Alexis Goring {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Alexis...

Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. She loves the art of storytelling and is especially delighted to have released her first book, an inspirational romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, in Sept. 2013. When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).

Connect with Alexis...

Author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring
Blog, “God is Love” - http://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com
Twitter handle, @pennedbyalex
Purchase:
--> Amazon.com, http://amzn.to/1PGpOZl
BarnesandNoble.com, http://bit.ly/1Tm5T4P
 

Get to know Alexis...

You and Writing
 
How did you start writing? 
I started writing at age 9 after an impromptu storytelling activity between my grandfather, my brother and I. My grandfather created the activity to entertain us while he and my grandma were babysitting us. I do not think that he knew it would spark my dreams to be a writer.

What has kept you writing? 
My desire to write is as strong as my need to breathe.

What or who is the biggest influence in your writing? 
My faith in God. He keeps me creative and diligent.

Why do you write? 
Writing is like breathing for me. I love it that much. I want to create and publish stories that bring hope to people’s hearts and point them to Jesus Christ.

Your Writing

Why did you write it? 
I wrote my first book because I wanted to infuse hope into people’s hearts and let them know that no matter how dire a situation looks, there is always hope when God is in the picture…and God is ALWAYS in the picture!

What was a challenge you faced while writing it? 
Honestly, I didn’t have any challenges while writing it because it just flowed. However the challenge was to apply all of the content edits that my editor advised. The red marks on my manuscript (track changes on Microsoft Word) were so overwhelming that I did not even try to edit my manuscript for months. But when I finally decided to tackle it, I finished the edits in only three days. I have to admit that my editor knew what she was talking about because after the content edits were applied, my story read much better!

Were your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
My characters were easy to pin down. The story just flowed. There were no surprises this time though I have written stories before that turned out differently (and better) than I envisioned as digging deep into the Goals/Motivation/Conflict (GMC) of my characters created quite the unexpected adventure for me as the author.

What made you choose the setting for the book? 
I wanted to write a book with a local setting so I chose the DMV (Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia) area that I love.

What's the most random thing you had to Google for the story? 
Apart from baby names (for my characters)? Maybe language translations for the Italian restaurant scene in “Love Unexpected” which is the first story in my novella.

What’s your favorite snack while writing? 
Chocolate, black cake (it’s a Caribbean dessert), ginger ale and fried chicken.

Writing

Let’s talk about your writing life...

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”? 
It helps to study writing. I joined the Newspaper and Yearbook staff when I was a high school student. I majored in Print Journalism as a college student. Currently, I’m pursuing my MFA in Creative Writing. Studying the craft of writing has helped me to grow by leaps and bounds as a professional writer. I’d also tell young writers to apply for a mentorship with a seasoned book editor. I recently did that and have learned so much from my editor! She’s taught me the value of knowing the GMC of your main characters before you start to write the fictional story and she’s taught me so much more such as building tension with every scene. The lessons I’ve learned over the years of studying writing and learning new skills from my mentor are priceless and key to my success.

Are you a Panster or Plotter? 
I’m a little bit of both but partial to the pantser process. It’s much more fun. I feel bogged down after I plot a story out from start to finish. Plotting out every detail tends to drain me and deter me from wanting to go back and actually write the story using all of those details.

What does your writing process look like? 
I start with creating character sketches (profiles) that detail their name, age, ethnicity, background, family history, flaws, strengths and other details. Next, I fill out a GMC chart for each character. Then I turn on my favorite music playlist via Pandora or YouTube and start writing!

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part is writing the story. My least favorite part is applying content edits.

What did you learn along the path to publishing that you’d care to share as encouragement? 
I learned to not rush the process. It’s important to make sure that your final product is a good, solid story with no flaws and achieving that goal takes time.

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? 
Everywhere! Music, movies, restaurants, the mall, family, friends, books and my imagination.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, have a favorite artist or playlist to share? 
I do have several playlists. My favorite songs on YouTube include (but are not limited to): “St. Elmo’s Fire LOVE Theme Instrumental” from the movie St. Elmo’s Fire, “Through the Eyes of Love” performed by Britt Nicole from the movie Ice Castles (2010), “What A Feeling” by Irene Cara from the movie Flashdance and “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Crocker and Jennifer Warnes. I listen to a wide variety of artists on Pandora and have several playlists, too many to mention.

Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft? 
Yes! I have quite the list! Are you ready? Here is it is:

• ROMANCE-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Inspirational and Sweets Markets by Julie Lessman
• Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell
• Idea Sparking: How to Brainstorm Conflict in Your Novel by Michelle Lim and Susan May Warren
• The Character Therapist, http://charactertherapist.com/
• Visit Michael Hyatt’s website (http://michaelhyatt.com/welcome/) and buy his book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World

You

What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing?
I like to read. I have a stack of books from my favorite authors that I received for free in exchange for my honest review on Amazon.com so that keeps me busy! I love it.

What are you currently reading?
The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life by Sophia A. Nelson. We’re reading it for the women’s book club that I co-lead with friends from my church. It’s a great read! Sophia is one of my favorite authors.

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Adventures in Odyssey Summer Challenge 2016

This summer, you can join Adventures in Odyssey’s Clubhouse Magazine and help children in the Middle East go to school and learn English. It’s Adventures in Odyssey's Clubhouse Magazine Exercise to Educate summer challenge!

The Problem

Nearly 7,000 miles away from the United States, there's a war going on in the country of Syria. Many families have been forced from their homes. Parents have had to leave their jobs, and children have had to leave behind toys and friends.

Many of these families now live in refugee camps in nearby countries. They have tents instead of houses. Clean water is hard to come by. This war has put 2.6 million children out of school – some for more than four years already.

The Solution

Our friends at Focus on the Family Middle East know many families who don't have the money to buy a school uniform and pay for their children to go to school. They also know people who would love to teach children English in local churches.

You may not have a lot of money to help, but you probably have time, energy and excitement. Here's what you can do:

1. Go to to Whitsend.org/summer.
2. Print a sponsor sheet and exercise to earn points. You can do it for a week or the whole summer – just remember, the more you exercise, the more points you'll earn!
3. Ask your family and friends to sponsor your efforts.
4. Beginning in July, tell us how you did and receive a digital bundle from your friends at Adventures in Odyssey and Focus on the Family. The deadline to submit your information is August 31, 2016. 

For participating and submitting your information, you will get a free Adventures in Odyssey episode from Album 51. You will also get 101 Surefire Ways to Strengthen Your Child's Faith – eBook and the audio book of Imagination Station #1, “Voyage with the Vikings.” Make the most of your summer—exercise for your health and help other kids in need while you do!

Don’t Be Bored This Summer!

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The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron | New Novel News

The Ringmaster's Wife
by Kristy Cambron

Released: June 7, 2016
From: HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson)
Purchase: The Ringmaster's Wife

Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.

Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.

With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.

Get to know Kristy...

Whitney Neal Photography

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
My favorite places are actually those I haven’t traveled to yet: England, France, and Ireland. I’ve loved Europe since I researched art history in college. It’s why I write stories with settings, characters and themes that exist in this history-steeped world. I know my author travels will take me there one day. Until they do, I conduct my research from afar, and adore the land that already owns a piece of my heart. (And don’t worry, reader friends… When I do get there, you’ll know. I plan to film all of my research adventures so I can take you along with me!)

What are you reading right now?
Now that I’ve turned in my latest manuscript (The Illusionist’s Apprentice, March 2017), I’m reading two absolutely fantastic historical novels: The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof, and Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer. Both novels are scheduled for release later this year. Though they are quite different, both are very well written and I’ve become immersed in these beautiful stories.

If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be?
I think I’d want to have a mash-up of two completely different worlds – one with order, like in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and one more unexpected, like James Barrie’s Neverland depicted in Peter Pan. I’d love to see the wildness of a fairy tale world that meets the conventionality of Regency England. It would be incredible to see how the real and un-real collide! I think I’d prefer to be a writer (wearing Regency attire of course) sitting on the deck of a pirate ship, using a quill to record the magic of fairy dust and romance all around…

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut novel, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN, was named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books of 2014 and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best of 2014 lists, and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel. Her second novel, A SPARROW IN TEREZIN, was named to Library Journal Reviews Best of 2015 list, and received a nomination for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best Inspirational Book of 2015. Kristy's third historical novel, THE RINGMASTER'S WIFE, was named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and will release from HarperCollins in June, 2016.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com, and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

You can connect with Kristy at:
Facebook: Kristy Cambron | Twitter: @KCambronAuthor | Instagram: kristycambron
Pinterest: KCambronAuthor | Web: KristyCambron.com | TheGROVEstory.com 

 
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Tanya Eavenson {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Tanya...

Tanya Eavenson enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries.

Connect with Tanya...

Website: http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/
Goodreads: Goodreads
Facebook: Facebook
Twitter: Twitter
Amazon Author Page: Amazon

Get to know Tanya...

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about you and writing...  
One of the questions I get asked often is when did I know I wanted to be a writer. For me, it was about ten years ago. God was calling me to write, but it wasn’t until I read a Lori Wick’s series The English Garden that I began write. I remember saying with ready fingers pressed on the keyboard, “Are you sure, God? I never wanted to write.” But there I was, typing away at the keys with a burden to share a story I had no idea where it would be heading.

Stepping out in faith isn’t only in words, but in actions, and I’m so glad I did! I’m inspired by the Lord to write Christian fiction so people may know the love of Christ. To know the depth He will go to have a relationship with us. And though we struggle, He uses us, He uses people like me, the ordinary, to do out of the ordinary things. Unexpected things—like writing.

Your Writing

Let's talk about your book...

Why did you write it? 
RESTORED is the second book in the Unending Love series and it has taken me about six years to write. Not that it was difficult, I mean, it’s a story I wanted to write, one I knew I could write, but something was missing.

Four years ago, a friend and I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and during the conference, she and I discussed RESTORED. We came up with different plots, but nothing felt right. Months later I was diagnosed with cancer and I began a journey I didn’t want to be on. I stuffed this novel away and almost gave up on God’s call to write. But as time passed, and God began to work on my heart through my cancer, I struggled, but I continued to write. This is where Steven’s story was born. RESTORED is a story about lost love being given a second chance when you least expect it.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
I love Steven in RESTORED. He has an inner strength and kindness that draws me. I couldn’t help but to cheer for him, even before his cancer prognosis, because his desire for family and the sacrifices he’s made for other’s happiness stirs my heart.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
That God is the Restorer of our souls, our hearts, our relationships, our families, our health and the list goes on. In Him all things can be restored, even when we think everything might be lost. Steven’s story is one of restoration and the realization that anything is possible with God no matter the circumstances.

What made you choose the setting for the book? 
The setting was easy since I grew up in Florida. We visited a new beach every summer or revisited many twice. Even as I’m typing this, I can hear the waves instead of the laundry that’s washing in the distance. =)

What’s your favorite snack while writing?
My favorite snack while writing is coffee and chocolate!

Writing 

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”? 
When I first started writing, I was struggling to know how to go about being published, who to speak with and was getting discouraged. I remember sitting with a room full of children at the time, reading this story about faith, hope, and trusting God. It literally brought tears to my eyes. The title of the children’s book was Tell Me About Faith by Joel Anderson. The Lord says that we must come to Him like little children, and there I was, needing to surrender it all, believing by faith and not by what I could see. As writers, and with every part of our lives, we must do the same, focus on God and walk by faith.

Are you a Panster or Plotter?
I’m a Panster!

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process? 
My favorite part of the writing process is coming up with stories, the characters, the situations they put themselves in, and the conflict they have to live through. When I sit down to write my first draft there is such a satisfaction that I can’t begin to explain, but I love seeing everything come together.

You

What are you currently reading?
As of right now, I’m not reading anything due to my fast approaching deadlines for two stories To Gain a Mommy and The Rescue that release this Fall. However, my reading pile has grown over the last months and I can’t wait to dive in!

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Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon | New Novel News

Sea Rose Lane
by Irene Hannon

Published: June 7, 2016
From: Revell
Purchase: Sea rose Lane

After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to Hope Harbor—only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed and breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he’s constantly distracted by noise, chaos—and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect who’s invaded the house with her motley crew. As for BJ, her client’s son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn’t high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces to help Hope Harbor’s older residents, might they also find a new beginning themselves?

Get to know Irene...

Favorite season? Spring. I love watching the world come back to life after the cold, gray days of winter. It’s such a hope-filled season.

What’s one thing you must have/do in the morning?
A cup of hot chocolate (even if it’s 95 degrees outside!) and a piece of homemade bacon/cheese cornbread. Okay, that’s two—but both are essential! That’s been my breakfast for as long as I can remember.

If you were stranded on an island what are three things you couldn’t live without?
Other than the necessities (food/shelter/water)—writing material and sunscreen!

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin | RE:View

Anchor in the Storm is filled with mystery, romance, and historical details that will make you feel like you're living in Boston during WWII. 

Coming on the heels of Through Waters Deep, book one in the Waves of Freedom series, follows Lillian Avery and Arch Vandenberg during the height of WWII. Lillian, a strong character with a past that haunts her, overcomes all odds to work as a handicapped female pharmacist. Arch, wanting to escape the stereotype of a wealthy son riding on the coat tails of his families money, fights personal demons from his narrow escape from a sinking U-boat all while trying to prove himself as a working, competent officer. When their paths cross on a mission to solve a mystery involving drowsiness with Arch's men and Lillian's pharmacy, they forge a partnership to solve the problem and possible crime.

I really enjoyed Lillian and Arches story. The rich details that Sarah includes truly make the story. I felt as if I was experiencing WWII with the characters. Lillian was such a strong woman and I love how Sarah crafted her as a hard worker with strength to overcome the difficulties of her handicap as much as her past. I also like how persistent and patience Arch is with Lillian and how he deals with his struggles.

Sarah's writing and descriptions will drop you completely into the world of WWII in Boston. I felt like I was there and experiencing the stress of being a Navy officer in a ship as well as the frustration of being a woman in a position that wasn't traditionally held by women. As one of my favorite eras this was the perfect read!

I definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, sweet romance, and mystery. 

My rating: 4*

Book Description
(from Amazon)

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War Ii means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War Ii to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

_______________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Michele Israel Harper {Writer Wednesday}

Get to know Michele...

Michele Israel Harper is an addict. To books, to writing—if it includes ink and paper, she’s all over it. When she found out she could write books instead of simply read them…well, let’s just say she’s rarely been seen outside of her office since. She adores her writer’s group, the Heartland Christian Writers, and has no idea what she would do without the American Christian Fiction Writers. Being voted treasurer for her local Indiana Chapter of ACFW just about sent her into a happy coma. Which, you know, she’s very much familiar with since that happens at the end of every good book she reads. Visit www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com if you want to know more about her!

Connect with Michele...

Website: www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14554353.Michele_Israel_Harper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love2readlove2write/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/razersj
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/razersj/ 
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Michele-Israel-Harper/e/B016YW4Q6Q
Purchase: Wisdom & Folly Sisters Part 1 & Part 2

Get to know Michele...

 You and Writing

Why do you write? Oh my goodness, I was always on the search for what I wanted to do with my life. I loved history, so of course I thought that meant I should be an archaeologist. Exciting, right? Then I went on a dig. Let’s just say, without Indiana Jones…no. Just, no. I loved to read—I devoured books like no other—but every time my mind flitted across the idea of being a writer, this little voice in my head said, “You can’t do that.” Yeah, I believed it. So here I was, all grown up and doing mom things, and I ended up at this marriage conference with my hottie husband. This guy told me all about the books he wrote. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I could do that. I could write a book. In fact, I needed to write a book. ASAP. So I did. I created this 500 page monstrosity of awfulness (I’m much better now. Promise!) and was the happiest person on earth. You see, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Finally. And I haven’t stopped for six years. I love it!

Your Writing

-->
--> Was there a passage of scripture you came across or used while writing it that you’d like to share?Proverbs 8 and 9 talk all about Wisdom, Folly, and their fight to get people to listen to them. Um, hello? Why has a book not been written about this before? ;) It set my author imagination on fire—I had to read every thing the Bible and legends had to say about the angels Wisdom and Folly. Then I couldn’t stop writing about them. Only problem is, there is so much literature about them! It was so hard to know when to stop! :)

Writing

--> What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”? We hear this a lot, but dig deeper. Is there something else that helped you? 
Don’t chafe against the learning years. Every moment in school—middle school, high school, college, masters even—prepares you for that moment when you “get” it. When your writing becomes all it can be and rises above the rest. I’m still learning, I am, but if you would have told me when I first started that I would so vastly improve, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m so much better now than I was. And I still have so much to learn! Don’t ever stop. Learning, writing, exploring, scribbling every story idea or thought that comes to your head. That day it all comes together is the most delicious thing to experience. Ever.

--> What does your writing process look like?
I write the beginning, I write the end, then a scene here or there, add a few more scenes, and fill the whole thing out like I’m creating a puzzle or painting a picture. And if I get bored, I move on to something else I’m writing then come back to it. As horrible as this sounds (outlines? I’ve tried so hard! They don’t work for me!) I can’t even tell you my relief when a New York Times #1 Bestselling author described her writing process—and it was the exact same as mine! Whew! I’ve written three books this way, but Wisdom & Folly? I wrote that a chapter at a time, one chapter a week, and posted on my blog until it was done. Now I have more than half new material for my book, and it has been vastly edited since what was posted on my blog was a first draft. Everyone’s process is different! Embrace how God made you! :)

--> Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft?
My favorite writing book in the entire world is Kathy Ide’s Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors. If you want to keep up with everything grammar-ish in the industry, this is the book you need. I am in love with this book. I would sleep with it under my pillow if there was no danger of wrinkled pages—I am that obsessed. In love.

How do you grow in your writing craft?
Oh, goodness! Writing conferences, writing classes, online classes (I gravitate toward the free ones…), writers’ groups, and—most importantly—I keep reading and writing. I read several writing craft books a year, as many fiction books as I can possibly get my hands on, and I write in every spare moment I have. Even if that’s only in the pick-up line at school. Oh! And NaNoWriMo. If you’ve never heard of this, Google it and try it. I wrote an entire book in one month! Holy freaking cow!

--> You

What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing? 
Uhhh…(crickets chirping)…not writing. I’m not entirely sure what that means. I still read, but I used to dance and scrapbook and hike and surf and travel…maybe I should rethink this whole “work non-stop” thing… ;)

What are you currently reading?
Oh, swoon! Anne Elisabeth Stengl is one of my favorite authors ever, and she just came out with a new book! A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold released yesterday (May 16th), and it is a loose retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. I am in love. In love. It is so hard to put it down and life. It’s one of those books that stays with you every second you are away from it. Oh my word! Love, love, love!

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