ACFW Conference One Sheet Info

Maybe you're new to the game and you haven't thought about this, or maybe you've been to several conferences but haven't thought much about your one sheet before. Well, with the ACFW Conference dates announced (and many other conferences coming up) it's time to decide if you need a One Sheet.

What Is A One Sheet?

First, we have to answer the question of what a One Sheet is in a nutshell:

One Sheet: A quick, graphically enhanced look at your novel. Includes a blurb, sell-information, and short bio.

Simply put, it's an overview of your novel that is intended to help you "sell" your novel to an editor or agent. They are typically enhanced by graphics that help the reader gain a feeling for the novel itself. It's secondary to your pitch, but can be very effective.

Do I need a One Sheet?

The real question here is what do you plan on doing at the conference you're attending? Are you just attending to glean information and learn anything you can? Are you intending to meet with agents and editors to try and sell your book or book idea? Are you 100% new to writing and don't have a clue?

A One Sheet is a great thing to have if you're planning on trying to sell or pitch an idea to an agent or editor. They aren't required but highly recommended when it comes to conferences. Having something to show/give whomever you're talking too is a big step up from a simple face-to-face meeting. However, a One Sheet is not required. You may be at a place where you don't have a book or idea to pitch. Or, maybe you're not sure you're ready for the next step of publishing. If so, a One Sheet isn't necessary though you should consider compiling the information (below) for when you are ready.

What's on a One Sheet? 

One sheets typically contain these things:

• Novel Title (really a working title)
• Completed Word Count (this may not always apply)
• Can include a short tag line
• Graphics or an image that helps to visualize your book
• A back cover copy/synopsis blurb 
• Contact information (email, phone, website, address)
• A short bio with your accomplishments/publications etc.
• Your headshot 

 

So now what? 

 If you have design savvy or a good working knowledge of word/pages and feel confident in creating your own One Sheet - go for it! This is a chance for you to pull from other creative ares to design your own one sheet.

If you're not confident in your own design abilities, you can also hire out your One Sheet to a graphic designer. Make sure you compile all of the information listed above and have an idea of an image/theme that would work for your book* before contacting your designer. Also, find out if you'll have the ability to ask for revisions** to ensure the designer truly captures your story through visualization.

Brilliant Cut Editing and Writer Coaching has a great list going and I also offer a One Sheet design special that you can find details about here.***

No matter what you choose to do - make sure your one sheet is professional and eye catching!  

Check out these great posts for additional help and ideas: Rachelle Gardner, Rebecca DeMarino, ACFW Arkansas, The Writer's Alley
 

*Don't expect unlimited revisions because this costs you and the designer time.
** Make sure you aren't too set in your ideas. Your designer will (hopefully) have a good eye and can go off of what you describe to them, but they also need a bit of creative license.
***I created all one sheets shown on this posts.

G. E. Hamlin {Writer Wednesday}

A little more about G.E. (we'll call her Ginny for the sake of this interview)


G.E. Hamlin (Ginny) passionately writes about broken marriages and the restorative power of Jesus Christ. Her stories stem from personal experiences and working in lay ministry as a member of her church. Her characters encounter the natural consequences of addiction to: alcohol, drugs, and sexual immorality. It is Ginny's hope each story will create a bridge for discussion in real life.

Ginny has been a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for over six years. Her style of writing reflects the qualities of Nicholas Sparks' soft side and the fast pace of James Patterson.

She and her husband Ed have a blended family with five adult children and eight grandchildren. Ginny and her husband live in Southern California where they enjoy the beach, desert, and mountains. As a full time author, she is blessed with frequent opportunities to spend time with the grandchildren.


How to connect with Ginny...

Amazon.com: Marriage Takes Three
Blog: http://eghamlin.com/Gblog
Main Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GEHamlin
Personal Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/G-E-Hamlin/111808395523799?ref=hl
Google+ https://plus.google.com/+GinnyHamlin/about
On twitter: Twitter.com@GEHamlin
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/g-e-ginny-hamlin/77/939/89
Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7236005.G_E_Hamlin
Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/ge0073/


Author Interview | G.E. Hamlin

You and Writing 

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing?
...I started making up bedtime stories for my children in the late 70s. I’d encourage them to pick a few characters, which included: playmates, animals, and often inanimate objects. Once the cast of characters was set, I’d have them pick a setting and tell me what they wanted the characters to do -- a goal. My passion for storytelling was born during those years with my two little ones.

...The desire to create stories never left me, but with adult children I no longer had an audience. I prayed about what God wanted me to do with the desire to create stories. I believe God directed me to ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers, which went by another name at that time) via my online search for Christian novels. I’ve been a member for over six years and the blessings are too numerous to count, one of which includes contracting with my publisher, Chalfont House/HopeSprings Books.

...I write Christian fiction with a focus on broken marriages, and the restorative power of Jesus Christ. My husband and I are passionate about placing God at the center of our marriage and encouraging other married couples to do the same, thus the title of my debut novel Marriage Takes Three.

What has kept you writing?
...What’s kept me writing is my belief that God placed a passion in me to write novels about broken marriages and that I needed to persevere in spite of what things looked like e.g., winning contests, signing or not signing with an agent, and or contracting with a publisher. The awareness that God is in control of my life, which obviously includes my passion to write, freed me up to enjoy the journey. (It also helped that my husband would encourage me when I received responses to queries, which were less than favorable.)
Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...“Marriage Takes Three” will always hold a special place in my heart. As my debut novel, how could it not?

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The most challenging aspect of publication, for me, came after I theoretically typed the words “The End”. I had no idea how much work was involved in marketing. The easiest and most rewarding thing about the publishing process is letting go and letting God have His way with it.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...My debut novel “Marriage Takes Three” which is scheduled for release from Chalfont House/HopeSprings books April 02, 2014, is a story about a woman, Darla Connor, who is struggling with whether to stay in her troubled marriage or walk away. Maintaining a long distance friendship with an old sweetheart isn’t making the decision easier, especially when that sweetheart, now a famous country music star, declares his love for her, even though she is married. Darla Connor’s husband, Randall Connor, is a recovering alcoholic and wants to heal his broken marriage. As a new believer, he is counting on God to help him. When Darla rejects his ultimatum to sever ties with her old boyfriend, he’s in for the battle of his life. Jack Collins, the protagonist, feels Darla is the only woman who truly loves him for who he is, and not the well-known country music artist he’s become. Jack’s goal is to give Darla everything her heart desires, but first he must get her to divorce Randall. Darla is at a precipice. Will she follow promises of ‘better to come’ with Jack, or if she will she surrender to God in time to save her marriage?

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...My favorite character in “Marriage Takes Three” isn’t limited to one character, but rather to different character traits. Randall’s perseverance is admirable. Darla’s loyalty is heartwarming. Paul’s innocence and ability to forgive is inspiring, and even Jack’s tenacity is motivating at times.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...I’ll reference a line from one of my characters; you’ll have to read “Marriage Takes Three” to identify which character.
The character says, “Lord, thank you for being faithful—even when I’m not.” That’s a humbling takeaway.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Each of my stories has a bit of “real life” in them. Yes, even the protagonists in varying degrees are from observations more so than personal experiences…yet on that slight admission, I plead the fifth. ;)

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I hope my novels will be a bridge for discussion of real relationships issues. Dysfunction doesn’t destroy relationships; dysfunction that is not dealt with destroys relationships. The stories I write reflect the restorative power of Jesus Christ.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Embrace a teachable spirit. Yes, we want to respect and guard against our voice being drowned out by well intended critique partners and seasoned editors, but we also need to acknowledge a good suggestion when we hear one. My critique partners have blessed me over the years, and most recently an editor who knows of what she speaks. Because I’ve listened for good advice and heeded it when it came my way, I believe my novel is the better for it.

You

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?
...When I’m writing I don’t generally listen to music; I find it too distracting. However, on occasion I will turn Pandora on while I’m writing and listen to an Instrumental Praise radio station.

What is your favorite season and why?
...I enjoy the colder months, which may seem odd for a native Californian to admit to, but I say bring on the rain and overcast days. I love snuggling up with my hubby in front of a roaring fire while we watch old movies – we’re Hitchcock fans, so we’ve been known to hole up for a weekend with munchies.

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
...I appreciate Christian fiction with an edge, which unsurprisingly is what my publisher, Chalfont House/HopeSprings Books promotes. And by edge I mean true to life stories that represent what Christians face in the world.

Emilie, thank you for having me as guest on your blog, I’ve enjoyed the interview. I hope your readers will enjoy learning a little about me. ;)

_______________________

 Thank you Ginny :) I've loved getting to know more about you and look forward to this new release of yours! I appreciate the real-life aspect you are desiring to share with your readers.

Did you know? | ACFW Interviews & NaNo Update

So, as promised, this will be another NaNo update but before I get to that I wanted to share something I'm not sure I've shared before.

As most of you probably know, I'm a member of ACFW [American Christian Fiction Writers] Association and every Monday ACFW offers an interview with an author who has recently released a book. You can find the past interviews [here] and the current interview for this week [here].

From Pinterest

Well, if you didn't know, I am an interview-er over there! I have gotten the opportunity to get to know some amazing authors such as Carol Cox, Fay Lamb, and Carrie Turanksy among many other amazing authors. This year will be no different! So, if you are interested in finding out about new authors or perhaps some of your favorites you should check back to the ACFW website often for those posts!

On to NaNo...

I was able to do some catching up yesterday and as of this post (before my word count update tonight) I'm at:

34,312 words

Not too bad for where I was at before... How are you doing? Will Thanksgiving help or hinder your writing?

From Pinterest

And, as inspiration for those of you who enjoy Doctor Who (I've become a HUGE fan) this last picture is for you!! You should be writing...as should I :)

Good luck fellow NaNo-ers! Week 4 here we come!

Gail Pallotta {Writer Wednesday}

Hello and happy Wednesday! It's been a full few weeks for me but I'm happy to announce that I've finished all photos from the ACFW Conference! This means I may actually get some time to write here or there ;) But, for today, I'm excited to introduce you to author Gail Pallotta. Give her a big welcome!!

She has also offered to do an ebook GIVEAWAY of her novel Stopped Cold. Make sure you comment below (by 9pm Monday the 14th) to enter for a chance to win this novel! I'll announce the winner next Tuesday, October 15!

A little bit about Gail...

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s been a Sunday school teacher, a swim-team coordinator and an after-school literary instructor. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her new teen book, Stopped Cold, is a best-seller on All Romance eBooks. She’s published short stories in “Splickety” magazine and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. Some of her published articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

How to connect with Gail...

Website: http://www.gailpallotta.com 
Blog: http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com
On staff at: http://www.clashofthetitles.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17879103-stopped-cold
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMorehttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore
Twitter: @Hopefulwords
Purchase her book: on Amazon

Author Interview | Gail Pallotta


You & Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing?
...I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. The first published work was in a grammar school newspaper a friend and I put out. 

What has kept you writing? 
...It’s a part of me, what I do. My husband probably has the best explanation. He says I have pretend people running around my head, and I have to let them out. LOL.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written?
...They’re all special in their own way.

What was the hardest thing about publishing?
...It’s hard to say which is more difficult, finding a publisher or promoting the book. The easiest? I’m not sure anything about it is easy, but the most fun part is getting the story down on paper.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently?
...Stopped Cold is a Christian teen sports mystery set in a small town in the North Carolina mountains, but things aren’t what they seem in Mistville. Margaret McWhorter enjoys flirting with Jimmy Willmore, swimming and hanging out with friends—until that day. Her brother, Sean, suffers a stroke from taking a steroid. Now he’s lying unconscious. Margaret’s angry at her dad for pushing Sean in sports, but a fire of hatred burns inside her to make the criminals pay. Looking for justice, she takes Jimmy and her best friend, Emily, through a twisted, drug-filled sub-culture. Even the cop on the case can’t stop them from investigating. All the while Margaret wants to cure Sean, heal the hate inside, and open her heart to love.

Why are you/did you write it?
...First of all, I wanted to write a fun book. As a youngster I loved mysteries, especially when the kids, like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, solved the case. My book’s reminiscent of those amateur sleuths.

...The message rattled around in my head for a long time. Over the years I’ve seen instances when not being number one created great pain for a child or young adult. Whether the pressure came from within, peers, siblings or parents, the need to be “better than everyone else” rather than “the best one could be” often hurt and sometimes led to destruction. We don’t have to be number one for God to love us. He’s given each of us a gift or gifts to use for Him.

Do you have a favorite character in this work?
...I like them all, but if I had to choose, I’d pick Margaret. 

If so, why? 
...She’s someone I can relate to, sympathize with and definitely root for her. I want her to succeed in finding the drug dealers who hurt her brother and to find peace through her faith.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...God’s given each of us a gift or gifts to use for Him.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
...Life. Sometimes I experience something. Sometimes I observe something. Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both? Both.
When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories? 
...To write something people will enjoy reading that adds meaning to their lives.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing, learning about writing and don’t give up.

You

In honor of the fall, what’s your favorite fall treat?
...Chocolate. Hmm. Did I say chocolate?

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be? 
...I’ve always loved to write, but at one time I remember wanting to be a detective.

Will you participate in National Novel Writing Month? If so, what’s your plan to keep your writing on track? 
...No. I’m working on several projects that are keeping me busy.

___________________________

 
Thank you so much for this wonderful interview Gail! I love your husbands explanation of why you keep writing! I too experience those "imaginary people" :) I really connected with what you said about being the best or being first. I see it often in the teens that I work with through my church - there is so much pressure on them to be the best in sports or school or music etc. and that transfers over into how they view God loving them. Almost like they have to be good enough for Him to love them. It's such a dangerous lie to believe.

Thanks again for sharing with us and for offering the GIVEAWAY! Don't forget, Readers, leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win Stopped Cold!

ACFW Recap (part 2)

The monument

As I said in my previous post, I attended the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis last weekend. I had the privileged of meeting so many amazing authors and writers - some published, some on their way. It was such a blessing to spend time with hundreds of like-minded people.

As Brandilyn Collins (the MC for the weekend) said, we just had to remember that there were "normals" about. When you get that many authors in one location, we tend to be a little lax about the interesting life a writer leads. It's not uncommon to hear writers talking about their characters as if they were real people or even see someone talking to themselves, more than likely arguing, because their character is trying to do something the author hasn't anticipated. Yes, normal people may not understand, but at ACFW there were hundreds of people who would!

View from our hotel room...so beautiful!

I had the personal privileged of rooming with my critique partner Deb, JoAnn (a former {Writer Wednesday} guest), and Laurean. We had so much fun! It's always great to meet people online through the ACFW email loops, but nothing beats being in person. We all shared our experiences at the conference together and there was always lots of laughter in our room!

Deb and I at the airport

It was also such a fantastic thing to talk over new projects and get feedback from Deb. She's such an encouragement to me and being able to chat in person was so great!!

**Shameless plug: check out Deb's books!!!

Tosca and I <3 br="">

 In addition to all this writing fun, I also got to have some photo fun too! For those of you who don't know, in addition to creating suspenseful and romantic plots, I also love to photo real-life people too ;) Check out my photo blog if you get the chance: E.A. Creative Photography. You can also find me on Facebook here.

I had the distinct pleasure of taking headshots for many authors and agents in attendance at the conference! Not only was it great to have a bunch of sessions lined up to capture the beautiful natural light and fun setting of Indianapolis, but I got to meet some amazing people! I met multi-published authors, aspiring authors, agents, and even New York Times Bestselling Author Tosca Lee (pictured at the right). As I like to say, I kind of have a bit of an author crush on Tosca and it was such a fun opportunity to share my passion for photography with her. She is such a beautiful person and a fantastic author :)

Hayley and I

THEN - as if that wasn't enough - I got to spend a night on the town with my dear friend Hayley! She attends college in Indianapolis and we were able to spend some time hanging out, sight seeing, having dinner, and catching up on life!

The monument at night

Beautiful fountain by the monument lit up at night!

Capital seen from the monument

Love the lights :D

Well...there you have it. A snapshot of my time at ACFW. In between the photo fun/craziness, I also attended sessions, met with some wonderful agents and mentors, and tried my best to soak it all up. I've come to see that this is definitely a direction the Lord is taking me in. I don't know yet what that will look like or just how He is going to direct my steps, but I have confidence in His plans.

It's interesting...one last thing I'd like to share is just more of a feeling than anything else.  I don't know if you've experienced something like this, but the whole time I was in Indianapolis, I had the overwhelming feeling of being exactly where I needed to be. I was a peace. Sure, I was nervous as anything to meet with agents and to "pitch" my book or even just to talk about those things, but the whole time I never once doubted my presence at the conference. I know the Lord prompted me to sign up to go (even when I wasn't sure how I'd pay for it) and I know that He sustained me while I was there. To sum it all up, the Lord taught me (again) how good and trustworthy He is. What a blessing!

For anyone who attended ACFW - what's one thing you walked away with (writing or spiritual or both)? I'd love to hear from you!

Winner & ACFW Conference Recap (part 1)

WOW.

Double WOW.

I had the most incredible time at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference this past weekend in Indianapolis, IN. I met so many people - authors, agents, editors - and was encouraged not only in association with writing, but in my very soul. I came back exhausted, but refreshed. How's that for an oxymoron?

I wanted to give an overview of everything...but I'm still pretty tired and working on things related to the photography that I did at the conference.

Instead, I'll just leave you with the winner for Shannon's book...

Connie Hendryx

Congratulations....Mom! And no, there was absolutely no specialty picking here! Every name was thrown into a cup and tossed around. She won fair and square ;)

Thanks everyone so much for stopping by my blog and I hope to see you back soon :) 

Conference & Exciting News

I have been given some exciting news! 

You may remember a post I did a few months ago when I said I was going to the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference? Well...I have been asked to be the conference photographer! I am so humbled by this and am really looking forward to capturing this event as well as shooting headshots of various different writers, authors and agents!

I've already scheduled many appointments and am gearing up for a full weekend! If you're attending the conference and are interested in scheduling a mini-session with me, you can email me here.

In other news, I am frantically working on my next book! The character sketches are coming together nicely and I'm making it a priority to schedule some major writing time this weekend!

What are you up to? If you're attending the conference, are you finished preparing or still have work to do? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below! 

ACFW Writers Conference

I am so excited!

I get to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference this September! When I first heard of the conference, shortly after joining ACFW, I thought to myself, "It would be great to go, but I probably can't." Now, looking back, I had no idea all that the Lord would do in order to bring me to the point where I am attending!

I will only share bits and pieces here, because it's quite a long story, but I just love seeing the Lord's hand in things! I think that is part of the reason why I write--to share how God can (and does) work though our lives.

You see, I have been blessed to partner up with a fabulous critique partner on my latest novel. Her name is Deb and you should definitely check out her books! I honestly believe the Lord planned for Deb to see my post in search of a critique partner and prompted her to reply because I know she has already helped my writing tremendously in the short time we've been working together! (Seriously, check out her books!)

I received word an editor wanted to see my manuscript [post about this here]. I thought to myself, "Okay, Lord, what does that mean?" It meant I needed to work my tail off! I still am, and am exited to say I'm almost done with my novel! Little did I realize that it was in preparation for more than just a pitch to an editor. In talking with Deb, I realized that if I really wanted to be serious about my writing, I was going to have to consider getting an agent.

Dun, dun, dun....

Suddenly, I was that wide-eyed little girl back in grade school wanting to grow up to be an author but having no idea what that meant. Sure, it is fun to write books, but to sell them to publishing houses and be a part of the elite group of men and women who entertain and delight readers all over the world through the written word...well, that's another story. 

Enter in the ACFW conference. I am blessed to say that God has worked out the details for me to attend and, while I hadn't anticipated attending, I know I am more excited than I would have imagined. I hope to make amazing friends, learn a lot, and hopefully meet with an agent or two in hopes of continuing down the road to publication. Thankfully, I've been motivated to complete my manuscript (which is pretty much a necessity as an unpublished author to attain an agent) and hope to be ready to take the next steps in my writing career.

Through all of this I am reminded of one very important fact.

I write as an outpouring to God. 

I fully believe we are all given gifts and talents by the Creator and we are meant to use them. I desire to use my gift for writing for Him and His glory - not for myself (1 Cor. 10:31). I know it's easy to get wrapped up in myself, but I sit at my keyboard today and pray fervently that everything and anything I do will only act to bring Him more glory.

Thanks to all of you who faithfully read Thinking Thoughts and who encourage me in my writing endeavors. Yes, I may talk in word counts and character motivation, but I hope to someday soon be able to hand you a book and say, "I wrote this for you--to inspire, encourage, and entertain!"

Pam Hillman {Writer Wednesday}

I am thrilled to have multi-published author in short fiction and non-fiction, Pam Hillman on the blog today. Please give her a warm welcome :)

A little bit about Pam...

Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel.

How to connect with Pam...

Website: http://www.pamhillman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pam.hillman.7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamHillman or @PamHillman
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5800307-pam-hillman
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/wrtnbyph/
Group blog: http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Personal blog: http://www.calicotrails.blogspot.com
Publisher: http://www.tyndale.com/Claiming-Mariah/9781414380964

Author Interview | Pam Hillman

You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I wrote in my head for years, from the time I was a child. Then eventually I started writing stories down. The dream of seeing my stories in print has kept me writing.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My current release, Claiming Mariah, is a favorite. I’m just so pleased in how it turned out, and had the best time working with the copy editors polishing it.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it? ...Several years ago, I read a novel where a bank robber tosses a sack of stolen money in the back seat of a hand-to-mouth college student’s car. She kept the money and eventually started a very successful business. She justified her actions because she anonymously created a charity to help destitute young women get back on their feet. But, as the old saying goes, two wrongs don’t make a right, and that wasn’t quite right from a Christian’s perspective, was it? I based Claiming Mariah on the following question: “What would a Christian do if they found out their whole livelihood had been based on a lie?” Mariah does the right thing by writing to Slade’s father asking for forgiveness, but the consequences of her actions end up being way more than she bargained for.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I enjoyed getting to know Mariah’s grandmother. Grandma Malone doesn’t dance around particulars or stand on ceremony. This line sums Grandma Malone up to a tee. She gave him with that peculiar look of hers that said she was old enough to say what she wanted and get away with it.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...I hope readers can learn to let go of bitterness toward someone who has wronged them. But on the flip side, I pray that someone who has committed a wrong would have the courage to offer restitution if God lays it on their heart to do so.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Everywhere! Church. Books. Movies. Drinking coffee. (Oh, what a good idea. Be right back…) Watching ants crawl out of a flooded anthill. Boom! I immediately see coal miners fleeing a mine, or WWII soldiers climbing out of bunkers. Oh, sorry, you were asking…
...For Stealing Jake, my debut novel in 2011, Tyndale House Publishers used to publish 2 Heartquest anthologies a year. Tyndale has been my dream publisher from the beginning, and I submitted novella proposals several times trying to break in. Stealing Jake was one of those submissions. Tyndale put out guidelines for a Cowboy Christmas anthology, so the story had to involve Christmas and have a historical setting. Stealing Jake didn’t make the cut for the anthology, but I loved the idea so much that I went back to it later and turned it into a full-length novel. It just happened to be the novel my agent and I were shopping when word went out that Tyndale was launching the Digital First Initiative.
...I honestly can’t remember how I came up with the exact idea for the pickpocket theme, but it was the old adage of opposites attract. If she’s a thief, he’s a lawman. Okay, she’s a reformed thief…or is she? lol

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...First: Believe in yourself. I tamped down the dream until I was almost thirty years old because the author bios and the glamour shots on the back of the books in the bookstore intimidated me. Who was I to think I could compete with such poise, such sophistication, education, and competence? Surely those authors came from wealth and power. But sometimes that glamour shot might be an illusion, the bio polished a little too brightly. You, dear writer friend, are just as worthy as the next person.

...Second: If you’re writing Christian fiction, join ACFW. Develop friendships with other writers, not just connections, but true-blue, ask-me-anything, I’ve-got-your-back friends. It took me years to find those friends because I’m a fairly private person. I don’t open up to others very well, but those friends are the very reason I can be this candid with you today. Find them. Embrace them.

You
Would you prefer chocolates or flowers on Valentines Day??
...Definitely Chocolate.

On Valentines Day would you rather stay in (ie: home with a movie) or go out (ie: night on the town)?
...Generally, we stay at home, but this year, we went to our local steakhouse and enjoyed a delicious steak and shared a chocolate lava cake with ice cream. And we had chocolate covered strawberries waiting at home. Also from a local sweet shop. A very memorable day indeed.

Describe your ideal date.
...Going out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants and riding through the countryside. My son recently purchased a Polaris Rzr, and I can’t wait for us to get our hands on it so we can ride around on the weekends. I think I would enjoy it better than 4-wheelers. Easier to talk to each other and I won’t have to eat my husband’s dust!

About Claiming Mariah...

In light of her father’s death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father’s farm, the only home she’s ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father’s rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Fredrick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade’s careful eye, he will unearth more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal and murder threatens more than the well-being of the ranch, endangering the lives of those who hold it dear. With days dwindling until the rest of the Donovan clan arrive to the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed alters their futures forever.

  To purchase Claiming Mariah click {here}

To celebrate her new release, Pam is giving away two eReaders!
(choice of Kindle Wi-Fi, 6" Display, or Nook Simple Touch)

Two Winners: One on Facebook. One through Pam’s Newsletter.
Facebook Drawing for Kindle/Nook
Pam’s Newsletter

Registering both places is not required but will double your chances of winning. Also keep in mind that you will receive updates more often being connected on facebook than through the newsletter. Just sayin’

Contest runs from January 1st until March 31st, 2013.


                                                ____________________________________

Thank you so much for joining me on the blog today Pam!  It has been so great hearing from you and I absolutely love your advice to aspiring authors - I know I have struggled with feeling inadequate comparing myself to other writers, but your advice rings true, we are just as worthy as the next person. I look forward to hearing about new releases from you in the future :)

ACFW & Varoius Passions

Welp, I became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) tonight.  [Check out the fun badge to the left of my blog - fancy!]  I also spent an inordinate amount of time looking through the vast resources that come with this membership as well as numerous blogs and posts related to other writing pursuits, conferences, and resources.  So.  Much.  Information.

*sigh*

I think what I'm feeling is my age...the funny thing is, I'm not feeling it in the way you'd normally hear, such as "feeling your old age".  I'm feeling my young age.  

I've heard it said that you shouldn't publish a book until after the age of 40.  Now, I'm not sure they (whomever they were) meant a fiction book or a non-fiction book or just any book in general, but that really puts me at a disadvantage.  I mean, that would mean I need to wait at least 14 more years!!  Call me crazy, but I'm not that patient.  Though maybe the moral of it all is that I should be?  Not sure on that one...

The goal to publish does seem daunting.  Pair that with the other things I'm passionate about (like photography, music, ministry, my job etc.) and I have to wonder, do I peruse all of these things?  And if the answer to that is no - how do I choose what to cut? 

This isn't an entirely new thought to me.  I've always taken on more than I should.  I don't like the idea of always answering "busy" to the question, "How are you?".  Yet, I'm a natural 'go-getter' and feel almost guilty sitting around not doing anything when I could be doing something. 

Balance.

As many wise people in my life have frequently reminded me, I need to focus on having balance not only in my life but before the Lord.  What is good, better, and best?  My discipler always likes to remind me of this! :)  Not all things are bad, but you have to choose which is best - not just good.  To choose to focus on Christ first and allow those scattered pieces of my life to fall into their rightful place.  Resting in Him is something I want to do.  More than that, it's something I need to do. 

I've been challenged by the idea that our lives as Christians cannot simply exist as "our lives + Christ".  He can't just be "a part" of our lives but rather the center of our lives.  I've always thought of it like a tether ball pole and a doughnut.  We want to be the doughnut - our lives circling around some nebulous "something" while the real bulk of it is our lives.  Instead, we need to be the ball attached to the rope which is anchored to the pole.  We are rotating around the pole, not the other way around.

I may not be 40, and I may not be a perfect writer, but I do know I have passion for it.  My prayer is that I would accurately balance that passion (along with the many others) with a fire and insatiable hunger for Christ.  I pray passion for Him would out-shadow anything I want and, in turn, shape what I am doing.