The Power of Laughter by Ane Mulligan

I'm excited to introduce you dear readers to the amazing [and hilarious] Ane Mulligan! I've had the pleasure of chatting with her several times at the ACFW conferences and she's truly an amazing woman! I know this post, and her book, will bring you a smile. 

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I love to laugh. Even more, I love to make other people laugh. The Bible tells us a merry heart is good medicine, Prov 17:22. And a merry heart comes from laughing.

Hubs and I just celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary. I'm not sure how that happened, since I'm only 35. Hubs is a Brit, long on dry humor and short on romance. But it's the laughter—not the romance—that I remember when I look back of all these years.

Besides, laughing and smiling use fewer muscles than frowning. Laugh lines are softer than frown lines.

From HelpGuid.org:

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body.

The Mayo Clinic tells us:

When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered.

So, for the sake of your readers' health, I'm offering the Gift of Laughter as the perfect Valentine's Day gift!

Chapel Springs Revival

With a friend like Claire, you'll need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire and Patsy. It's impossible not to, what with Claire's zany antics and Patsy's self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds. Chapel Springs has grown dilapidated and the tourist trade has slackened. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to revitalize the town. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages. Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs —and their lives.

#3 in Debut Christian Fiction in 2014 on Goodreads Listopia, readers report:

• Claire and Patsy make you laugh out loud at them.

• Looking for a down-home, fun-loving, sometimes slapstick hilarious read? Go ahead and visit Chapel Springs.

• Real life drama, hurt, pains and disappointment combined with laugh-out-loud humor made me lose myself in the pleasure of its pages.

• Southern Serving of Belly Laughs!! I love books that make me break out in deep belly laughs every few minutes.

• Get your giggle-box oiled up and ready to rumble, 'cause Chapel Springs Revival is going to put it to good use.

See? You really can give the gift of laughter to someone this Valentine's Day!

Run over to Amazon and purchase: Chapel Springs Revival
{p.s. The kindle edition is only $0.99 right now!!!}

While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, bestselling novelist Ane Mulligan has worn many: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction. She firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. President of the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Suwanee, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and two dogs of Biblical proportion. You can find Ane on her Southern-fried Fiction website, Google+, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Nancy Mehl {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Nancy...

Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored twenty books and just finished a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The first book in her Finding Sanctuary series, “Gathering Shadows” was released in May of 2014. The second book, “Deadly Echoes” became available in February. The third book, “Rising Darkness will release late in 2015.

Connect with Nancy...

Website: www.nancymehl.com
Blog: http://suspensesisters.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Mehl-Fan-Page/124075957622557
Purchase: Deadly Echoes (Finding Sanctuary)

Author Interview | Nancy Mehl

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing when I was 45. I’d thought about it off and on, but one day I finally decided to give it a try. It didn’t take long for me to discover I loved writing novels. After a few years, I went before the Lord and asked Him if this was something He actually wanted me to do. I didn’t want to spend years doing something that wasn’t His will for me. He answered me in the affirmative, and I’ve been writing ever since. When things get tough, I fall back on my belief that I’m called to write.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...No, not really. I’ve written suspense and cozy mystery. I enjoy both genres. Cozy mystery is fun to write, but with suspense, I can address more serious topics. I think these genres help me to express myself fully.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The toughest thing is trying not to worry about sales. It can really drive you nuts. I’m learning to cast my care and leave that in God’s hands.
...The easiest? Making so many wonderful friends. It’s so satisfying to get an email or a letter from a fan telling you how much your books mean to them. I’ve been able to connect with many readers on Facebook, and they mean the world to me. 

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently.
...Actually, right now I’m writing an Amish cozy mystery for Guideposts. I’m working with one of my all time favorite editors. It’s been so much fun. 
 ...I recently finished the third book in my Finding Sanctuary series. Rising Darkness brings back two characters from my Road to Kingdom series. I felt I’d left them hanging in “Unbreakable.” It was very satisfying to complete their story

What is one take-away from Deadly Echoes that you hope readers identify with?
...In Deadly Echoes, I broach the subject of jealousy. Comparing yourself to other people. I hope readers will identify with Sarah’s struggle to feel worthy of God’s love. Hopefully, those who deal with this problem will find something to help them. I want them to realize that God completely accepts them – just as they are. And that He loves us unconditionally.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Both. Sometimes a news story or something I’ve read will spark an idea. However, I have a very fertile imagination. I’ve never had a hard time coming up with an idea for a book.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...In every story I write, I try to inject this: That God has a wonderful plan for our lives. (Jeremiah 29:11) I want them to walk away entertained but also encouraged to believe they are important to Him.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Learn your craft. Don’t try to publish before you’re ready. There are lots of ways to publish, but it can be hard to recover if you put out something that isn’t good. Wait. Trust God. Talk to knowledgeable authors. Most of them will give you good advice. Join ACFW! (American Christian Fiction Writers.) There are so many resources available and lots of great people to encourage you.

You

Would you prefer chocolates or flowers on Valentines Day??
...Flowers! They’re not as fattening. LOL!

On Valentines Day would you rather stay in or go out?
...I’m a home body. If given the chance, I might never leave my house. But on Valentine’s day, I like to go out to eat. It makes the day seem much more special. However, we go out to lunch. That way we can avoid the crazy crowds at night.

**Enter to win a copy of Deadly Echoes by leaving a comment below!**

(U.S. Residents only - winner announced Feb.18) 

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I'm so encouraged by your commitment to asking the Lord about continuing your writing! That's great advice for anyone who is seeking to write because it is a big time commitment (especially if you're writing for publication). I also know what you mean by having lots of story ideas. I find them popping up all over the place...if only my brain could write them down hehe ;) Thank you so much for stopping by Thinking Thoughts today, Nancy. It's a joy to have you and I'm so grateful you're giving away a copy of Deadly Echoes! Readers, don't forget to leave a comment.

Cathy Elliott & Jessica Keller | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

A Vase of Mistaken Identity
by Cathy Elliott

Published February 2015
Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Purchase: A Vase of Mistaken Identity

Murder in Larkindale?

Thea James, proprietress of James & Company Antique Emporium, never thought murder would come to her small, surviving Gold Rush town of Larkindale. But when the Larkindale Lamplight reports the discovery of a body during the renovation of Larkin Lake Resort, Thea is caught up in the mystery.

Her world is further frenzied when she acquires a vintage vase from the town’s only homeless person. Thea finds a puzzling list tucked inside with four names written in a faded scrawl: two childhood friends from a summer camp, her sister Rosie, and . . . her own name!

When the first woman on the list ends up in a coma and another mysteriously disappears, Thea knows she must save herself and her sister from harm. Her attempt to eliminate the vicious threat on their lives propels Thea to places she never wanted to visit.

Will she discover the connection before tragedy strikes?

Get to know Cathy...

Cathy is a full-time writer in northern California whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from quilting and antique collecting to playing her fiddle with friends. She also leads music at church and cherishes time with her grandchildren. Cathy’s other plot-twisting works include Medals in the Attic and A Stitch in Crime.
Find her on her Website & Occasional Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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The Fireman's Secret
by Jessica Keller

Published February 1, 2015
Love Inspired

Purchase:The Fireman's Secret (Goose Harbor)  

After the fire that injured her and burned down Goose Harbor's only church fourteen years ago, Shelby Beck is planning to rebuild—the structure and her life. But her wounds have always caused her to keep men at a distance. When Joel Palermo returns to town as a fireman and is assigned to help Shelby raise funds for the new construction, she's surprised at how easy it is to get close to her brother's old friend. Could he be the man she'll finally trust enough to let in? Or will the bond they've built go up in flames, when Joel's own scars are revealed?

Get to know Jessica...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
Can I be the Great Cookie Caper? Because having the power to just make cookies appear out of thin air would really be awesome. And coffee. Hmm. Let me rethink this. Yes, the Great Cookie Caper who has the power to make cookies and coffee appear. I feel like that would solve a lot of problems. Like a crime is happening? Okay, I’ll show up and offer them cookies and coffee and have everyone sit down and talk out their problems. That could work, right? And I’d be a dream for a writer on a deadline. Slumping at your desk at midnight trying to work through that muddle of a middle? No worries. I’ll show up with refreshments.

What are you reading right now?
I’m knee deep wading into Serena Chase’s The Ryn, which is the first book in her Eyes of E’veria series (and it is—in a word—amazing). It’s a young adult epic fantasy that has fairytale elements AND pirates. Need I say more? I was sold when I heard: pirates.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
I have serious feelings for the wonderful Michael Pace who is the hero of my young adult fantasy series (TimeShifters). He has a tortured past and yet he’s still quick to smile and make a joke (I’m so sick of the broody, moody guys with tortured pasts that have filled young adult fiction in the last few years). His losses and experiences have made him thoughtful, and he is good at reading what other people need. Michael is selfless when it comes to taking care of others, sometimes to a fault. He just makes me sigh. And I want to give him a great big hug and make him brownies and promise him all his sacrifices will have been worth it in the end.
Connect with Jessica on her Website & Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter, Pinterest, and join Jessica’s Newsletter.

Enter to win a copy of A Vase of Mistaken Identity or The Fireman's Secret! To enter, leave a comment below and mention which book (or author) you are entering for. If you're interested in both then mention that. 

*I'll announce the winners next Monday!

For the Love of Writing: 7 Things That Keep Me Writing

February is a moth devoted to love. This single girl may not have a man in her life (aside from my amazing Dad!) but I do have a love. A love of writing.

>>Insert corny grin<<

Anyway, sometimes things can overshadow that love and I find myself missing the initial attraction I once had. The spark is gone. The romance--dead.

What do I do when that happens? Not to worry, I'm going to tell you! These things, of course, aren't a cure-all remedy, but they do help when it comes to reliving the love I have for writing.

7 Things That Keep Me Writing

1. Prayer
I put this in the coveted #1 slot for a reason. It should be my go-to at every turn, though sadly I'll admit it sometimes isn't. When I'm feeling 'down in the dumps' or uncreative, I need to pray and remember. Pray for the strength to push through and for inspiration to the creator of inspiration, but also to remember that I didn't start on this crazy journey completely of my own accord. I had a purpose, direction form the Lord, and a passion for it. 

2.Conversation
Never underestimate the power of a great conversation! Find those creative friends and start talking about writing. Share your lackluster outlook. Ask about their work. Talk about books. Be encouraged. This goes hand and hand with number 3...

Images by: Alicia Savage

3. Dreaming
Ah the beauty of wide opens spaces in the mind. Give yourself some time to get away (or out) whether that's a drive through the countryside, a walk around your neighborhood, or maybe just sitting in a coffee shop without another agenda. Allow yourself the freedom to dream--about your current work or your next one--but don't put the pressure on. Just let it simmer.

4. Creating
Writing is a creative process. Sometimes, when one creative thing falls dormant, another can reawaken it. Take some time to create even if that's not involving writing. I'm a photographer so I can turn to photography as another creative outlet. What about you?

5. Reading
Sometimes when your writing feels uninspired you need to remember just how good great writing can feel. Take time to read a great book! Maybe it's one you've already read that inspired you, or possibly a new one by your favorite author. Let their imagination and writing spur you to write.

6. Re-reading
Now we're talking serious action. When you're uninspired to write, suck it up and go back to that manuscript collecting dust in the corner. Put away the distractions, pick it up, pray, and then start re-reading. Look for things that inspire you within your own writing--the phrases or descriptions that you can't believe you wrote. Then be honest about what needs work. You've already started the process by this point. 

7. Writing
Last but not least, what keeps me writing? WRITING. Ha! That may be counter intuitive but it's true. Sometimes I just need to write to remember that I love to write. It may be painful. It may be awful writing. And it may result in 200 words written before you have to take a break, but at the end of the day those 200 words brought you just that much closer to the end.

What about you? What do you do when the "romance had faded" with writing? What keeps you writing?

Dubiosity by Christy Barritt | RE:View

Curiosity is a weakness for Savannah Harris. She may have pushed it down due to events dealing with her past as an investigative reporter, but when her friend points out the disappearance of migrant coastal workers, she can't ignore the pull. She has to find out what's going on.

Clive Miller has his own secrets. He's able to convince Savannah to let him rent a guest house on her property, but he's decidedly vague about the rest of his life.

The question remains: will Savannah discover the reason for the missing immigrants? Is it possible Clive's secrets are part of it all? And will she be able to resist her own feelings in the process?

I enjoyed this stand alone novel by Christy Barritt. It had the feeling of a Love Inspired book, but with an additional perspective that I think added a lot to the book. I did, however, find myself wanting more in the way of character development. I got a sense for Savannah and Clive, but had wished there was a little more tension and a little more emotion involved in them, separately and together. As true to other books I've read by Christy, she has a great mystery that does keep you guessing.

I recommend this, as I do all of her novels, to fans of romantic suspense that isn't too heavy on "scary" suspenseful details, involves a good mystery, and has sweet romance involved.

Also, this cover is amazing! Just had to say that.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Dubiosity

Book Description
(from Christy's website)

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

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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.

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 //WINNER//

Last Friday I had the pleasure of hosting Cindy Loven on the blog - you can find that interview here. 

She was gracious enough to offer a copy of her book The Parabels of Trevor Turtle as well as an adorable handmade hat as a giveaway.

Our winner is...

Loretta Shumpert

Congratulations Loretta - contact me so we can get you your prizes!

Valerie Massey Goree {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Valerie...

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia—now Zimbabwe. She attended a Christian university in the USA and then returned to Zimbabwe with her husband, Glenn, where they served as missionaries.

After they settled back in Texas, Valerie served 25 years in the public school system, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, she resides in the Texas Hill Country with Glenn, two dogs, and two cats, and spends her time writing and spoiling her grandchildren.

How to connect with Valerie...

Valerie loves to hear from her readers...
Website: www.valeriegoreeauthor.com
Blog: I contribute to Catherine Leggitt’s blog, under the Heading, My Mother, My child. http://www.catherineleggitt.com/blog/post/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieMasseyGoree
Purchase:Weep in the Night

Author Interview | Valerie Massey Goree

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?

...Many years ago I took a course on writing for children, but my family and career took precedence and I didn’t pursue that avenue. Later, I purchased a word processor – that tells you how long ago - and wrote my first novel. That story has not been published (yet), but I learned a lot from the experience. I discovered a ‘need’ to write, and to include a spiritual thread of forgiveness in each story.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...My favorite novel is always the one I’m working on.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The hardest thing for me is marketing. I find it difficult to promote my own creations. The easiest part is developing stories. I love to create characters, settings, and intriguing plot lines.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...I love creating the first line of each novel. Years go when I wrote in first person, I wanted to begin a story with: ‘I had been in the Witness Protection Program for three years when . . .’ That is the background for Weep in the Night. Sadie’s identity is compromised and she has to trust a man she’s just met to keep her safe as she travels back to California. I’m currently working on the standalone sequel to Weep in the Night.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I love Sadie. She’s tough, courageous, but has lost so much. Her spiritual and personal growth throughout the story is an inspiration.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Never give up. No matter your circumstances, God will always help you overcome.

Writing

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...First, I want to provide a get-away place. Then I want my readers to identify with the characters because they face everyday situations and problems, but they survive. Usually one character has to deal with forgiveness, and also learns that God forgives us and craves our devotion.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Keep writing! After a rejection, it’s very easy to give up, but we can only improve by ‘practicing’ our craft.

You

Would you prefer chocolates or flowers on Valentine’s Day??
...Chocolates.

On Valentine’s Day would you rather stay in or go out?  
...Stay in, sitting beside my hubby, enjoying a movie.

**Leave a comment below to win a print copy of Weep In The Night **

[US Residents Only]

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I'm so glad you could visit us here at Thinking Thoughts today, Valerie! First off, I had no idea you were born in South Africa and were a missionary in Zimbabwe! That's amazing :) I know what you mean about your current work being your favorite...I usually feel that, or somethings the work I haven't written yet--is that possible? Ha! Great choice on the chocolate answer...I hope your husband reads this in time for Valentines Day (though I'm sure he already knows). Thanks again for the offering of a giveaway copy - make sure you leave comments, dear readers!!!

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Our WINNER from last week's {Writer Wednesday} guest, Jennifer Slattery is...

// Caryl Kane //

Thanks so much for stopping by, Caryl! I'll get you in contact with Jennifer :) 

Honest New Thoughts | New Novel News + WINNER

I'm cheating today and talking about...me! Hope that's ok ;)

New year. New city. New thoughts. New book. New focus.

There is a lot of "new" going on in my life. I can't say that I love all of the harder "new" things, but I can say that I like the "new" me. No, I haven't gone and really changed that much, but I have seen how God has been working in me. It's like I just want to throw wide my arms and say, "Okay. Here we go!"

[Mentally, I just did that. ]

Yeah, that's me up there ^ My friend Steffani took this photo of me on our "photoventure" during my time in Northern California for Christmas.

That (um, me...) is how this blog started. I thought...hey, what if I started a blog about my thoughts? At the time, I probably didn't take into consideration how I would get people to read these thoughts. Or why they'd want to. I just thought, if I think it...they will come.

And they did, and they have, but I know that's not because of me.

To be totally honest, I sometimes wonder why anyone would want to read what I think about things. And yet, I'm humbled to remember that having this burden to write--this overpowering, burning desire in my heart that demands to come out through my fingertips and onto a blank page--isn't something I just "decided" to do. Yes, I made a decision to pursue writing, but it started much earlier than when this blog began. But that's another story for another day.

This post is about newness.

I want to rededicate (in a sense) this blog. I want to commit to you readers, as I mentioned in this post about New Years, a sense of comfort and of feeling at home here on the blog. I want to do this better than I have in years past because I want to be purposeful about it. We read these verses in church this morning:

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
2 Peter 1:5-7 (emphasis mine)

There's a lot going on in these three verses but two things immediately stuck out: "applying all diligence" and "perseverance". I want my life to be characterized by these things (and may others of course).

But these two things hit me in my writers heart. How do you become a good writer? First and foremost you write. But then you also learn, spend time with other writers, and go through the hard process of critique. It's all formulated to make you grow. Like your walk with the Lord, you'll have hard times but they are meant to refine you.

You readers out there may say that doesn't apply to you, but it does in the sense that you are the audience. You get the chance to see the fruit of a writers labor and, without you, there wouldn't be a reason to write. (Well, in the sense that we writers wouldn't have anyone to write for aside from ourselves - which, in some cases is enough).

To get to my long-winded point...I want to let you know I care for you all, reader and writer alike.



You'll continue to see these things from me:

• Ways to connect with new (and familiar) authors through interviews and guest posts
• Lots of giveaways (digital and paper back books as well as other fun stuff)
• Guest posts about writing, life with God, and the readers perspective
• Posts from me about writing - hey, if I'm learning, I'm sharing! 
• Honest (and sometimes corny) posts from me about my own struggles as a writer, reader, and Jesus follower

What do you think? Are you on board? I'm excited! I see God renewing my energy weekly--if not daily--to provide you with interesting posts. And yes, I will try and keep them shorter than this ;)

I love you all and invite you to connect with me: facebook page, instagram (@eahendryx) , twitter (@eacreativephoto), pinterest, goodreads

Do you blog? If so, why did you start? Do you focus on a certain topic or just write what comes to you?

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                   WINNER!!!

I bet you're all wondering...sitting restlessly on the edge of your seats, possibly biting your nails crying out "Who won???" Wait no longer:

Rebecca Maney

Congratulations Rebecca! If you're reading this wondering what I'm talking about, check out New Novel News with Christy Barritt from last week. If you entered and didn't win...so sorry about that! But keep stopping by - there will be many more books given away in the future :D