, Sarah Sundin and Tricia Goyer!

And now, on to this weeks winner...

Sharon Bryant

Congrats Sharon. Email me using the contact form to the left and we'll get your book to you!

And thanks for you all who stopped by to hear more about Cara and to enter the contest! I love doing book giveaways and get the chance often! Aaaannnddd if you stop by tomorrow, you'll get the chance to enter for another book. But mums the word on who my lovely guest is tomorrow ;)

Winner of A White Christmas in Webster County by Laura V. Hilton

Last week I had Laura on the blog talking about her latest release, A White Christmas In Webster County. I'm excited to announce the winner of that giveaway today! Say congrats to...

Denise Tuggle

Make sure and contact me via the contact from on the left so we can get you your book! 

I love that we're kicking off the Christmas season early with some great Christmas giveaways! ANNDDD if this wasn't enough, make sure you come back tomorrow because I've got another guest giving away another amazing Christmas book you will not want to miss!

See you tomorrow :D

End-of-Summer Giveaway WINNERS

I'm excited to announce the winners to the End-of-Summer Giveaway! It was a great turnout with almost 200 entries - thanks so much for the amazing turnout ;)

And now, the winners...

Bonnie Roof

   

Debra Stevens

Bev Wong 

Kay Davis Moorhouse

Deborah DeShields Logan

Yea! Congrats to you all - I'll be sending out an email so we can get your prizes to you! Thank you all for participating. I host giveaways often and provide opportunities for you readers to get to know new authors as well as some of your favorites. I hope to see you back on the blog again soon.

Rainy Day and a Winner

Enjoying a lovely, rainy day here in D.C. Yes, I promise an update will be coming soon but I've been busy settling in and starting to work with my church here! 

All of that to say... we had a GREAT turn out for last week's giveaway from Cherie Burbach (if you missed the post you can read it here).  I'm happy to announce that we have a winner for a free print from Cherie's Etsy shop...

Congrats, Karen! You can contact me and I'll get you all set with Cherie to get a free print. 

For those of you who didn't win, not to worry - there will be many opportunities for winning coming up soon! In fact, tomorrow's {Writer Wednesday} post will offer another giveaway! And, I'm excited to announce a future GIVEAWAY you will not want to miss. Starting on Monday of next week, I'll be announcing a huge giveaway from some of my favorite authors as an end-to-summer, Facebook Page party!!!

So, make sure you check back tomorrow and then next Monday to find out how to enter and what amazing prizes you could win!!!

Winner and Quick DC Update

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Alexis A. Goring (find her interview here) and she offered up a copy of her novel! Well, we have a WINNER! Say congratulations to....

>>ROBIN D<<

You've won a copy of Hope in my Heart :) Feel free to email me [HERE] so I can get you in contact with Alexis for your book. Congrats and I'm sure you'll enjoy it!






In other news...

I've arrived in Washington, D.C. Woohoo!!! Unfortunately...my stuff hasn't arrived but that's a whole different story (insert rolling of eyes here).

Off to the right here you can see our cute row house>>>

Yeah, I know. There are multiple coffee cups on the porch but hey, we had just driven across the country in 7 days. We needed that coffee.

I'm composing a longer update and will be filling you in on life here in DC, sight seeing pictures, and more about my involvement with Redeemer DC (the church I'll be working for). But, for now, all I can say is that it's extremely difficult having no furniture and no internet. Though I am extremely thankful we got temporary parking passes. The terror of DMV and vehicle registration will have to come later this week.

So, enough about that. How are YOU all doing this week???

On the Road

 Well, I'm on the road! We've hit Beaver, UT tonight and will be making our way to Denver tomorrow. I'm completely exhausted and looking forward to sleeping but I wanted to announce the winner of last weeks giveaway.

Congratulations are in order for...

Steffani Webb

Woohoo! Congrats and we'll get the book to you soon :)

In the mean time, what are some of your favorite travel locations Thinking Thoughts readers??? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Giveaway Winner and Thoughts on Time

Many of you stopped by Natalie Monk's interview last Wednesday and entered for a chance to win this adorable burlap pillow!







I'm pleased to announce the winner is:

Amber Schamel

Thank you so much WINNER for stopping by! I'll get you in touch with Natalie to get you this cute little gift.

Well, I don't know about you, but this whole Day Light Savings Time has thrown me off completely. I woke up extremely early yesterday despite the fact that I was still tired. But could I go back to sleep? Of course not...

When things like that happen though, I've learned to count them as blessings. Maybe it's not when I'd planned to get up, but that doesn't mean I couldn't be productive with the time.

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? If so, how's it going?