What do readers want?

I read a tweet the other day by the ever-wise, Emily Rodmell about what readers want.

This really got me thinking. I mean, I'm a reader...and yes, I do want that too! But, then I felt discouraged (as a writer) thinking, "But what if I don't want the first two characters to be the hero and heroine?" I guess that was the rebellious side of me speaking out.

From a reader-perspective, I'd say that I totally agree. I want to know soon into the book who is who because I start to form opinions about the characters right off the bat. If it appears to be the hero and heroine, I immediately start to wonder, "How will they end up together?" or "How will X-issue be solved?"

I remember reading one book where, when I was introduced to the hero, I had a mental image of him with grey hair and wrinkles (not that these are bad) so I was thinking, this guy is older. But then, a few chapters later, I realized that he was the hero/main character and was supposed to be young, manly, and athletic (of course). I remember having the hardest time getting the wrong image of him out of my mind. He was forever and older man when I pictured him in my mind. Now, I'm not saying that was purely the writers fault. It is entirely possible I misread a description or added characteristics that were never there. Either way, it really colored the story for me (in a not-so-good way).

From a writer-perspective though, I want to push the envelope. Obviously, Emily Rodmell knows exactly what she's talking about - this post isn't to debate her tweet at all because I agree.

But I want to know if it's possible to stretch the limits of readers?

>>How do YOU, reader, feel when you read a book?
>>If you weren't introduced to the hero until later in the novel, would you be angry, or just intrigued?

In any case, these things would have to be done well. I understand you have to satisfy your reader with a legitimate plot and an understandable (practical?) explanation as to why things work out the way they do.

I want to hear what you (readers and authors alike) have to say on this subject. I'm so interested to hear thoughts and opinions on this. I don't think there's a solid right answer, but it could be fun to discuss!

Please feel free to comment below :)

Margaret Brownley {Writer Wednesday}

Please welcome Margaret Brownley to the blog! I'm excited for you to get the chance to know more about this wonderful author.

A little bit about Margaret...

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance; Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with that—except she happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

So that’s what Margaret did. She now has more than thirty books to her credit, is a New York Times bestselling author and past Romance Writers of America RITA finalist—not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

How to connect with Margaret...

Website: www.margaretbrownley.com
Blog: www.petticoatsandpistols.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/163681.Margaret_Brownley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/margaretbrownly
To purchase her books: She prefer readers to support local bookstores, but the book can be purchased on line here: http://www.amazon.com/Gunpowder-Brides-Chance-Ranch-Series/dp/1595549722/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Author Interview | Margaret Brownley

You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I wrote my first book in fifth grade—a mystery I didn’t know how to end (still don’t). After flunking eighth grade English, my teacher told me not to even think about being a writer and for many years I didn’t. School, work, marriage and babies took up most of my time, but the writing bug never left. After being encouraged by my pastor to go for broke, I started writing my first novel. I was teaching at the time so I got up at 4 a.m. and wrote for two hours before waking the children and getting myself ready for work. Five years and four books later I sold my first novel.
...What’s kept me writing? The stories that keep popping up inside and letters from readers.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...This is like picking out a favorite child, but I have to say that Gunpowder Tea tops the list. I’ve always wanted to write a mystery and this book allowed me to go places I’ve not gone before...It has everything I love in a book; romance, laughter, mystery and faith, but I especially love the chemistry between the hero and heroine

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...I’ve been in the business for twenty-five years and I would say the hardest thing has been keeping up with all the changes. Back then, the bookstore was king. Now it’s the Internet. Just when I think I’ve got a handle on social media, it changes. My grandkiddies just informed me I’m behind the times because I’m not on Instagram. The easiest? There is no easy.

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book
...The heroine of Gunpowder Tea is a Pinkerton detective trying to track down a notorious outlaw suspected of hiding out on the Last Chance Ranch. She has good reason for suspecting Taggert of being the outlaw; mainly because he robbed her on the train. Little does she know that he’s a Wells Fargo detective also working undercover.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...It was a lot of fun writing about a female Pinkerton detective. I really love the interaction between Annie and Taggert. They start off suspecting each other of being the bad guy. Then they’re in competition to see who can track down the outlaw first. It’s just so much fun!

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...The Pinkerton logo is an eye and the theme running through the book comes from John 9:25: I was blind, now I see. How true that is on so many levels. Sometimes we see only what we want to see or that which is the most evident. God encourages us to look beyond the surface and see the person inside.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Actually Annie was inspired by a real person. Kate Warne was the first female detective and worked as a Pinkerton operative during the 1860s. She helped stop the first assassination attempt on Lincoln’s life.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I’m afraid my goals when writing are far from lofty. My first consideration is to entertain and delight the reader. Second, my goal is to make them care about the characters. My aim for the end of the book is to leave readers smiling and feeling more hopeful.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...First, enjoy the process; it’s easy to get so caught up in making that first sale that we forget the sheer pleasure of putting words on paper and telling our stories. Each step of the writing journey is exciting. Mine it for all its worth. Beginners have the luxury of giving a novel all the time and care that it needs. Professionals have deadlines to meet.
...Second: Rejections are not the end of a story; they are only the beginning. Think of them as an opportunity to find a better publisher or improve the work. I had one book rejected seventeen times before it found a publisher—and then it helped launch a new line. Thank God for those seventeen rejections.

You
When you get an idea for a novel, what is the first thing that you do?
...I run it by my agent or editor.
 
September is Classical Music Month (who knew?). In keeping with that theme, do you have a favorite character from a classical novel?
...Jo in Little Women was my role model growing up. I loved her spunk and that she was a writer. I wanted to be just like her.

                                                    ______________________

Thank you so much for joining us at Thinking Thoughts today, Margaret. I know when I first read your short bio I laughed--hard--and could completely relate (working for a church myself). Fiction does seem a lot more fun to write versus bulletin inserts ;)

I also love your intentions for your books! You say they aren't lofty, but I think they are fantastic. Who doesn't want to be encouraged and feeling more hopeful after reading a great book? And when you said that you were rejected 17 times I'll admit that I was encouraged! To look at you and your prosperous writing career now gives us all hope to keep writing.

Readers, make sure you mark your calendars. Gunpowder Tea will be released on Amazon October 8th. It'll definitely be worth the wait, I'm sure!

Awakened Love Giveaway Winner

I just love giveaways! What's better than winning a book??? I'd say, not much :)

I'm excited to announce the winner of Laura Hilton's book Awakened Love ....

Wendy Newcomb

Congrats Wendy! I'll send your contact info to Laura and she'll get you your copy of Awakened Love!

 ***

If you didn't see my interview with Laura, be sure to check it out [here]. And, if you didn't win, you can still find her book on Amazon.

Check back tomorrow for another {Writer Wednesday} interview :)

Giveaway Reminder and A Question

Don't forget, my Thinking Thoughts readers - you have until 9pm TODAY to comment on Laura Hilton's recent {Writer Wednesday} interview for a chance to win her latest release, Awakened Love! She has asked that you leave your favorite fall snack in the comments. Just reading them makes me hungry ;)

You can find the post here. 

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In other news, I've had a blast going through all of the photos I took at the ACFW Conference! One thing I've noticed is that Frank Peretti loves to make funny faces!!! Ah, the things you learn about your favorite authors at a writers conference.

Boots and leaves!

Also, the onset of fall is finally upon Southern California! Ok, so it's not that cold and it's not that fall-like, but hey, this girl will take what she can get. On my run this morning I saw the sunrise threading its fingers through the leaves of a nearby oak and thought...yes, it really is becoming fall. I've learned to adjust my expectations having lived in So. Cal. for 6 years now. Unfortunately, it will more than likely be over 90 degrees today, but I can rest assured that a change in season isn't too far off.

What is your favorite part about fall?? 

I'll share mine in a post later this week!

ACFW Recap (part 2)

The monument

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

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

View from our hotel room...so beautiful!

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

Deb and I at the airport

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

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

Tosca and I <3 br="">

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

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

Hayley and I

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

The monument at night

Beautiful fountain by the monument lit up at night!

Capital seen from the monument

Love the lights :D

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

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

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

Laura Hilton {Writer Wednesday} GIVEAWAY

You may remember Laura from her post here on my blog back in April (you can find that post here). I'm excited to announce another GIVEAWAY as well. Laura has offered to give away a copy of her latest release, Awakened Love. In return, she'd love for you to answer my last interview question in the comments below! Enjoy getting to know Laura!

A little bit about Laura...


Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love. Surrendered Love and Awakened Love. A nonAmish book The Appalachian Ballad Quilt will release November 2014 from Abingdon Press. She is contracted for another three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport, releasing in April 2014, September 2014, and April 2015. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.


How to connect with Laura...


Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Blog http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

To purchase her book you can find it on Amazon, Deeper Shopping, or CBD


You & Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I always wanted to write. Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed up stories. Writing has been a lifelong passion. So happy God allowed me to do it!

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Surrendered Love. One of the characters in this one reached out and grabbed my heartstrings and won’t let go.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...The easiest thing about it is writing. I love the creative process. The hardest is marketing.

Your Writing

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

Katie Detweiler grew up Amish, never knowing she was adopted as an infant. Now an adult, her new job as cook at an Amish bed and breakfast doesn’t bring about the euphoria she hoped for. Just as she’s getting her menu perfected, the Englisch family and severely ill sister she never knew existed enter her life and strain her Amish relationships. Plus, Katie suddenly has two different men vying for her attention—one Amish, one Englisch—and she wonders if one of them could be the man of her dreams. But when her Englisch sister’s health worsens, Katie must find a way to balance her heart and her job.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I loved both Katie and Abram

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...I’ll leave that up to God and the reader.


You

What is your favorite fall snack food? 
...Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and apple cider. 

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Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. Don't forget to answer the last question - about what your favorite fall snack food is - below in the comments. You'll be entered in to win a copy of her novel Awakened Love. I'll announce the winner next Tuesday - September 24th. 

Winner & ACFW Conference Recap (part 1)

WOW.

Double WOW.

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

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

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

Connie Hendryx

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

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