Get to know April Lynn Newell | Author Interview

Readers, join me in welcoming April to the blog today! April, tell us a little bit about yourself…
I have been writing ever since I can remember. However, it was my fourth grade teacher who gave me the encouragement I needed to believe in myself as a writer. From that point on, I was a writer.

I am a proud resident of Texas and live in the burbs with my husband, John, and daughters, Emalyn and Olivia. I can't get enough of pizza and hummus. I like nature walks, reading and binge watching TV shows. I owe all to my Jesus and love serving Him through my passions and talents.

Um, YUM, now I want pizza and hummus. Haha. So let’s talk about how you got into writing… I have always loved writing and after the encouragement of my 4th grade teacher and family, I have continued on the literary path. God has blessed me with a passion for not just writing but sharing truth. Thus, I went to school for a journalism degree. I now publish my own magazine but more creatively I write for young adult fantasy fiction lovers! My novel (part 1 in a trilogy) illustrates my desire for all our talents to reflect the Father and the great things He has done for us. That's why I write. Not just to entertain but to challenge, to share hope, to highlight truth in the midst of life.

Oh wow! You publish your own magazine that’s great!
Journalism, poetry, fiction. I love it all and have done it all. I am excited to begin my career as a novelist with The Reconciling: Part I of the Overcome Trilogy.

Fantastic! Let’s talk more about your book then…
The Reconciling is about Chrissi Camden who finds herself on a mysterious and spontaneous journey to the ancient King Roi (raw-ee) who may be able to lift her life-long and deadly curse. Unfortunately, the king calls her on this journey with not just her best friend, the intelligent Phil, but her archenemy, Lesia, and the rebel of their school, Kesil. Together, the four make their way on a journey they never anticipated in a land much, much different than home, where a supernatural war takes place before their very eyes.

As they fight strange and terrifying creatures, pass through eerie places and over treacherous terrain this unique crew learns more than they bargained for.

Sounds thrilling! What sparked the idea for the book?
I began writing this book several years ago in an effort to add some light and hope to my favorite genre - Young Adult Fantasy. As I perused my favorite genre aisle at Barnes and Noble I noticed how much darkness was increasing there. Almost every book cover was black! I yearned for a story was honest but hopeful, tired of the gritty and over-dramatic tales that populate the teen fiction section. As I prayed about my passion of writing, God laid Chrissi's story on my heart and I've been on a journey of my own ever since.

I’ve noticed that too. That’s fantastic that you saw that and wanted to do something about it! So, what about these characters then? Do you have a favorite?
While my work began with Chrissi's story, my favorite character is actually Kesil Pike. He's a lonely rebel, an instigator, a deep-thinker, a wayward soul. I identify so much with Kesil's doubts and questions, I think we probably all do even if it isn't to the extent that he struggles. That's what I hope for each of my characters, that each one has a little bit of all of us. I can honestly identify with them all because I strive to show honest struggles of the Christian walk, trials we have or will probably come across along the way with Christ as the enemy tries to divide our hearts.

Amazing! That’s so great. I often ask authors if they have a verse that either impacted the book they wrote or was significant to them during the time they wrote. Do you have one you’d like to share?
Revelation 2:11 came up again and again as I worked on The Reconciling, "He who overcomes shall not be harmed by the second death." We can overcome through the blood of Christ and as the trials come and end draws near we will not be harmed! How hopeful and challenging a verse! Challenging to stick with the Spirit over the flesh and hopeful with the promise that we will not be harmed.

I hope readers take away that truth, that although we WILL suffer trials, there is always hope. My characters have trials that are intensified as they see the spiritual war take place before them and in them on a different plane BUT the fact is that war takes place around us everyday. As darkness clouds our entertainment industry, hope will prevail and always be available to overcome.

What a great take away! I love that :D So, let’s talk a little bit about writing. Do you have a piece of advice you’d give aspiring writers?
Read! If you want to be a writer, read. Read different genres. Read non-fiction and fiction. Reading will help hone your skills and decide what you like and don't like. As you read you will develop your own style and voice. Lots of authors also love to connect with their readers. Join their Facebook groups, e-mail them questions, connect with others who have gone before you and are successful at their craft.

Yes, I totally agree. So, when you sit down to write, what does that look like for you?
My writing process first involves prayer. I ask for inspiration. I give the project to God. Then I sit down and answer bio questions about my characters. I get to know them, what motivates them, what they like and don't like. Then I work on my plot and the ebb and flow of the big events. I write these into a chart of sorts. Then I write in all the details. After getting a rough draft done I read through it and add even more details. Then I read through it again (yep) and make some edits, maybe add more if it comes to me. Once I feel like I have a good first draft ready I send it to editors/proofreaders. Then I make those changes advised by them. Whew!

That’s so important – it’s easy to forget that God is in control of it all! Okay, down to the nitty-gritty—what’s your least favorite part of writing?
My least favorite part of the writing process is writing when I don't feel like it. I make my deadlines and try to stick to them (even with 2 kiddos at home). That means that sometimes I have to write when I feel uninspired and tired. But sometimes my best work comes in those moments! My favorite part of writing is when I do feel inspired and all these little connections in the plot come together. I often feel energized and excited after those writing sessions!

I’ve had to learn that with my ghostwriting as well. Writing when you don't “want” to is so challenging isn’t it? How long did it take you to become published?
I started writing The Reconciling about six years before I finally finished and published it! Fear not, book two will not take that long. Now that I know the plot for the whole series it's just a matter of writing it.

What are some things you do to grow as a writer?
I read. I write. I write when I don't want to and I read when I don't want to. That really stretches me. Reading a new genre or something I didn't think I would like also stretches me artistically!

How do you balance life and writing? Any tips you can share with us?
Ha! That balance changes daily with me. I have two kids under 2 years old right now so there are many days I don't get to write. Some days I can get a lot done. It just depends. But God and family come first. If I feel out of whack, negative, depressed or lonely I know something is up and out of balance. It's usually that I haven't spent time in the Word.

Are you able to listen to music when you write?
I love listening to adventure/action movie scores while I write. I also like listening to strong female artists.

Oh yeah I love listening to movie scores too! Care to share a playlist?
You can view my Spotify writing playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/user/1266381831/playlist/1FQBwYjAf0mUNceFMFoEy1

Love it! I use Spotify for playlists as well. Any final thoughts for those out there for aspiring writers?
Do your research and connect with other authors. There are plenty of groups on Facebook and blogs where you can connect with others who can give you learned advice and encouragement!

Thank you for those great suggestions! Now to the fun stuff – SNACKS! Do you have a favorite when you’re writing?
My favorite snack while writing is definitely chocolate. It's my favorite snack anytime. Is that a snack? Or dessert? I don't care! :-)

All right, then what is your favorite dessert then?
My favorite dessert happens to be a pie! It's chocolate cream/silk pie! Yum! I'm a chocolate fiend if you haven't noticed!

Lastly, care to share what you’re reading right now?
I am currently reading an advanced copy of Mandy Fender's Sparrow from her Defier series. It is a FANTASTIC series so far and I highly recommend it for any YA fans.

I’ve had Mandy here on the blog – how fun! And thank you so much for being my guest today. Love this fun interview with you :D

Readers, go connect with April:
Purchase: The Reconciling (*Note: The Reconciling eBook is on SALE for $0.99 for the month of August! Make sure you take advantage!)
Website: www.emboldenzine.com
Blog: newellnovels.wordpress.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14582511.April_Lynn_Newell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newellnovels
Twitter: www.twitter.com/april_newell 
Shop: http://www.redbubble.com/people/newellnovels/works/21746949-the-reconciling-cover-swag?grid_pos=3&p=t-shirt

Don't forget to enter to win a copy of The Reconciling below:
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Sarah Loudin Thomas | New Novel News

A Tapestry of Secrets
by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Published: August 2, 2016
From: Bethany House
Purchase: A Tapestry of Secrets

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long? Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next.

Get to know Sarah...

Who is your favorite secondary character?
Secondary characters are often my favorites! And hands down my favorite of all time is Frank Post who appears in Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest. He starts out as a well-read drunk who’s part of a love triangle that’s lasted 50+ years. Eventually, he cleans up and marries one of the now 90-something ladies from that triangle. Frank is a world traveler who was a horse wrangler for Wild Bill Cody. He’s lived life hard and earns the peace he finds through a great deal of struggle. He has the BEST lines and I swear I didn’t write them, Frank just told me what to put down. I wanted to include him in A Tapestry of Secrets, but he would have been something like 125 years old, so I had to say goodbye. I miss Frank!

Cats or dogs or both?
Oh, dogs! I mean, cats are fine, but dogs are quite possibly God’s greatest invention. I’ve loved many a dog and right now have Thistle for my boon companion. She’s approaching six years of age and we hike together almost every day. Sometimes we let my husband come along. And while she’s my true love, I really have a hard time not loving on every dog I meet. Service dogs are so HARD for me. I have to clasp my hands behind my back and not make eye contact, because they can tell how badly I want to rub their ears and I hate to distract them.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
This probably isn’t fair since it’ll be at least another year before anyone gets to meet him, but I’m pretty crazy for Judd Markley. He’s the hero in my fourth novel which is likely to come out in 2017. He’s a coal miner who gives up mining after a terrible accident and heads for the coast of South Carolina. He’s tall with dark hair, blue flannel eyes, and dimples in his chin and his cheeks, but you rarely see the ones in his cheeks because he’s so serious. He brooks no nonsense, has a heart of gold, and is loyal to a fault. I found a photograph of a Virginia coal miner in the National Archives that I added to my Pinterest page for Book #4. It looks so much like I imagine Judd, it gives me goose bumps. Sigh.

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Chawna Schroeder {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Chawna...

Chawna Schroeder loves stretching both imagination and faith through her novels. Living in Minnesota, she dreams of far-off places, daring swordfights, magic spells, and princes in disguise, just like her favorite Disney princess Belle. When she isn’t committing her dreams to paper, you can find her studying the biblical languages, working with fiber, or teaching about the importance of discernment.

Connect with Chawna...

Website: www.chawnaschroeder.weebly.com
Blog: www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com

Get to know Chawna...

You and Writing

Let's talk about you and writing...

Story has always been an intricate part of my DNA. Bedtime stories would make me hyper rather putting me to sleep. Mom taught me to read when I was four because I wouldn’t talk. And I have many childhood memories of my dad making up a story with objects & characters we kids would ask for. Indeed, one of my grand ambitions at the age of six was to someday write down the stories my dad told.

Despite this, I put away writing stories through most of middle school and high school. I loved the creative writing assignments but never wrote anything beyond that. As graduation approached, though, I felt lost. Nothing I considered pursuing seemed right. Finally, my parents, who had tired of my bemoaning this, sat me down and asked, “If you didn’t have to worry about money or education but could do anything you want, what would it be?”

My immediate one-word answer probably surprised me more than them: “Write.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book...

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
I have several favorites in the story, but one of my favorites turned out to be a minor character who appears for only one chapter. I needed someone to help my protagonist to get into a city, and there rolled up Old Thaddeus in his wagon to help. His unassuming manners, his rambling dialogue, and his unrefined gentleness all captivated me. Even to this day, his scene never fails to bring a smile to my face.

What’s the theme? How did you come up with it?
Beast has various themes woven through it, but one of the core ideas that drove the story for me was the need to unconditionally accept God’s unconditional love. That is, for God to fully express His unconditional love, we have let Him express—unconditionally.

This theme sprang out of an emotionally down time, when I was feeling especially unlovable. I knew God loved me and loved me unconditionally, but I couldn’t understand why or how He could.

So God gave me the image of Him standing with His arm outstretched, ready to catch me. But for Him to catch me, I had to let go. I had to let go of my need to understand or explain. I had to let go of my view of myself to see me as He did. I had to accept His love simply was.

Indeed, the image was so potent to me that it became a central scene of Beast.
Was there a passage of scripture you came across or used while writing it that you’d like to share?

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Roman 8:15

What was a challenge you faced while writing it?
Beast was the book I never intended to write—never wanted to write. In my mind, during that time before I wrote the novel, Beast was a dark and violent story, asking me to imagine things I didn’t want to think about. Complicating matters further, I was convinced it was a story that would never be published; no one in the Christian market would tackle the slightly off-kilter story I had conceived.

So actually convincing myself to sit down and write the story was one of the earliest challenges I faced in writing this story. But I wasn’t getting anywhere with any other stories I was writing, and this story wouldn’t go away. Finally I wrote a chapter. Looking back now, I think I was hoping that writing a chapter would get the story out of my system. Then I could go back to my other writing. The reaction of my critique partners convinced me otherwise. It was the only time I remember reading a chapter which was followed by dead silence and then a singled whispered word: “Wow.”

Interestingly, nothing I feared became reality. The final version of the book didn’t turn out nearly as dark or violent as I had imagined, and obviously Beast has found a place to be published in the Christian market.

What was one thing (or character) that surprised you while writing this book?
Another favorite character, Tracker, was never supposed to exist for more two or three chapters. He was supposed to be another of those characters who gets the protagonist from point A to point B, nothing more. In fact, I didn’t want him to stick around as he was associating with some rather unsavory characters and causing trouble for my protagonist.

But Sharon, one of my critique partners, strenuously disagreed. As she pointed out, Tracker had called the protagonist “she” instead of “it,” like everyone else up to that point. It was an unintentional slip on my part—and nudging from God—which led to Tracker filling a much bigger role in the story.

Writing

Let’s talk about your writing life...

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
Daily remember that writing is a privilege.

For when we create a story, we start with a blank page and an idea, and from this “nothingness” we create a miniature world. So by engaging in this form of creation, we imitate the God in whose image we are made. After all, the main thing we know about God in Genesis 1, in whose image we are made, is that He is a creator. Therefore, the very act of writing stories, no matter what happens to them, gives us insights to the character of God that many other people fail to understand.

I learned this during a particularly rough time about a year before I was finally contracted. Writing has become an arduous act of obedience. But when I remembered the privilege of writing, my joy was restored. Just the simple act of writing became significant and full of purpose. It no longer mattered if the writing was imperfect or if the story would be published or if it ever impacted another person or even if it changed me. That then freed me from perfectionism and the need to see results. I finally saw that writing itself was worthwhile activity, for it was an act of worship of the Creator, which of course is what I was ultimately created for.

I admit, this is still hard to remember sometimes. But when I take the time to remember, more joy than labor fills my writing time.

What does your writing process look like?
I’m supposed to have a writing process? Even after two novellas and five novels I have yet to find a “process.” Each story insists on being written in its own unique way. Not a method I recommend, but I guess that’s how my brain is wired at the moment.

How long did it take to publish your first book?
I seriously started pursuing writing in February 2000. So it has taken me just over sixteen years to see my first novel in print. During that time, I think I have been rejected, either verbally during pitching or on paper, by every major Christian publisher and agent who would look at my stuff—including the publisher of Beast.

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
All my stories thus far have come from an emotional “heartbeat”—a source which triggered a strong emotional reaction, since story is one of the ways I process the world. As a result, I have found inspiration from a very emotional scene in a movie, dreams I’ve had when sleeping, or as with Beast, an unusually potent encounter with God.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, have a favorite artist or playlist to share?
No music for me. Unlike most authors, I don’t have a movie running through my head when I write. Rather, I “hear” my stories, possibly because I listened to books read and to my dad’s storytelling so much as I grew up. So as a result, I need quiet to write.
Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft?

The oldie but goodie, Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain, for general writing technique. Anything by Donald Maass—his work is always practical and provides tools you can put into immediate practice. The Imagineering Way by the Disney Imagineers, for a unique look at the creative process. Chris Volger’s work on the hero’s journey helped me with understanding the rhythm of plot.

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You

Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
I have attended several conferences and workshops over the years, each helpful in their own way.
The American Christian Writer conferences tend to be cheaper and often can be found closer to home, providing a great way for beginners to test the writing waters.
The Iowa Summer Writing Festival is a secular forum that allows writers to focus on very specific areas of craft. This forum is especially good if you tend toward the literary side of fiction.
Both the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference & the American Christian Fiction Conference are great places for connecting with other Christian writers and for meeting industry professionals, like editors and agents.
My favorite workshop for growing in the craft is the Break-Out Novel Intensive (or related courses) under agent Donald Maass. Although he isn’t a Christian, I love how he provides not just techniques but practical tools for immediate application. So though his classes can be pricy, they have been worth every penny I’ve spent.
Also when I was just starting out, I took correspondence courses from the Institute of Children’s Literature and the Christian Writer’s Guild (now defunct). While these aren’t a conference, the one-on-one teaching I received from these places was invaluable for setting the foundation of writing for me.

Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert?
I love pie and all kinds of desserts, but homemade red-hot divinity is probably my current favorite.

What are you currently reading?
Biblical History: The Old Testament by Alfred Edersheim. I also just finished Jenny L. Cote’s The Wind, the Road & the Way, a delightful bible retelling for 8-12 year-olds, while Swift by R.J. Anderson is next in my pile to read.

Realm Makers 2016 Reacp

Have you ever walked into a place and felt a sense of "rightness" about it? As if you were meant to be there? Accepted and understood?

That is the Realm Makers Conference for me!

This year's conference was hosted on the Villanova University campus which is stunning with all of its stone buildings and lush greenery (you can see that in the pictures to the side). The keynote speaker was none other than Thomas Locke (also known as Davis Bunn) and he was fantastic! If you've been following my blog for any length of time you'll know that I've read the first two books in his fantasy series: Emmisary and Merchant Of Alyss, so getting to hear him speak at a speculative fiction conference was amazing. He had deep points that I will take to heart as I continue on in my writing journey.   

In addition to all of the wonderful and amazing classes and speakers present at Realm Makers, it was just a whole lot of fun. I've got a post coming about this later in the week, but being around a bunch of people who are nerdy like you are is pretty amazing.

Attending a conference like this is the perfect chance to catch up with friends you've connected with online for the last year and to bring that friendship into the "real world". It's also a great time for talking about the characters that usually exist only in our heads, discussing wild ideas, and sharing our successes, failures, joys, and fears. I always come back from a conference like this enthusiastic to to continue on in my own writing projects after hearing of the struggles my fellow writers have had. I realize: "I'm not alone" and if they can do it, so can I!

Three things to put into practice: 

1) Treating your book as a product
This was a point that Thomas Locke made and it really hit home for me. As a writer who hopes and prays to become a published author one day, I am quick to realize that I get very attached to my books. They are, after all, like children to me. Thomas pointed out that the reality is, if you've got a publisher looking to publish your manuscript there will be changes made, but that is only because they will be made to make your book better and in the interest of selling it. It becomes a product at that point.

It could sound like a very stringent way to look at a book, but the more hands that hold the book mean the more people you are able to reach with the message of your book. Though my writing is an extension of reaching others as well as entertaining them, my writing is also a business and I think it will help me to have more of a detached attitude at certain points.

2) Forging a discipline around my creative process
Thomas Locke spoke a lot about disciplines a writer should have and they all resonated with me, but this part was especially impactful. He explained how the first draft of your work is very much a "free" creative process but the moment you move to the second draft things change. You must approach it with discipline and realize the editing process will be critical and is not about you it's about making the book better.

3) Where possible, adapt to the outside world
This last point  also hit me deeply. Thomas spoke of the change in the market and where our books can (and will in some cases) go. He encouraged us to adapt to the outside world. He wasn't saying for us to become like the world, but to find our place in it as spec writers. I loved what his guidance was. He said, "You must find your way though prayer". It's so true! A lot of the writers I know and those that I met aspire to reach the world through their writing. Some will do that in the CBA and others will do this in the general market, but either way they must be guided by the Lord. His perspective was very encouraging to me!

Final takeaways:

*There are others out there who understand the mix of "nerd" and "normal" that I am. Those people are fun, accepting, and just a whole lot of fun!

*Realm Makers is the only place a Tardis would be caught taking headshot photos of a Jedi... 

*The Lord has created us Speculative Fiction writers with a unique way to look at the world. We may tell stories differently than others - using magic, time travel, spaceships, or zombies - but these differences are beautiful. I personally love the fact that I enjoy writing Romantic Suspense and YA Science Fiction!

*The friendships I've forged through Realm Makers are cherished, full of quirkiness, and so vital to who I am as a writer and as a Christian!
*I seriously need to figure out my world structure for this new SciFi I'm working on...Thanks Kathy Tyers!

*The Doctor, River Song, and a Weeping Angel can co-exist as roommates!

*When all else fails, the answer is 42 ;-)

>>>If you went to Realm Makers - what were some of your favorite memories?

For those of you who didn't get to join the Realm Makers fun, I brought a piece of it back for you! I'm offering a copy of Firebird by Kathy Tyers to one winner with a U.S. Address. Enter below:
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Catherine West {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Catherine...

Award-winning author Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine’s novel, Bridge of Faith, won the 2015 Grace Award. Her new novel, The Things We Knew, releases July 12th, 2016, through Harper Collins Christian Publishing. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

Connect with Catherine...

Website – http://www.catherinejwest.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CatherineJWest
Twitter - https://twitter.com/cathwest
GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4715219.Catherine_West
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/cathwest/
Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/108781711729974539211/posts
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-West/e/B004RWZUHK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cathwestwrites/

Get to know Catherine...

You and Writing

Lets talk about you and writing...

I’ve been writing for many years now. I started way back when my daughter was a baby. It was a few years after that, when both my kids were in school, that I began to pursue publication. At first I wasn’t sure I really wanted to get published, but the I shared my work, the more encouragement I received, and the dream was born. It hasn’t been an easy road at all, but there have been so many blessing along the way. I have the best agent, and she has been a great supporter of me from day one, and last year when we finally landed a 2 book deal with my dream publisher, Harper Collins, I think she was almost more excited than I was!

Your Writing

Let's talk about your book...

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? 
I love all of the characters in The Things We Knew, but if I had to pick, I’d say Gray and Cecily are my two favorite characters. Cecily, because she’s so filled with hope and wisdom, she just makes you feel better. And she’s a great baker and cook. :-) And Gray. Oh, man is he a messed up soul in need of a come to Jesus moment. :-) But there’s something about him I identify with in a way. I know what it’s like to feel you don’t have much hope to hold onto, and I also know what it means to have friends and family come alongside and see you through those hard times.
 
What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? 
As in most of my stories, hope and grace are very prevalent in The Things We Knew. Although all the characters in the book have their own struggles, there is always hope that things will get better. The story is really about seeking truth, and I think most of us can identify with this. Secrets and lies are dangerous, it really is the truth that sets us free.

Were your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
My characters always seem to take on a life of their own. This was true for all of them in The Things We Knew. Lynette grew the most, I kept having to write her differently in every edit, because she was growing stronger and I needed to make sure her personal growth was obvious. Each of the siblings have their own story, their own history. While we don’t get to see all of their stories in this book, I was always thinking about them, and hope perhaps one day I will get to share those with my readers as well.

What made you choose the setting for the book?
Because I live on an island myself, I felt the setting of Nantucket would be somewhat familiar. The story could really take place anywhere, I suppose, but as it turns out, the setting became a character too, playing a huge part in the mood of certain scenes, stormy weather especially. :-)

Writing

Let’s talk about your writing life...

How long did you write before you got published?
Years. LOL. Literally, it was years. I was almost at the point of thinking it wasn’t going to happen, and then I got my first contract for Yesterday’s Tomorrow back in 2011.

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
The biggest thing for me is learning to have faith in yourself. And for some people, this can be really hard. Especially if you’re facing rejection and you just don’t know why. But if you believe you’ve been gifted, you somehow find the strength to persevere and the faith to know that one day, it will happen.

Are you a Panster or Plotter?
Panstser all the way! I like to plot inasmuch as having a rough idea of where I am going with the story, occupations, ages of characters and good character sketches before I begin a story, but that’s about as far as I get, because the story always takes on a life of it’s own somehow. :-)

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?
I love starting a story. That’s the most exciting part, when ideas are fresh and new and you just can’t wait to get it all written down. And then comes the middle . . . that’s not so fun. LOL! But once I can push through that part, the rest seems to flow naturally. Editing is my least favorite part, especially when you’re looking at cutting a lot of words. But I know it’s a necessary evil, so I suck it up and just get on with it.

What did you learn along the path to publishing that you’d care to share as encouragement? Patience!! Actually, I am not convinced I’ve learned that lesson yet. :-) But honestly, it’s very rare for an author to ‘make-it’ overnight. Often it takes several tries to land an agent, and even then, you don’t always get a contract right away. I think most new writers need to accept this going in, and understand that if they want to be traditionally published, they may be in for a wait. I’ve also learned how very important friendships with other authors are. You really need to be in community with people who truly understand this journey, and will walk it with you. That kind of support and encouragement is invaluable. And learning to write well is a process. I don’t believe even the best writers will ever get to the point where they feel they ‘know it all’. I’m constantly learning and trying to improve my work. The goal of course is to get better with each book, but most of all, have fun with it. :-)

How do you grow in your writing craft?
I maintain relationship with other authors, talk writing and craft and learn from those who’ve been at this a lot longer than me. Going to writers conferences is very important to me. I attend ACFW every year that I can. The teaching and fellowship found there is invaluable. I probably wouldn’t be published if I hadn’t found this wonderful organization!

How do you balance your writing life with “real” life? Any tips or tricks to share?
Ha. I think I’m still figuring this out!! Since being contracted, I really have to keep to a schedule, so I try to write as much as I can during the day, taking breaks to play with and walk my dog. I try to work out early, then go into my ‘office’ to work, rather than just lounging on the couch with my laptop. And when I’m on deadline, I turn off social media, and check in as a reward for however many hours I’ve worked. That’s probably my biggest challenge though, staying offline!

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You

How did you like to celebrate the 4th of July?
Bermuda is a British colony, so we don’t celebrate the 4th of July. :-)

What is your favorite activity during the summer?
Probably swimming. Mid-July through the end of September, it’s very hot and humid here, so the only way to really be outside is to be in the water.

Share a personal freedom you’ve experienced.
Last year was quite a challenging one for me. I’d received what we thought was really positive news regarding my writing back in the fall of 2014. By January 2015, we knew that wasn’t going to happen. And it hit me hard. I wasn’t exactly sure how it would all play out or where I was going with my writing. I’d been slogging away with my Indie books, but I knew that wasn’t where I really wanted to be. My dream had always been to write for a major publishing house. After a few really hard months, I finally surrendered everything, and I mean everything, to God. I told Him, “I don’t know what your plan is in all this, but I trust You with it.” I started to heal at that point, and life began to feel a little saner. It was literally about a month later that my agent contacted me to let me know I’d been offered a 2 book deal with Harper Collins. I think I stared at those words for a long time before I realized what had happened. As soon as I let go, I gave God room to move. It was an amazing lesson. One I should know, but obviously I needed that reminder. :-) The freedom in fully trusting God is really astounding, isn’t it?

What are you currently reading?
I just finished The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron, which was excellent, and I’m now reading The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah. I don’t have nearly as much time to read as I wish I had!!

Emilie here: Thank you for being my guest Cathy! I've enjoyed The Things We Knew so far - sadly I've been swamped with moving but I'll finish it soon!

A Changed Agent by Tracey J. Lyons | New Novel News

A Changed Agent
by Tracey J. Lyons

Published: July 19, 2016
From: Waterfall Press
Purchase: A Changed Agent

When schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell meets rugged William Benton on a train platform in Albany, it appears they have nothing in common. He isn’t the sort of fellow a proper young woman of the 1890s would ever speak to, much less become involved with. But when she arrives at her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie is offered a job as caregiver for this mysterious out-of-towner’s niece and nephew, who’ve been tragically orphaned. Heartbroken for them, she accepts.

Unknown to her, William is an undercover Pinkerton agent posing as a lumber-company foreman. He’s never wanted family—his work is too dangerous. Yet as Elsie transforms his house into a home and he spends time with the children, he feels drawn to family life—and to Elsie.

As a good Christian, Elsie is troubled by William’s secrets…though she does find him intriguing. And when a sinister figure from her past arrives, Elsie and William will have to trust in faith and newfound love to protect their unlikely family from danger.

Get to know Tracey...

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? 
I absolutely love staying in Key West. I like to think that my literary people are there! With all those Hemingway vibes I feel right at home.

What are you reading right now? 
Cindy Nord’s fabulous civil war novel, No Greater Glory.

Do you have a nickname? Yes Care to share?
My sister likes to call me spit fire!

An Amazon Top Ten bestselling historical romance author of the Women of Surprise series, Tracey sold her first book on 9/9/99! Her books have been translated into several languages and are available in print, digital and audio formats. Tracey lives with her husband in New York’s Hudson Valley region. She has appeared on the award winning Cox Cable Television show, Page One and on the stage of Lady Jane’s reading salon in New York City. She holds membership in Romance Writers of America, American Fiction Christian Writers and Novelists Inc. A true upstate New Yorker, Tracey believes you should write what you know. Her historical romances are all set in the New York State area. Tracey considers herself a small town gal who writes small town romances.

Connect with her on her webssite: www.traceylyons.com

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Accelerant by Ronie Kendig | Cover Reveal

I am over-the-moon excited for Ronie Kendig's next fantasy release, Accelerant coming October 14,2016!

From Embers:

HE'S COMING FOR THEM. AND THE KINGDOM.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan's disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king's wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.

Book One in the "Abiassa's Fire" series.

Read my review of Embers here.


And now, because you've all been so patient, I'm excited to introduce you to Accelerant...

Ahhh! >Sits and stares at screen for several minutes< Isn't it stunning? Dare I say this cover is HOT! I mean, just wow. I loved the Embers cover so much and this is just as fantastic if not better. I don't know thought...I'm not sure I can make that call and thankfully I don't have to!


But wait, there's more!

Pre-Order NOW because the first 50 people who pre-order and send their receipt/proof of purchase to Ronie will get a fun goodie bag of bookish items. Woohoo!

And I'll let you in on a little secret...these items will come from my Etsy shop and will be specially designed by me! I'm super excited to partner with Ronie to create some fun Accelerant merch.

So make sure you go pre-order NOW and add this beauty to your Goodreads list HERE.