Jen Turano & Christine Meunier | New Novel News

At Your Request 
by Jen Turano 

Published: January 3, 2017
Publisher: Bethany House
Purchase: At Your Request (FREE)

After her father lost the family's fortune, Wilhelmina was cast out of the fashionable set and banished to the wallflower section. Taking a position as a social secretary to help support her family, she's mostly come to terms with her new status. But when her old friend Edgar returns to New York society for the first time since she rejected his marriage proposal, she's newly ashamed at how far she's fallen--and how hastily she dismissed him years ago. Her strategy is to avoid a face-to-face encounter at all costs, but he seems to have other plans. Will Edgar take advantage of their now reversed positions and make her regret her refusal, or is there still hope for a friendship between them--or something more?


Get to know Jen...

What’s your favorite chore?
I absolutely love to vacuum. There’s just something mindless about it that appeals to me.

Would you rather go to the future or to the past?
The past – that way I could visit all the places I write about and see the original homes of the Astors, Vanderbilts, McAllisters, and everyone else who was a part of the New York Four-Hundred.

What are the names of your pets?
I recently had to say goodbye to my quirky Cattle Dog, Sasha. We named her Sasha because she was a pathetic mess when we adopted her from the animal shelter and my son, who was five at the time, decided she needed a pretty name since she was looking rather grim. She lived a wonderfully full life and died at almost 15 years old. And, while I have made the case it’ll be a very long time until I adopt another dog, I have been thinking that Gertie would be a wonderful name for a dog – which might mean I’ll find myself back at the animal shelter before I know it.

Connect with Jen on her website: http://jenturano.com/

Contagious
by Christine Meunier

Published: December 22, 2016
Publisher: Indie
Purchase: Contagious

Not everything that can be caught by another person is a bad thing. As Jacqui, Geordie and Hannah learn about managing the health of their horses and avoiding contagious germs, they learn that their attitudes can be contagious, too.

When Captain and Jaq fall ill, Jacqui questions what else she can do instead of riding. The timing couldn’t be worse – she needs to practice for her upcoming dressage test.

Unexpectedly finding herself spending time with Jared, Jacqui is surprised when he declares he wants to learn to ride. And he wants her to teach him. Should she say yes?

Get to know Christine...

Favorite season?
I love spring! Plenty of flowers, new growth, baby animals, sunshine and lots of time to be outdoors!

If your main characters were animals, what would they be?
Jacqui is a very sensitive but hard working character. I would say that she is like an Australian pony. Geordie is extremely excitable and changes her tune often, like a young pup. Hannah on the other hand is quite competitive and can be moody; she is like a racehorse.

What are you reading right now?
The Bible, A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino and the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Connect with Christine:
http://www.freereinseries.com/ - a horse series that focuses on the Christian faith for 8 – 12 year olds.  http://www.facebook.com/FreeReinSeries - Free Rein on Facebook
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Meunier/e/B00D5SE2FS/ - my Amazon page where Contagious is available for sale.

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Christine Lindsay {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Christine...

Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction. Born in N. Ireland, it was tales of her ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India that inspired her historical trilogy, Book 1 Shadowed in Silk, Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, and the explosive finale Veiled at Midnight. Her Irish wit and use of setting as a character is evident in her contemporary romance Londonderry Dreaming and in Sofi’s Bridge coming May 2016.

Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine is the happy wife of David of 35 years, a mom and a grandma. She makes her home on the west coast of Canada, and in Aug. 2016 she will see her long-awaited non-fiction book released, Finding Sarah, Finding Me: A Birth Mother’s Story.

How to connect with Christine...

www.ChristineLindsay.org
Amazon
Twitter 
quarterly newsletter
Pinterest
Facebook
Goodreads

Get to know Christine Lindsay

You and Writing

While I always wanted to write, it wasn’t until after the reunion with my birthdaughter Sarah in 1999 that I began. Sarah was my firstborn child, and when I gave birth to her in 1979 I was an unwed mother. Relinquishing Sarah to adoption was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But 20 years later when Sarah and I were reunited, the adoption reunion was a great deal more traumatic than I was prepared for. I went through my original feelings of loss all over again. It was during this time that my husband caught me crying one day. He went out and returned a while later with a brand new pen and journal, and said, “Here honey, write it.”

As time passed I felt the Lord urge me to put the spiritual and emotional healing I had received from Him into Christian fiction to encourage others. I love stories, and enjoy taking my readers on a journey that will entertain them for a few days. And while I am entertaining them, it is my prayer that they will start to believe in happy endings for themselves by trusting ALL to Jesus.

Emilie: Wow! What an amazing story Christine! I think it's one of the bravest and most beautiful things for people to share their hurts with others for the benefit of healing.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book...

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? 
While I love all my heroes and heroines, there is always a secondary character that I fall in love with. In my British Raj trilogy that was Eshana, a beautiful Indian Christian. In Sofi’s Bridge it is Sofi Andersson’s housekeeper Matilda.

Mattie has been the housekeeper of Sofi’s wealthy Seattle family mansion since the time Sofi and her sister were born. 1913 in the US saw a great influx of immigrants, and Mattie, coming from Scotland fit right into the Swedish Anderrson family and their other servants. What I love about Mattie is her flamboyant love for her charges, her no-nonsense way of speaking in her strong Scottish brogue with all those rolling “Rrrrr’s”. When Sofi wants to kidnap her sister to take her to safety in the Cascade Mountains, Mattie is the only one she wants to take with her.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
That we cannot save the ones we love. I think there are a lot of Christian folk out there like me, who are tempted to help too much at times when the ones we love are stuck in bad circumstances. This is especially true in families. How often do we try to “fix” things for others when maybe the Lord wants that person to go through their hard times in order to learn wisdom?

This is the case for both Sofi and Neil; each of them is so willing to sacrifice the labor of their heart in order to “fix” the lives of her family in Seattle and his family in Ireland.

We all must learn to trust God not only for our own souls but the souls of those we love. (tweet this)


Is there a funny story associated with writing the book?
Sort of funny; the trade of steel riveting bridges and ships was inspired by my great grandfather and my grandfather (yes father and son) who were both riveters in the Belfast shipyard, and on the building of the Titanic. The Titanic was my grandfather’s very first ship when he was an apprentice at 14. However, as a family we accept no responsibility for the 1912 sinking of that infamous vessel.

Emilie here: Oh WOW! What an amazing piece of history!

We're your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
Very rarely do I know my characters fully as I start writing. I have a pretty good idea, but in every book I write I discover things about them along the way. Neil coming from a poor background who went to school to become a doctor, and the fact that he is Irish, came more easily to me. I’m Irish so I understood him and his manner of speech.

But Sofi is of Swedish ancestry, only second generation American. It was harder for me to understand a woman from a wealthy background. What made Sofi come alive for me was that, even though she’s wealthy she has a strong desire to work. I’m the same, I love to work.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Writing

Let's talk about your writing...

How long did you write before you got published?
I started writing in 2000, and my debut novel Shadowed in Silk was published 11 years later. The thing that really helped me was winning the ACFW Genesis in 2009 in the historical category for this manuscript. Various agents noticed me at this time.

After that, I could have written a book with a more marketable setting to gain the interest of a bigger agent and publisher. My British Raj trilogy is set in British Colonial India, and wasn’t of immediate interest to the American market. Sad, really, because those who do read the trilogy love it. I completed the trilogy for artistic reasons, and I stuck with the same small press to do so. I’m glad I did because that trilogy earned the following awards: The Genesis already mentioned, The Grace Award, Canada’s The Word Guild Award, and was a finalist twice for Readers’ Favorite.

Through that I gained the interest of another small press, WhiteRose for Londonderry Dreaming set in Ireland, and this May will see the release of Sofi’s Bridge which won 2nd place in the RWA Faith, Hope, and Love contest a number of years ago.

My advice to aspiring authors is to not short-changed your writing apprenticeship (tweet this). There is a lot to learn. Don’t rush, but take your courses, join writing organizations, read books on writing, and go to the occasional writers’ conference when you can afford to. Keep in mind that many conferences, not all but some, will allow you to attend workshops if you attend as a volunteer.

Emilie here: Great advice! I know I can get impatient when it comes to my writing but rushing means I didn't get a chance to really hone what I'm working on. 

You

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
I used to love historicals, and as a teen I especially loved Gothic historicals like Victoria Holt books. As a woman on the other side of 50, I now enjoy novels that braid present day with the past. I think this is because as a mom and adult kids and as a grandma, I appreciate how our past lives as families affects us. I love novels where old secrets are uncovered, old hurts are forgiven, and families and individuals find renewed love and joy.

Emilie here: Thanks so much for being my guest today Christine! And thanks for this great opportunity for my readers to win a copy of Sofi's Bridge! 

::WINNER::

Last week Liz was on the blog talking about her new release The Red Door Inn and she offered up a copy. Our winner is....

Vicki Geslak

Congrats Vicki! I've emailed you :)

Get to know Susan Page Davis | Mini-Interview

Emilie here: Today we're talking with Susan about social media & marketing as well as her novel The Seafaring Women of the Vera B. I'm excited to introduce her in this "mini-interview".

What's your favorite form of social media?
E-mail and my newsletter.

If your main character was on social media, what would she use?
She would probably be on Pinterest, pinning all sorts of lovely items she found in foreign markets.

Who is your favorite secondary character? 
In The Seafaring Women of the Vera B., it’s Lizzie, a lady’s maid who finds herself enlisted as a seaman on a merchant ship. She resents everyone and everything about her new situation, not the least of which being forced to share a cabin with reformed prostitutes. Lizzie begins to make peace with life assisted by an unlikely ally, but she has a long way to go.

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without?
A Bible and two blank books.

If we could all sit down and have coffee with you, what are three things you'd want to share with us?
Social media terrifies me. I miss my far-flung children and grandchildren. I have no fashion sense whatsoever.

As an author, what do you find most difficult about social media/marketing? And tips to share? Keeping up with the different venues and how to get the most out of them. My tip is for people like me, hire someone to tweet for you.

What are you reading right now? 
I’m reading a nonfiction book from the 1800s, Life Among the Apache, by John C. Cremony, and I just finished Juliana Deering’s mystery novel Dressed for Death.

Enter to win a copy of The Seafaring Women of the Vera B.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Seafaring Women of the Vera B.
by Susan Page Daivis & James S. Davis

--> 1854—With the captain dead in Melbourne, Australia, Alice Packard thinks the worst has happened, until she learns the crew has deserted her husband’s ship in favor of the goldfields. Only one old man, Gypsy Deak, sticks by her, but Gypsy alone can’t raise a crew from the depleted population. In desperation, Alice turns to the only source of plentiful workers: the women of Melbourne. In a bold move, she and Gypsy empty a brothel, promising the escaped women a new life. Her all-woman (save one) crew put their backs and hearts into the voyage, but Alice finds training her sailors much harder than she expected. Her faith is tested to the limit. With a cargo to sell, angry brothel and tavern owners in pursuit, pirates to evade, and a mysterious stowaway, will the seafaring women of the Vera B. survive to tell the tale of this daring adventure?
Purchase: The Seafaring Women of the Vera B.

________________

Susan Page Davis writes romantic suspense, historical romance, and mystery. She is a Maine native now living in Kentucky, and a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won several awards including the Carol Award for her novel The Prisoners Wife; the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award for The Prisoner's Wife and The Lumberjack's Lady (Maine Brides series); and the 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for her novel Captive Trail (Texas Trails series). Visit her website at www.susanpagedavis.com 

Dawn Crandall {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Dawn...

Dawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol-nominated author of the award winning series The Everstone Chronicles from Whitaker House. The series consists of three books: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter.

Without a doubt about someday becoming traditionally published, her husband encouraged her to quit working in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress ​from​ 2010 ​to 2012​. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary. Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.


How to connect with Dawn...


Website: www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com  
Blog: www.apassionforpages.blogspot.com 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/dawn_crandall
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DawnCrandallWritesFirst 
Twitter: @dawnwritesfirst
Purchase: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart, The Captive Imposter 

Author Interview | Dawn Crandall

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing in 2010 when my husband found out about my desire to write a novel. He had complete confidence in me--probably more than I had in myself. I joined ACFW in 2011 and landed a great agent later that year when I attended conference for the first time. My proposal went out in 2012 and I continued to write the other two books in the series. There were a lot of times I felt like giving up while waiting for a book contract, but I'd always semi-final or Final in the ACFW Genesis contest—and later the ACFW Carol Awards—so that's been a real affirmation whenever I needed it most! In 2013, things got a little complicated as I finally got pregnant after seven years of trying! I signed my book contract when I was 6 months pregnant, and then all three of the books were released as eBooks before my son’s first birthday! It was crazy! And now that the books are releasing in paperback, and I have an 18 month old little boy... now is the real test for when it comes to “how do I keep writing?” We will see! I don’t plan to stop, but it's definitely different now!

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...It’s always the case that the last book I’ve finished is my favorite. Since I’ve only written these three manuscripts-turned-novels, they have all taken their turn in my heart. But to be honest, it’s even difficult for me to say that. I love all three of them like they’re my children. I love them all equally.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...Waiting. Even though everything happened relatively fast in my case, there was still a lot of silent waiting going on. Waiting for my agent and I to hear back from publishers, waiting for the book contract to come though (after 18 months from first submitting!), waiting for the releases, waiting for the paperbacks….  :) Lots of waiting.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently?

Here’s the back copy blurb for The Cautious Maiden, (Book #4 of the Everstone Chronicles):

Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother transforms her deceased parents’ respectable country inn into a brothel to accommodate the lumberjacks nearby—but then her reputation is compromised and she finds herself forced to enter into an engagement with Vance Everstone. Can she trust this man she hardly knows who has a scandalous reputation in his own right? Soon Violet finds out that Vance has become a Christian and that her brother had lost her hand to Rowen Steele, one of the vilest poker sharks in Northern Maine, and that the mess they've found themselves in is likely his way of saving her from landing in Steele’s hands.

Getting to know Vance as her valiant protector while also trying to understand his past, Violet eventually comes to realize she wants no other life than one with her now-reformed fiancé. Only now, despite his obvious attraction to her and the society wedding being planned by his family, Vance is determined to send her off to Kentucky to become the wife of a missionary friend of his. Will his plan work? Or will Rowen Steele kidnap Violet before Vance has a chance to claim her heart for good?

* It will probably be a while before my next books are published and available though. I’ve had a crazy last year having a baby and launching The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter. They were the only three books I’d written, and now I have to play catch-up! 

Check out the first chapter of The Hesitant Heiress: http://whpub.whitakerhouse.com/dawncrandall/pdf/heiressch1.pdf

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...My favorite characters are always the heroines; it’s so fun getting to know them and to see them fall in love with their hero. I always make their hero the last person on earth they’d ever think of falling for… so it’s especially fun to change their minds. 

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...For the most part, they aren’t based on real people. I just really like to develop characters and then put them into trying, yet interesting and entertaining situations. I’ve always like to study people, and I think I’m really good at understanding why they do the things they do… which translate into creating believable characters in my books.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I want the reader to better understand the main character, and perhaps people they might know who are like the main character. I do love it when a reader/reviewer finds themselves in one of my characters. I love how much evident emotion can be found by simply reading through a story about a past struggle from such a deep first person point of view.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Join ACFW. I wouldn’t be published right now if it weren’t for joining ACFW in 2011.
 

You

In honor of the fall, what’s your favorite fall treat?
...Pecan Pie.

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be?  

...I wanted to write novels.

Will you participate in National Novel Writing Month? If so, what’s your plan to keep your writing on track?
...I’m seriously thinking about it. I won once, and it turned out to be The Bound Heart after much rewriting and rearranging, and adding another 40,000 words. :)

______________________

Thanks so much for joining me on the blog today Dawn!

I was super excited to meet Dawn at the end of the ACFW Conference and she gave me a copy of The Hesitant Heiress (I know, you're all jealous hehe). It's been added to my TBR pile and I'm looking forward to when I can sit down and enjoy it. Make sure you all go look into these fantastic books!








Check out this awesome giveaway she's offering: a Rafflecopter giveaway

::WINNER::

Loved having Serena Chase on the blog last week! The winner of her latest release The Sunken Realm is...

 Anna Clark

Congrats Anna! Contact me to get your copy :)

Myra Johnson + Richard Mabry | New Novel News

The Sweetest Rain
by Myra Johnson

September 18, 2015
Franciscan Media
Purchase: The Sweetest Rain

As the drought of 1930 burns crops to a crisp, Bryony Linwood will do whatever it takes to ensure her family’s survival. When she accepts employment at the Heath mansion, it’s just a job at first, a means to ward off destitution until the drought ends and Grandpa’s farm is prosperous again. But Bryony’s forced optimism and dogged determination disguise a heart as dry and despairing as the scorched earth . . . until she forms a friendship with the plantation owner’s reclusive son, Michael, and is entranced by his beautiful botanical illustrations. As their relationship deepens, friendship soon blossoms into healing for wounded souls and a love that can’t be denied.


Get to know Myra...
 
If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
It’s hard for me to begin writing until I have some clear images of my central characters, so I like to find photos online that come close to how I picture the characters. As I started brainstorming The Sweetest Rain, I pictured a young Liv Tyler as Bryony and Matt Bomer (wearing glasses) as Michael. I was delighted when the Franciscan Media art department captured Bryony so well without any input other than how she was described in the book!

Who is your favorite secondary character from this novel?
Secondary characters do have a way of stealing the show, and I often get attached to mine. Sometimes they’re even more fun to write about than the hero and heroine! In The Sweetest Rain, I’d have to say my favorite is Odette, the cook for the Heath family. She’s quite opinionated and will speak her mind when necessary (or at least when it won’t get her into too much trouble), and she’s loyal to a fault.

What’s one thing you must have in the morning?
Enough time to wake up. Yes, it’s true. I am NOT a morning person! From the time I roll out of bed until I have enough brain power to be moderately functional takes a good 90 minutes to two hours. First comes breakfast, then a pot of Earl Grey with the morning paper and Good Morning America. By the time I’ve worked through the daily crossword puzzle and Sudoku, the brain cells are beginning to fire. Then, and only then, do I feel ready to sit down at the computer and begin my writing day!

 Miracle Drug

by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

September 15, 2015

Abingdon Press

Purchase: Miracle Drug

The infection wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn’t. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovered why—the patients had another infection, one that was universally fatal. The only chance for their survival was treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.

The stakes were high because the patients were the former President of the United States and a nurse with whom Josh was falling in love. The situation was bad and getting worse by the minute. Overcoming all this would take more than a miracle drug—it would take a miracle.

Get to know Richard...

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Probably the Black Forest of Germany. Lovely hotel there, enjoyed walking in the area (although Kay almost got us lost when we walked through the woods. I thought I was the only one who could say, “I know a short-cut,” but be wrong).

Share one pet peeve you have 
People who don’t know how to handle a four-way stop sign where two streets converge. Some don’t stop, some don’t know when to go, and some just sit there talking on their cell phones, oblivious of other people.

Coffee or tea? 
Two cups of coffee in the morning (half-caf), maybe a glass of iced tea once a month with a meal. Otherwise, water or a diet soft drink.

Make sure you leave a comment for these wonderful authors. I'm sooo excited they each offered to give away a copy of their new releases. Make sure you let me know if you have a preference. If not, you'll be entered in to both :)

::WINNER::

Last week's winner of Rick Barry's new release The Methuselah Project is....

Carol Smith

Congratulations Carol! I'll be sending you and email so we can get you your copy!

Amber Schamel {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Amber...

Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen books. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. Amber is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.

How to connect with Amber...

Website/Blog: http://amberschamel.com/
Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel
Twitter: @AmberSchamel
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel
Purchase: The Messiah's Sign (Book 2,Days of Messiah Series) 

Author Interview | Amber Schamel 

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I have always had an active imagination, and a bit of a knack for storytelling. But the real thing that got me into writing was when I began to see how much of a need there was for good books with Christian morals and world view. I wanted to write riveting stories that bring HIStory to life for the reader.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I love each and every book, and each of them are unique, so I really can't pick a favorite.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest thing about publishing is how much time it takes away from the actual writing. You suddenly have so many other things that take your time, there's hardly any left for writing the story. lol. Also, hitting the send button. 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...The Messiah's Sign is the second book in the Days of Messiah series. It's a story about a man whose life is torn apart when his wife contracts leprosy, a judgment that confirms his dreams of her infidelity are true. He is determined to protect Malon, his only son. But when a thief threatens his son's life, Tyrus must battle extortion, family persecution, and the beguiling lies of a false messiah to keep Malon safe.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Is it fair to say Jesus? Besides Him, it is hard to choose. Barabbas, as the villain, was a lot of fun to write! Aaliyah and Tyrus both have traits that mirror my own, so they hold a special place in my heart, but I think Malon is my favorite character in the series. He is full of life and curiosity, but with a really cute, sweet streak. He's modeled after my little brother, so I might be a bit bias. ;)

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...As hard as you try, you will never be sufficient on your own. It takes Christ working in you.
For those that have read volume one, I want them to realize that you cannot hate someone until you de-humanize them. The villain of book one becomes the hero of book two, and we see the motivations behind his 'heartless' acts. In truth, Tyrus was doing the best he could. If we can empathize with people in our lives, it will go a LONG way in keeping the roots of bitterness at bay.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I would say, both. I get ideas everywhere. Sometimes it is just something I see as I go throughout my day, sometimes a historical tidbit I read, sometimes – like in the case of the Days of Messiah series- it comes from a passage of Scripture.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories? 
...To bring HIStory to life. To me, that means show the reader God's hand through history, in a way that brings it to vibrant life in their minds. I want them to walk away feeling as if they actually met the people in history and lived the story with them.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
....Be teachable, learn as much as you can, and remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because one agent/editor/publisher doesn't like your work doesn't mean that no one will. Keep making it better and submitting it until you find someone who sees the beauty.

...Also, start building your platform NOW. Now, as in yesterday. I made the mistake of thinking that I wouldn't need to work on my platform until I was published, I was wrong.

You

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?
...Oh yes. Soundtracks. I LOVE soundtracks and listen to them whenever I write. It helps me focus on the story, rather than everything going on around me. That's important, because I often write on car trips.

What is your favorite season and why? 
...That is so hard. I love Fall, because it is so beautiful. I love Winter for the Christmas season, and I love Spring because it is the time of Easter when everything resurrects. I just can't pick!

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it? 
...The same genre that I write. Historical fiction. I love history, and I love stories, so it's just natural. ;)

_______________________________

Thank you so much for being a guest Amber! I love your focus of "HIStory" :) Also, love the idea of what your readers will identify with in your book. Christ working in you! I listen to soundtracks as well. One of my favorites is the "new" Pride and Prejudice soundtrack. I'm with you on your season choices too - it's hard to choose!

Carrie Fancett Pagels {Writer Wednesday}

No, don't worry - you didn't skip the next few months and find yourself at Christmas time...well, mostly ;) Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Carrie Fancett Pagels! I met her last year at the ACFW writers conference and was able to get to know her a little better during our headshot session! I'm excited to have her on the blog talking about some of her published works - one of which is a Christmas novella! 

Today, she's offering either a paperback or ebook copy of her novel, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance.  I'll be drawing the winner next Tuesday and announcing on Wednesday September 3 (due to the End-of-Summer Giveaway winners being announced on Tuesday). 

To enter to win this giveaway, leave a comment below for Carrie and/or comment about your plans for Labor Day!

A little bit about Carrie...

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the author of the short story, Snowed In, published in Guidepost Books’ “A Cup of Christmas Cheer” (October, 2013) which sold through its first printing of 30,000 copies within weeks of release and went into a second printing. Her novella, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance (Helping Hands Press, 2013), an Amazon Civil War bestseller, remained on the top rated Civil War ebooks for over a year. Carrie also contributed to God’s Provision in Tough Times, by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy (Lighthouse of the Carolinas, July, 2013) a 2014 Selah finalist. With a Ph.D. in School Psychology, Carrie served as a psychologist for twenty-five years. She has two popular group blogs: Overcoming With God (www.overcomingwithGod.com) and Colonial Quills (www.ColonialQuills.org).
 
Carrie is the former ACFW Zone Mid-Atlantic Zone Director and Virginia/West Virginia Area Coordinator and continues to serve as co-hostess of the Tidewater Area Christian Writers group. She mentors several beginning Christian writers. Married for 26 years to the love of her life, she resides in Virginia’s historic triangle. She has a 12-year-old son and a 25-year-old daughter.

Her tagline “Hearts Overcoming Through Time” reflects her writing—historical romance with strong elements of overcoming with God’s help.

How to connect with Carrie...

Website www.carriefancettpagels.com
Facebook Author Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels/317053071710640?fref=ts
Facebook Personal Page http://www.facebook.com/carriefancettpagels
Twitter https://twitter.com/cfpagels
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/carriefpagels/
GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7043690.Carrie_Fancett_Pagels
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=131454255&trk=tab_pro

Purchase: 

• A Cup of Christmas Cheer, Guidepost Books  

• God's Provision in Tough Times: True stories about people who have experienced miraculous intervention during times of difficulty  

• Murray Pura's American Civil War Series - Cry of Freedom - Volume 1 - Return To Shirley Plantation

Author Interview |  Carrie Fancett Pagels

You and Writing

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Yes, I do. I can’t say the title because it is so specific and it hasn’t been bought yet. But I have a story set in Virginia in 1815, as the War of 1812 is ending, that I love and that was requested by a bunch of the publishing houses but hasn’t yet found a home. I have endorsements from a half dozen published authors who read it and from Beta readers who loved it. I love the heroine and hero because while they have their flaws, they have really risen to the occasion in their life situations. And she has an avocation that is highly unusual, which I think is pretty cool. I had consultations from some top people in their fields when I was working on this manuscript—such a blessing from God. This MS did get through committee at a CBA house and was on its way to the publishing board when that company decided to cease publishing fiction. So I don’t know why God hasn’t found a home for it yet, but this story is really near and dear to my heart.

Your Writing

Do you have a favorite character your current work? If so, why?
...I have a book I’m working on right now where I love the hero. He’s really special to me because he’s such a great guy and has been through so much but he hasn’t let it affect his soul. I was so happy to discover Ben Utecht as someone who resembles my Friedrich. Here’s a link to a great inspiration song for my Friedrich, sung by Ben! http://vimeo.com/42023542 My hero feels this way at the end of the story and so I like to listen to that when I am doing rewrites and edits right now!

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...I’m going to address this one to my published novella. “Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance” is about obedience to God, which really resonates with me. My heroine, Angelina, obeys when God tells her to stay put even though it is at a detriment to herself. I think it is pretty cool that a Civil War book about obedience to Christ stayed on the top rated Civil War books on Amazon for a year and was a best seller for many months, as well. I have to think that the story resonates with readers as well and I’ve been blessed with 61 reviews on Amazon, with an average 4.7 rating out of 5 stars!

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...I get a lot from real life. But not all. And what is “odd” is when I get a character who I discover is very similar to a real person who lived in that time period in that setting! In my 1815 story, I was totally inspired by the story of a real life person who was a hero during the War of 1812. However, the docent who spoke about the situation had some of the information wrong. But that all worked out fine for my story and I believe God intended it to be that way. And I had a heroine inspired by a real life person I know. I named her for a dear friend I’d been seeking to reunite with, for decades. Sadly, as I was finishing up the edits, I discovered my friend’s name online—in an obituary. But I hope to keep her first name in this story.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I wrote about this on Seekerville this past winter. I write Christian fiction and I see no point in writing if I don’t have a Christian theme in my books. I want the reader to take something away that will apply to their everyday spiritual life. I also want the reader to experience the emotions my characters are feeling and to consider the struggles and how they might address a similar situation. So I’m expecting a lot!

You

What are you currently reading?
...Lisa Norato’s upcoming release and Kristi Cambron’s and Karen Witemeyer’s. Yup, all three at once!

Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert? 
...German sacher torte http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sachertorte/ My recipe is from a recipe book from the 1970’s Supercookery, a European based cookbook given to me by my first fiancé who was from Italy. And I didn’t cook at that time…That relationship didn’t pan out but I do love that dessert, as does my husband!

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Thank you so much for stopping by Carrie! I love hearing about the "behind the scenes" of a character's story. I can only assume how much research goes into historical novels and always appreciate that! Contemporary writing takes a lot of research too, but at least those who write it live in the era ;) And that torte sounds amazing....my sweet tooth could easily get away from me if I made that!