Elizabeth Jane Kitchens {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Elizabeth...

Elizabeth Jane Kitchens loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. When she’s not thinking about dashing heroes or how awesome bacteria are—she is a microbiologist after all—she’s probably photographing flowers, telling people she’s crocheting not knitting, or talking about classic books and black-and-white movies. Elizabeth is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in the beautiful, green South.
How to connect with Elizabeth...

Website: www.elizabethjanekitchens.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9884412-elizabeth-kitchens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethJaneKitchens
Twitter: @e_kitchens
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ekitchens0132/
Purchase: The Beast’s Enchantress (it's a steal at .99 cents right now!!!)

Author Interview | Elizabeth Kitchens 

You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I was into science growing up, science and daydreaming. I didn’t like writing even though a tendency toward it runs in my family. My dad actually calls it “the family curse.” I thought I’d escaped, but then a strange thing happened after I finished graduate school—my daydreams starting changing from short, unrelated scenes to long, interconnected ones. They gained plot and the characters became more realistic. Maybe it was the effect of more time for reading and watching movies or simply less stress, but my imagination really kicked into gear. Next thing I knew, I had decided to write a children’s book; I would write it, and a dear friend would illustrate it. Once I put pen to paper, I fell in love. The illustrated children’s book never came to be, but other stories have and many more are waiting their chance.

...Could I give up writing? Yes. I could go back to spending my time watching movies or reading, but I would be rejecting a gift God gave me. I don’t want to do that. Writing is work, but it’s worth it.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...Have you ever wondered about the enchantress from Beauty and the Beast? I love watching the prelude to Disney’s version of the classic tale. The mysterious enchantress shows up at the castle as a hag, turns into a beautiful enchantress, curses the handsome prince to become a beast, and then disappears, never to enter the story again. Why did she do it? Did she go there purposely to test him? What if she was under a curse herself? What if she was once as proud as the prince?
...I wrote The Beast’s Enchantress to answer these questions, and in my story the beautiful enchantress goes through her own “beast” phase, has adventures, and has her own happily-ever-after ending.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Definitely Mr. Woodsman. He’s a kind, clever hero with a sense of humor that perfectly matches Alexandria’s (the enchantress).

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...You’re worthy of love and attention, and others are worthy of love and attention, without regard to appearance, cleverness, or social status. While the heartless prince in Beauty and the Beast wouldn’t give food or shelter to an ugly hag, Alexandria would throw a beggar woman coins, but certainly not speak to her. She’d slight any attempt at conversation made by someone less beautiful, intelligent, or wealthy than herself. But when she becomes the poor and ugly one, she’s forced to ask, is she still worth loving?

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration for my other stories comes from many different places. Often, I’ll come to like a minor villain in one story and have to write another one just to redeem him, or write a story for a secondary character I want to have a happily-ever-after. Once I was editing a story where the heroine was in a carriage crash, necessitating an introduction of the coachman. He suddenly went from a nameless servant to a charming man trying to take over the story and steal the heroine away from the hero. I had to put a stop to that, so I came up with another story with a carriage crash and a heroine just for him.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...To provide fun, clean entertainment. Some other intention, like to help people realize their self-worth, comes later as the characters develop.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Go to conferences, get into a critique group, and keep at it. Don’t expect it to be easy or quick.

You

Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
...Yes. American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Southern Christian Writers’ Conference were helpful (SCWC). SCWC is a nice first conference because it’s small. It also includes sessions on non-fiction writing. ACFW is lots of fun because of all the people and getting to meet authors whose books I’ve read. The chance to meet agents and publishers is great too.

What’s your favorite green food? (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
...Raw green beans. They’re okay when cooked, but fabulous when raw.

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...Scotland.

***Leave a comment to enter to win a print copy of  The Beast's Enchantress***

(US entries only | Winner chosen & announced March 11)

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Loved having you on the blog today Elizabeth! Many of your favorite things mentioned in your bio are some of my favorite things too :D I especially love how you say that, though writing is work, it's not something you'd give up because it's a gift from God! I also love the premise for you novel. The best part about hearing the inspiration behind what people write is to see their unique perspective. I love that the "old hag" caught your attention. And I completely know what you mean when you talk about characters suddenly having a story as well - I go through the same thing thinking, "I wonder about so-and-so and their story!" haha. Thanks again for stopping by, Elizabeth.

Connie Almony {Writer Wednesday} & Giveaway

I am excited to have Connie on the blog with us today! She has graciously offered up a copy of her novella - with a choice of ebook or paperback (in the continental US) - for a GIVEAWAY! To enter for your chance to win, please respond with a comment for Connie or one thing you're looking forward to doing this summer!

The giveaway will be open to entries from today until Monday June 30. I will announce the winner on Tuesday July 1st!

A little bit about Connie...

Connie Almony is trained as a mental health therapist and likes to mix a little fun with the serious stuff of life. She was a 2012 semi-finalist in the Genesis Contest for Women’s Fiction and was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Winter 2012 WOW Flash Fiction Contest. Her newest release, At the Edge of a Dark Forest, is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast about a war-vet, amputee struggling with PTSD.

You can find Connie on the web, writing book reviews for Jesus Freak Hideout, and hosting the following blogs: InfiniteCharacters.com and LivingtheBodyofChrist.Blogspot.com.

How to connect with Connie....

Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Goodreads


Author Interview | Connie Almony

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I’ve always loved a good story, movies or books. I’ve written off and on since I was a kid, but never thought I could make it a career, so I didn’t pursue it until the last several years. However, all my life I’d find myself watching a movie wondering how an author would describe a scene in a book when she didn’t have the luxury of visuals. So, for fun, I’d write in my head throughout the viewing. It became sort of second nature.

...When my daughter was little, I’d watch Disney videos with her and ask her things like, “If you wrote that story, what kind of character would you make so-and-so?” OR “How do you wish that movie ended?” I think this developed a sense of storytelling in her which led her to write them from the moment she could sound out words. Then, one day I helped her brainstorm for a school project to write a Cinderella tale set in modern-day Greece. We came up with so many fun and exciting ideas, but she alone got to pick which ones went in and which got tossed. Though she wrote a wonderful story, I grieved the ideas that didn’t make the cut. It was at that moment I decided I couldn’t let her have all the fun and I needed to do this writing thing myself. I have never looked back.

...What keeps me writing? The sheer pleasure and oneness I feel in doing it. I KNOW this is what I’m supposed to do. Don’t get me wrong, it’s HARD work and I am sometimes wrung out at the end of the day, writing, critiquing, editing and polishing. But it’s like the feeling after a hard run—exhausted, but pumped!

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...I’d have to say hardest thing is marketing. For one, I’m not comfortable going around saying “Look at me,” or even “Look at my book.” However, I believe in my stories, my characters, and how they could potentially touch someone’s life. I know Jesus warns us not to hide our light under a bushel, so I force myself to do it. I’ve written about Jesus marketing Himself on InfiniteCharacters.com if you want to see how I reconcile it in my mind.

...I don’t know that I’d call any of it “easy,” but there are lots of things that are “fun.” One, would be developing a story and characters. The other is engaging with readers who have read it to see how it impacted them. It’s always wonderful to know your hard work has meaning!

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?

...Here’s the blurb:

Cole Harrison, an Iraq war veteran, wears his disfigurement like a barrier to those who might love him, shielding them from the ugliness inside. He agrees to try and potentially invest in, a prototype prosthetic with the goal of saving a hopeless man’s dreams.

Carly Rose contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs, only to discover the darkness that wars against the man he could become.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Only it is not her love that will make him whole.

...This book began from an idea to do a series with my critique partners, based on Fairytales without the magic. I’ve always been intrigued with the story of Beauty and the Beast because of the element of loving someone for their insides and not their looks. However, as a counselor who’s worked with young women who’ve chosen projects, as boyfriends, rather than soul mates, I’m always concerned about encouraging the idea that it is a woman’s job to change a man with her love. So, in At the Edge of a Dark Forest, it’s not Carly’s love that makes him whole.

...We call this series “Fairwilde Reflections.” A new fairytale will be released each month by one of my critique partners. Check the schedule here.

...I had to figure out how this man would be a beast, and how could he be transformed without magic. After having done a Military Ministries Series on my blog LivingtheBodyofChrist.blogspot.com a couple of years ago, I’ve been particularly moved by the many ways our veterans have sacrificed so we could be free. That’s how the idea of a war-vet, amputee with PTSD came to mind.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Oh, that’s a hard question. I love all my people :o). If I had to choose, I might say Joe Sakamoto. He’s the horse trainer on Cole’s estate, and what we writers call the “Yoda” character—the mentor of sorts. Still, his son, Sam, is calling for me to write a story about him soon. I feel a sequel coming on.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...As I mentioned above, it is not Carly’s love that changes the man. God uses us to reach His people, but sometimes we need to listen for when He calls us to step back and let Him do the work alone. Yes, Carly challenges him, as does Joe, Sam and even young Manny, but there is a time when all of these people need to stop talking so God’s voice can be heard. We need to trust that God knows what He’s doing.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...My ideas come from any input I might get from the world. My first manuscript was inspired by my time as the resident director of a hard-partying, all-male, college dorm. I had to live in the building (at twenty-four years old) with hundreds of hormonal guys. My second was based on some commonalities I found with certain issues I dealt with as a counselor of young women. The one I’m working on now was originally inspired by a Mel Gibson movie called Ransom. I think that released around the time I started reading Christian Fiction, and I’d wondered how you could take some themes in the movie and Christianize them. Then, of course, I added a romance, and a few quirky characters (inspired by family members) and now it’s a very different story.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...My first intention was just to have fun with a story and give the reader the same opportunity. However, God often takes me on a journey as I go and I’m not always sure where it will end up. Given I did not grow up in a very Bible-believing, Christian-centric community, I often write about characters who have no clue who this Jesus guy really is. I love to watch each of them come to a new understanding of God through the walk He gave them and the people He placed around them. So, though my original intention is to entertain, if they become encouraged and inspired along the way, all the better. I also hope the reader will laugh. We all need a good laugh every now and then.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...If this is something you feel called to do, then do it! Write the words. Don’t worry about how bad you think it is. Get the words on the page. We live in the time of word processing for-goodness-sake! Your first draft is not your last. You can fix it!

...Sorry about all the exclamation points, but I get a little passionate about writing :o)!!!

You

What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing?
...I’m a huge Christian music fan! In fact, I can’t write without a music muse. For At the Edge of a Dark Forest my muse was NEEDTOBREATHE. For my first manuscript it was Third Day. I also have a Tenth Avenue North manuscript and am working on a David Crowder Band manuscript right now. It’s funny how each of these sets the tone for the characters and the setting in a way nothing else does. Once I turn the music on, my mind wanders into the story and I can’t think of anything else.

...Oops! I just realized you asked what I did when I’m NOT writing. Probably thinking about my story.

Thinking of Fathers Day, is there a story you’d like to share with the readers about your father? 
...When my sisters and I were little, the whole family would drive to Plattsburg, New York to visit relatives—a ten-plus hour sojourn from our home. In the compact-car era, we would have to take two vehicles (Dodge Omnis, both)—mom driving one and dad the other. One time my mother was trying to pump gas into her car (a new phenomenon at the time) and some guy was chastising her because she was having difficulty learning how. My father came from his car to intervene. The guy told him to mind his own business while he dealt with “the lady.” My dad got a little heated and said, “That’s no lady. That’s my wife!” then proceeded to dress him down for being disrespectful to her. I was so proud of him for sticking up for my mom and educating the young man on what it means to show respect.

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Connie, I just loved how you described your passion for writing - just knowing that it's something you have to do! Also, I thought it was really interesting that you mentioned encouraging the idea that women think it's their love that will change their significant other. What a great reminder that it's the Lord's love that must accomplish that! And wow...living in a guys dorm at 24 - sounds like a messy and smelly nightmare *hehe* ;) And, in true writer fashion, your answer about relaxing when not writing is similar to mine. You may not be writing, but you're thinking about it! Love it!

Well, thank you so much for taking the time to be a guest and for my readers, don't forget to comment below to Connie and/or about one thing you're looking forward to doing this summer!

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck |RE:View

Sometimes, when I finish a book, I feel a small part of me has ended. Reading Princess Ever After, the second book in Rachel Hauck's The Royal Wedding Series, has left me feeling exactly this way.

Riding on the coattales of book one, Once Upon a Prince (my review found here) I found Princess Ever After to be just as delightful as is predecessor! How could I not love a book where an ordinary girl who likes to restore cars gets the opportunity of a lifetime to become a princess?

The fiery, red-headed princess-to-be, Regina, taunted me with her strong will and determined ideals. I found myself routing for her and, at times, frustrated with her resistance to something as amazing as being a princess (I mean come on, what girl doesn't want to be a princess!?). Then again, if faced with running a country, I'd probably be resistant as well! Then, of course, there was the handsome, ex-rugby playing Minister of Culture, Tanner Burkhardt with his own determined approach to life and secretive past. These two made for an explosive combination that set the stage for the perfect slow burning romance Hauck is so good at creating.

A talented author can create a world so real that you slip into it as if you'd always been a part of it. As if it were truth. I have found that to be true of Hauck no matter what she writes about. Upon entering the world of Brighton and now Hessenberg, my mind was awash with the colors, sounds, sights, and even smells of this delightful, fictional city. So much so, I wish it were real so that I could schedule a visit!

All in all, this was a world I did not want to leave. With both speed and hesitance I finished the book quickly, needing to know how it would all work out but not wanting the adventure to end. It leaves me looking forward to the third book rumored to be coming out in 2015 - which is much too far away in my opinion ;)

I highly recommend this book (in addition to book one) as excellent choices for lovers of southern fiction, romance, and the modern fairy tale! You will not be disappointed to hop in the car and ride out the adventure with Her Majesty, Princess Regina.  

Book Description:
*Description taken from Rachel Hauck's website

Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.

Purchase the book here: Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series)

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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.   

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck | RE:View

There is something about a fairy tale that captures a deep part of my heart. The notion of leading a kingdom, royalty, and elegant balls all resonate with my imagination and leave me daydreaming in a world where nobility is a reality and true love is always found.

Rachel Hauck's Once Upon A Prince, the first book in her Royal Wedding Series, meets all the qualifications (and more) for an honest-to-goodness, real-life fairy tale.

I found Susanna and Prince Nathaniel to be genuine, honest characters. From the moment I was introduced to the initial setting of St. Simon's Island, I was captured by the beauty Hauck described. I felt the soft Gerogian wind and could see the rolling sea oats lining the shore.

Rachel Hauck has a way of painting a story on your heart. Her descriptions are more felt than read and create the type of experience that transports her readers into the book.

For a plot that could be viewed as 'over done' or 'cliche', I didn't get that feeling at all from Once Upon A Prince. Hauck dealt with a fictitious country, politics and laws of this country, and ceremonies and customs all in a believable and understandable way that added to the plot.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance, fairy tales, or just good writing in general! It's an excellent book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Book description: 
*Description taken from Rachel Hauck's website

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?

Purchase the book here: Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding Series)

                                                            _______________________
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.